How to Be an Adaptation Machine | Dean Kamen on Impact Theory

With 400 patents to his name, Dean Kamen is an accomplished inventor that's given the world major contributions like the Segway and AutoSyringe. His company FIRST is on a mission to overhaul the education system by using engaging, cooperative games that tap into how current generations learn most effectively. Dean talks about how his struggle in the classroom pushed him to create more opportunities outside of it on this episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu.

SHOW NOTES:
Dean talks about the power of imagination vs. traditional knowledge [3:43]
Dean discusses FIRST and it's push to change our approach to education. [11:40]
Dean shares how his dyslexia and curiosity have been major assets. [22:22]
Dean explains how he built self-esteem throughout his schooling years. [32:09]
Dean reveals the impact he wants to have on the world. [37:48]

QUOTES:
"Innovation is taking all the same facts that everybody else has, looking at the same problems that everybody else is looking at, but see them differently and saying, ‘Aha, this is what we can do to fix this problem.’ ” [4:35]

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MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

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[unitzerezzz]

I've never wanted to cry watching one of your videos before-- this one, I had some tears welling. He described his thinking (during exams/about school/his curiosity) like how I thought. Yet he managed to accept the differences between a system and himself and rise above the problems. It feels good to be different and yet not alone, he's taught me to embrace our idiosyncrasies and maybe find a way to take advantage of it. I'm in love.

[aLr_boosh]

This episode is a reminder of something thats emphasized time and time again on this channel. "The power is yours!" to quote Captain Planet. Took power in his own hands and started learning everything on his own.

[lylemartinjr]

I always feel my mind growing with every minute I consume on your channel Tom. Loved this episode.

[anasyusuf]

Basically the guy just solved an age old problem, dyslexia is found in a culture that favors rote learning, but when kids are allowed to study on their own pace they can work wonders. Tnx Tom 4 greay interview. Hope u stay badass as always and keep getting great people

[izaakwilson]

I'm a dyslexic mechanical engineering student and this was incredible. Best impact theory I've seen yet, and thats saying something...

[annas]

As a student currently in FIRST, I can say it has made learning so much more engaging!

[Belle]

Feeling inspired from this episode. Despite having dyslexia, Dean has chosen to see that as an asset. Refusing to accept the F grades given by the system, I love how Dean has decided to let history decide whether his work would be appreciated. His compassion for the new generation and education system is astonishing. Just like what you've always say, human is the ultimate adaptation machine, more and more people has learned this fact through your Impact Theory. Thanks Tom and Dean for this interview.

[danabruckner]

I wish to see FIRST doing a good job in Romania, my country, not only in USA. Dean Kamen is a great man and this is a wonderful interview Tom!

[bangtunedin]

One of the most engrossing interviews. Thank you for getting such awesome guests, Tom. I discovered your channel only recently and am busy making up for last time.

[spiral]

This guy is the epitome of American innovation. AWESOME.

[angela.lv]

Loved that! Thank you, Tom! I feel so uplifted after listening to this interview because almost all school years I felt stupid, lazy and not interested and sad because I was only praised for good marks. And only several years ago I realised that I have a mind of storyteller and if the stories are not interesting I am not interested. I wish I could have gone to projects like this where every kid could recognise their value.

[Limitless_One]

I love his realization that the education system is a game not meant to be played by everyone.
FIRST is also a great way to flip it on its head so people are rewarded like sports for their contributions.
Someone like myself a C and D student would have thrived in that type of environment instead walking around throughout most of my life thinking that I am stupid and I am one of the dumb ones, which deep down I knew wasn't true.

[williameberle]

Finally, someone who had the same experience in school as me. Except Kamen used his time profitably, whereas I just passed my school days trying to keep my brain alive by getting revenge on the system by making my teachers look like idiots.
Whether you play the game or disrupt the game you’re still involved with the game. Kamen saw it was just a game and decided not to play. He got free at an early age. More power to you, Kamen! And thank you Tom for bringing Kamen.

[romellyarde]

i love the way he processes information

[gloriamitchell]

WOW. A huge honor to happen upon your program today.

[bobbyborissoff]

Such a figer, such a icon and i'm pretty sure i will miss him from my position in eastern Europe.., I deeply appreciate the force you have given me with the Impact Theory.., Tom Bileyue. Thank You ...And i have struggled for 7 months to patent educational game and is getting not easier.., and he has 400 patents to his name..., nice!!! I have to figure out that...Again, all my RESPECT.
Thank you Tom and Impact Theory TEAM...You have all my LOVE 🇧🇬

[abhishekbali.]

Dean is amazing. We, at SOLIDWORKS, are partners with FIRST, and some of my colleagues are mentors to robotics teams. We had invited Dean to talk at our conference three years ago. Such an amazing guy - so profound yet humble. A true inspiration to all those who feel passionate about a cause and pursue it all through to final fruition.

[peaceandpocket]

Interesting that Dean proposes that there is not a “supply” problem in education, at a time when there are massive teacher strikes sparking up around the country. When most teachers can’t afford to live without a second job, there is a supply problem. That said, I do love what this man is up to and all his innovative ways of looking at education process. Big up 🙌💚🌎

[LunyMilky]

Yeah, I identified with him a lot... Us slow-burners are not as well accepted as most, but there's strength in perseverance x'1

[mysteriouspsycho]

I love philosophy so much. I'm young kid chasing improvement. I'm a very odd one compared to my family which is full of troubled minds. I want badly to improve myself even more, I see some of my improvements but I'm on a truly never ending road to improve myself as a person. I have been learning so much through this channel and I have been sharing it with acquaintances and strangers. I doubt most will actually get into it but I think it's worth it if someone gets to feel what I feel because of this astonishing channel. I'm J(not my real name) and take care.