I'm so excited to be in Taiwan. I've always wanted to come to Taiwan.

很高興能來到台灣，我一直想造訪台灣

I would actually like to meet every single person here.

我也很想認識在座的每一位佳賓

So, in case I don't get the time. I want to put my e-mail address up here.

考量到時間因素，我在投影幕上放上了我的e-mail

So that everybody here can e-mail me and say hello.

這樣一來，每個人都能寫信和我聊聊

Uh, the only thing is "I speak Chinese" So, please e-mail me in French.

還有，我會說中文，所以就請各位用法文寫信給我吧

OK, and next, I need the audience to do something for me.

OK，接下來，我要請大家配合一下

I need everybody to sing a long-low note.

請大家哼一段低沉的音

(hum)

(哼)

everybody. (hum)

大家一起唱 (哼)

Little louder. (hum)

再大聲點 (哼)

OK, thank you.

OK 感謝大家的配合

So, to do a great talk in Taiwan,to live up to my assignment to be here.

為了給台灣的聽眾一場完美的演講，並履行我的義務

I'm going to talk about "the meaning of life."

我決定和大家聊聊「人生的意義」

Are you ready to learn "the meaning of life?"

你們都準備好了嗎？

I know the answer,are you ready?

我知道你們早就迫不及待了，準備好了嗎?

OK, what word do you think goes there?

OK，你們覺得人生的意義是什麼呢?

Life is what? Any ideas?

究竟人生是什麼? 你們有什麼想法嗎?

Share something?

有沒有人要分享答案?

Anybody?

有嗎?

OK, I'm gonna propose few ideas.

那麼我先舉幾個例子

Let's say that life is choice.

我們可以說「人生就是抉擇」

Life is all about choice. We make a hundred little choices everyday.

我們的一生充滿抉擇，我們每天做出上百個無關痛癢的選擇

We make a hundred big choices in our life.

也在人生中做出上百的重要抉擇

And these little choices and the big choices we make change our entire life.

這些大大小小的選擇影響了我們的人生

They are what our life is "our choices."

我們的選擇造就了我們的人生

So if life is choice. How do you make good choices?

若人生即是抉擇，我們又該如何做出對的選擇呢？

Here are some ideas.

我在此提供大家一些方向

First, learn to ignore logic and trust emotion.

首先，試著降低對邏輯的依賴，相信自己內在感官的力量

And what this means is, you know we have different parts of our brain.

這是因為，我們的大腦分為許多區塊

So, at the base of our brains.

在我們大腦中

At the top of our spines is the ancient brain that we share in common with lizards and rabbits.

脊椎上方的區塊是和蜥蜴、兔子沒什麼兩樣的大腦原型

And it's called "amygdala"

稱做「枕葉」

So this emotional brain just stores instincts, fears and gut feelings, right?

是個儲存直覺、恐懼、內在感觀的區塊

At the front of our brains.

而在我們大腦最前方的

We have the prefrontal cortex.

是一個稱為「杏仁核」的區塊

That is a relative new development that handles logic, language and prediction.

這是一個後天演化而成的區域，負責邏輯、語言和預測計算

What's interesting is that everything we learn gets process through here...

有趣的是，「前額葉皮層」是我們在學習時必經的通道

And it's process, but it's permanently stored here as emotions.

但所有資訊最終都儲存到「杏仁核」，化為情緒

So we often like to think ourselves as smart , rational beings.

我們總認為自己是充滿智慧、理性的物種

And whenever we like to make an important choice, we try to think it through very rationally.

在做出重大決策時總會試著精打細算

But the truth is, this thing in the front is pretty new.

事實上，掌管邏輯的「前額皮葉層」在大腦演化上是相對新興的區域

Which is why a 5-dollar calculator is sill better than this at math.

這也是我們的腦袋始終不如一台百元計算機的原因

So the way you make better choices in life is to understand this about your brain.

所以，想要在人生中做出正確決定，我們得先認識大腦

And understand that this gut-feeling is the combination of everything you have ever learned in your life

理解自己內心的直覺反應是統整、分析人生經驗後

is stored as an emotional gut reaction.

儲存成情緒反應的結論

And it's been proven that people make better choices

也有許多證據指出

when they trust their gut-feelings on something that is usually correct than

跟著感覺走的人，往往可以做出相對正確的選擇

when they try to over-think it and use their 5-dollar calculator brains.

比起用自己不比計算機強的大腦拼命想破頭來的更有效

So next, how to make a choice is learn to see what is only good enough.

接著，想做出對的決定，還得學會知足常樂

And what it means is in this modern world, we have more choices than ever.

因為在現代，我們暴露在以往無法想像的大量選擇中

But if you try, because all of these choices, you try to make the best possible choice.

若想在這片選項藍海中撈到一根完美無缺的針

And you drive yourselves crazy trying to find the best option to do the best thing with your life.

你八成會被自己對人生完美主義的幻想給逼瘋

To choose the best career, the best school, the best partner, then you're going to make yourself miserable.

找一個好工作、念名校、毫無缺點的朋友，這樣的高標準只會使你更不好受

If you learn to understand this feeling and saying this is good enough and I'm happy with this.

但若你試著去傾聽，學會放下和取捨

You actually make better choices and you feel better about it.

你反而能做出更棒的決定，也不至耿耿於懷

Next, learn to embrace limits.

再來，你必須學會珍惜當下

What this means is that every choice you have to make in life cost a little bit of pain.

因為你生命中做出的選擇都一定會有得有失

It's a little tough when you make a choice.

下決定的確很令人困惑

So what's true is we all need some choices in life, but it doesn't mean more choice is better.

事實是，我們都必須選擇，但愈多選擇使事情複雜化

So we find that we are actually happier when we let other people make some choices for us.

所以我們其實更喜歡別人幫我們做決定

This is why when you go to a doctor, say if you are very sick and you go to a doctor.

就像你生病去看醫生時

You don't want the doctor just say "I don't know, what do you want to do?"

你不會想聽到醫生說：「我沒意見？你覺得該怎麼辦呢？」

(laughter)

(笑聲)

You say "no, tell me what to do!"

你會說：「你該告訴我怎麼做！」

And this is also part of appeal of religion.

類似的情況也出現在宗教信仰上

Religion says "follow these rules."

宗教總是告誡信徒要「遵循教條」

And it's been proven over history that people like having rules and to been told what to do.

歷史也應證人們多少喜歡受規範和引領

It relieves some of that for us.

這會讓我們更好受些

So lastly, learn to choose what's important not urgent.

最後，學著去選擇真正的「重要」而非「緊要」

That means that what is urgent are the SMS messages,the phone calls, the texts, the e-mail.

例如你的簡訊、電話、訊息和e-mail

These things are urgent.

這些是「緊要」的事

But what is important is perhaps spending 1,000 dollars learning a new skill that will really help your career or your life.

但「重要」的事，也許會是花幾萬塊，學一個對你往後職場和人生有益的新技能

Or what's important is giving your full attention to your child, your partner or even a potential new business relationship.

也可能是把心力完全奉獻給你的孩子、朋友，甚至是潛在的商業夥伴上

And what is important is taking time to get outside and slowly eat a meal of real food.

重要的事更可以是花時間出門透透氣，不慌不忙地吃一頓好料

But none of these things will ever be urgent but these are important. Let's how to make better choices.

這些是永遠都不會成為「緊要」，卻相對「重要」的事，更是我們在選擇上應該考量到的事

So, let's say life is choice. What do you think? Pretty good argument?

因此，「人生就是抉擇」，大家同意嗎？能否接受這樣的論點?

OK, everybody, I need you to sing the note again. (hum)

好，那麼，請大家再唱一次 (哼)

OK, next idea. What if life is time?

下個論點，若我說「人生就是時間」呢？

We can say life is all about time. The meaning of life is time.

人的一生和時間脫不了關係，人生到頭來就是時間

Because life is defined by the time between when you born and when you die.

人生就等於出生到死亡兩者之間的時間所構成

That's what we call life.

所以我們才稱這是「人的一生」

So, the meaning of life is time.

所以「人生即是時間」

If true, how can you use time wisely?

若真是如此，我們又該如何巧妙地運用時間呢？

First is to remember that it's limited.

首先，我們得銘記一點：時間是有限的

So imagine if you only have 1 hour with an old friend you haven't seen in a long time.

試想你只剩一個小時的時間能和一位多年不見的好友相處

You'll make a very good use of that 1 hour.

你必然會妥善地運用那一小時

Or imagine that if you find out tonight that you've only got 1 year left to live.

或是想像你在今晚得知自己的壽命僅剩一年

You'll make the most of the last year you have, more than you think if your life is infinite.

比起將人生視為理所當然，你一定會使出渾身解數，好好規劃最後一年的時間

So you can use time more wisely if you always remember that it's limited.

因此，時常提醒自己時間寶貴，便是提高時間管理效率的不二法門

Next is important to be mostly future focused.

第二，「放眼未來」是很重要的

What future focused means the people that are always working toward future.

一些人一直都為了往後的日子而有所行動

They floss their teeth, they practice hard, they exercise, they study...

他們為了健康著想會在飯後剔牙、他們為未來打拼、運動之外也發憤圖強

They are putting more importance on the future than the present moment.

未來在他們眼中的重要性遠大於當下

The problem is people who do this are usually more successful in life and even happier

而這些人確實在事業上獲得較大的成就，也更幸福

except it often comes at expense of things required a present focus.

但同時，這麼做也可能在其他方面造成傷害

Such as family and relationships.

例如家庭和其他感情的關係

The classic case of it is a CEO who's been married 6 times.

一位事業有成但婚姻失敗的CEO便是個歷久不衰的經典範例

Very successful but doesn't get any attention to the present moment.

他們或許縱橫商場，但卻疏於「珍惜當下」

So, it's important to be somewhat present focused.

因此，「放眼現在」也顯得相對重要

That means giving your full attention to what you are doing right now.

全神貫注投入在當下所進行的事上

And not always have your head in the future.

不要總是一股腦地把視線聚焦在遠方

But if you do this too much than those people that are notoriously

但切記別過度放縱自己在享受當下的快感中

Like they forget to brush their teeth.

像是一些忘了刷牙、疏於打理的人

They are not healthy. Their bank account are empty.

他們不在乎自己的健康、銀行帳戶空空如也

Because they're never thinking about their future.

因為他們從未把自己的未來當一回事

So, it's important to only be somewhat present-focused.

所以「放眼現在」的態度也要有所斟酌

And it's important to be somewhat past-focused.

而「放眼過去」的道理也是如此

Meaning to remember your past is to live twice.

了解自己的過去，就像是重播人生的跑馬燈

And if you keep your life in the contest of your past.

若你無時無刻都在和過去比較

It means you remember where you are in life.

代表你對自己人生階段的定位相當清楚

And also you realize being able to re-interpret the past event that happened to you is a very powerful thing.

你更能了解到回首往事能力的力量是很強大的

Because it teaches you that you can rewrite your up coming future as well.

因為從過去，你學習到你也有能力可以改寫未來

And lastly, the zone is what we call a state that you are completely lost in what you are doing.

最後，「沉溺其中」是用來形容一個人全心全意投入他所做的事

The state of flow.

也稱做「心流」

They fund that people at the end of their life that with the happiest

科學家在研究生命即將走入盡頭的人們後發現

are the one that's been spent the most time in the state of flow in the zone, loving their work.

對人生幸福度最高的，便屬那些沉浸在「心流」狀態下，衷心熱愛他們所做所為的人了

So, that's how to use time wisely. What do you think?

以上便是幾個善用時間的祕訣，你們覺得？

Pretty good argument that the meaning of life is time?

「人生就是時間」，能接受這個論點嗎？

OK, back to the note everybody! (hum)

好，那麼我們在高歌一次吧 (哼)

Now sing the major third! (hum)

大三度！ (哼)

OK, next one. What if we said that life is memory?

下一個，若我說「人生就是記憶」呢？

Life has to be about memory because if you don't remember your life, it's like it never happened.

人生一定和記憶有關，若你沒辦法記錄自己的人生，就會是一片空白

Think of that horrible feeling when somebody says "What did you do last weekend?"

要是有人問你：「你上周末在做什麼？」

And you say "I don't know. I don't remember."

你卻回：「不曉得，我忘了」

And think of that horrible feeling when somebody says "Wow! I haven't seen you in years! What did you do last summer?"

或是有人說：「好多年沒見了！你去年夏天在幹嘛？」

And you say "I don't know."

你回：「我不知道」

Now imagine how terrible what would feel that the end of your life if you can't clearly remember what you did for 20 years?

想像你到了死前都還不知道自己二十年來的人生在幹嘛

Maybe you just went to the same job every single day for 20 years. You can't even remember it.

或許你二十年來，每天都做著同樣的工作，麻痺到無法回想

That's like as if you technically you live a long life, but you only experience a short life.

這就好比是你確實活了好一段時間，但嚴格來說，你只經歷過一個非常短的人生

Because you can't remember it.

因為你記不起其他細節了

So I say, the meaning of life is memory. If that's true. How do you make more memories?

所以我說「人生就是記憶」，若事證確鑿，我們又該如何打造新的記憶？

That's important to always choose the changing option, to not get stuck in the routine too much.

時時抱持躍躍欲試、不安於現狀的想法是很重要的

To do what's novel to do the risky thing.

要勇於嘗試、衝撞，願意承擔風險

Move to a new country and learn a new language

到另一個國家生活，學一個新語言

Get up on stage and do ridiculous things like standing on chairs.

上台演講，做一些諸如站在椅子上的蠢事...

So, back to the note everybody. The first note. (hum)

那麼，再次麻煩大家一起唱，第一個音調 (哼)

The second note. (hum)

第二個 (哼)

Next one. (hum.)

下一個 (哼)

OK. What if we said that life is communication?

好，要是我說「人生就是溝通」呢？

Life is all about how we communicate with each other.

我們的一生總是在和別人溝通交流

We are all here together. A life sentence solitude never communicating is not a life actually live.

我們互相交流，畫地自限的隱居生活並非正常的生活模式

So if it's true. How do you communicate well?

若真如此，我們又該如何溝通呢？

Think of the fable we know through history. The story that lasts for thousands of years.

想想那些歷久不衰的寓言，和流傳了幾千年的故事

They often have a moral at the end. They have a point.

他們最後通常都有著意義非凡的道理

But think that if it's just a point, the point would never travel through history but has a story that attached to it.

若僅是一個道理是無法跨越時間洪流，但有了故事的加持就不同了

And also you have to learn about the culture translations.

同時你還必須了解到各種文化在文字翻譯上的差異

A French friend of mine who's been living in Asia for 20 years, lived in Korea, Japan, China.

我有一位長居亞洲二十年，待過韓國、日本和中國的法國朋友

I asked him about what he learned in this process.

我有次問他是否從豐富的國際經驗中學到些什麼

And he said "Do you know the English word "quality"? I said "Yes"

他說道：「你知道英文『品質』quality吧？」我說我知道

He said "You are from America." I said "Yes."

他接著說；「你是美國人」我說沒錯

He said if I say "quality", you think that mean "it works" right?

他表示：「若我說quality的時候，你會認為是在講『這行得通』對吧？」

I said "Yeah, to me as my American opinion, when I hear the word "quality", I think "it works."

我說沒錯，以我身為美國人的看法，我聽到這個詞時確時是這麼想

And he said "Guess what, in Korea, when you say the word "quality" it's the same English word.

他接著說：「你知道嗎？若你在韓國說一樣的單字quality時

But in Korea when you say "quality", what you mean is "it's brand new".

它的意思會變成是「全新的」

In Korea that's what it means. Quality means "brand new."

在韓國quality會是指「全新的」

And he said in Japan, when you say "quality" that means it's perfect. It has no mistake, not a tiniest scratch.

若是在日本，quality的意思會變成「完美」，絲毫沒有缺陷之意

That's what "quality" means in Japan.

日本人是這麼解讀的

He said that in China ,when you say "quality", you mean it gives you status.

若是在中國，quality會是用來形容身分及地位

So he said that you gotta understand the culture context, even if we all learn English as a common language.

所以他說，即便英文是國際語言，我們仍需了解到各個文化間的差異

There's still has these culture translation that changes the meaning of everything.

因為在各文化背景下，翻譯後的意義也將因地而異

So,oh! Let's sing! First note (hum)

那麼...再來一次吧！ 第一音階 (哼)

Third (hum)

第三 (哼)

What if life is happiness? How can you be happy?

假若「人生就是幸福」呢？怎樣才能過得幸福快樂？

First, you have to approach it side way. If you always ask yourself too much "how can I be happy?" then you're going to be miserable.

首先，你得旁敲側擊，若你無時無刻都為此苦惱，幸福是會被阻擋在門外的

What if life is learning? We are all here at TED. We love to learn. How can you best learn?

那如果「人生是學習」的話呢？我們參加了TED的活動，也熱愛學習，那麼該怎麼做才能讓學習更有效率？

You have to learn the difference between the idea of the "fixed mindset" and the "growth mindset."

我們必須學會分辨「定型模式」和「發展模式」心態的差異

The "fixed mindset" is when you think "I am good at something" or "I am bad at something."

「定型心態」是指你對自己的能力的看法，你認定自己能勝任某事，或自己對某些事不在行

This often comes from when you were children and your parents told you "Oh! You are so good at math!"

這種心態通常是在我們孩提時代時，經由父母的評價注入到我們體內，像是他們會說：「你的數學很好！」

You started to think "I'm good at math" and you think it's fixed.

你便在心中產生了「我對數學很在行」的「定型心態」

But as soon as you do poorly on one test. You think "I'm not good at math. They were wrong."

但當你在之後的數學考試中踢到鐵板後，你開始覺得其實自己數學一點都不好，大家都高估你了

But if you understand the "growth mindset" the growth mindset says that you can do anything with practice.

然而，若你了解到「成長心態」的概念，你會相信任何事都可以經由學習和練習而成長

What's fascinating about this is they give a test to a bunch of children...

一個有趣的例子是，科學家在一場實驗中找了一群小朋友做測驗

with the test was intentionally easy at the beginning and then got impossibly hard.

他們刻意將測驗內容設計成由簡而繁

So it was designed. They started it out full of confidence and then every child intentionally fail the test.

所以那些孩子們從信心滿滿到後來表現直落，最終未能通過測驗

What's interesting is they told half of the children this 6 words, they said "You must be good at this."

而有趣的地方就在於，科學家告訴一半的孩子「你們很有天份！」

And they told the other half of the children "You must have worked really hard."

而對另一半孩子們說「你們一定十分努力！」

What's fascinating is that next time they took the test

值得注意的是，當孩子們進行下一場測驗後

the 50% that were told "You must be good at this" they did 30% worse the next time.

被告知「很有天賦」的孩子，成績退步了30%

And because they fail the second half.

而被告知「必定十分努力」孩子的成績則提升了20%

The children that were told "You must have worked very hard" they did 20% better.

這兩句話的差異間接造成了整整50%的差距

So a 50% difference performance, because of 6 little words they were told.

這就是「定型心態」和「成長心態」的力量

This is the difference between "fixed mindset" and the "growth mindset."

那麼，最後一次了 (哼)

So, last time. (hum)

下一個音 (哼)

Next one. (hum)

再下一個 (哼)

Next one. (hum)

若人生是佛教所說的「人生即苦」，或者「人生是愛」，又或者人生僅不過是DNA複製下的產物？

What if the Buddhist say life is suffering? What if said life is love? What if you said life is nothing but replicating DNA?

好吧，讓我們暫時先喘口氣

OK, so let's take a break for a minute.

幾年前，我開始學中文，我學的是簡體中文

So few years ago, I started learning some Chinese. I learned the simplified Chinese.