Ideas change everything

How everyday interactions shape your future

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Mesmin Destin |

TEDxChicago

• September 2022

A few words can change the course of a life; they have the power to shrink, expand or transform someone's identity -- even your own. Social psychologist Mesmin Destin explores how everyday interactions and experiences play a powerful part in who we become, sharing the key moments and messages that can inspire us to grow into our best selves.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

A few words can change the course of a life; they have the power to shrink, expand or transform someone's identity -- even your own. Social psychologist Mesmin Destin explores how everyday interactions and experiences play a powerful part in who we become, sharing the key moments and messages that can inspire us to grow into our best selves.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxChicago, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Read Dr. Mesmin Destin's published research.

Help support a program developed by Dr. Destin and his team to improve experiences and opportunities for college students from modest socioeconomic backgrounds.

About the speaker

Social psychologist

See speaker profile

As a social psychologist and professor, Mesmin Destin designs experiments illuminating experiences that change how we see ourselves in ways that inspire and support possibilities.

About TEDx

TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." It supports independent organizers who want to create a TED-like event in their own community.

Find a TEDx event near you

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxChicago, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Read Dr. Mesmin Destin's published research.

Help support a program developed by Dr. Destin and his team to improve experiences and opportunities for college students from modest socioeconomic backgrounds.