Why you feel what you feel | Alan Watkins | TEDxOxford

The speaker, a physician and researcher, introduces himself and expresses his pleasure at delivering a TED Talk. He shares his background, which includes observing his siblings, medical training, immunology research, neuroscience, and working with CEOs and elite athletes. His lifelong curiosity has led him to ponder a central question: if one could teach only one thing, what would it be? This question is the focus of his talk. He also reflects on the development of self-awareness in children, from physical to emotional and finally to conceptual self, and the importance of language in this development.

The speaker delves into the language acquisition process of children aged three to six, noting their rapid learning of new words and the beginning of understanding the rules governing these words. He describes the transition from concrete to abstract thinking that occurs between six and nine years of age, where children start to recognize and play with these rules. The speaker humorously points out that many adults remain at a developmental stage similar to that of a nine-year-old, often following societal rules without questioning them. He also touches on the teenage years as a period of rule-testing and the subsequent reversion to rule-following in adulthood.

The speaker discusses the 'disease of meaning,' a crisis that can occur when individuals realize that following societal rules has not led to the expected happiness. He outlines two common strategies people use to avoid confronting this crisis: anesthetics, such as alcohol and drugs, which provide temporary relief but do not solve the underlying issue, and distractions, which can include exercise, sex, materialism, or workaholism. The speaker emphasizes that these external solutions are ineffective in addressing the internal problem of a lack of meaning or purpose in life.

The speaker shifts the focus to the importance of understanding and managing one's emotions. He differentiates between emotions, which are biological signals or 'energy in motion,' and feelings, which are the mental awareness of these emotions. He challenges the audience to take ownership of their emotional experiences rather than attributing them to external factors. The speaker introduces an app designed to help individuals navigate the 'universe of emotions,' allowing them to identify their current emotional state and explore a broader range of emotional experiences. He encourages the audience to expand their emotional repertoire and to master their emotions to improve their health, well-being, and success.

The speaker concludes by emphasizing the transformative power of emotional control. He suggests that by understanding and managing one's emotions, individuals can predict and improve their health, performance, well-being, and decision-making abilities. The speaker envisions a world where everyone has the ability to choose their emotional state, leading to a life free from unnecessary fear, anxiety, or misery. He leaves the audience with a call to action to become aware of their current emotional 'planet' and to actively navigate towards the emotional state that they desire for a fulfilling life.

The speaker concludes his talk with a round of applause from the audience, signifying their appreciation for his insights and the impact of his message.