TED: You don't actually know what your future self wants | Shankar Vedantam

The transcript discusses the concept of personal change over time, using personal anecdotes and philosophical ideas like the Ship of Theseus. It highlights the illusion of continuity, where people underestimate how much they will change in the future. The story of John and Stephanie Rinker illustrates how perspectives can shift dramatically over time. The speaker offers advice on embracing change by staying curious, practicing humility, and being brave.

What was the reason the narrator didn't tell his parents about his foot injury?

How did the narrator's perspective on soccer change over the years?

What significant life changes did the narrator experience by the age of 22?

Discuss the paradox mentioned regarding how we perceive changes in ourselves over time.

What was Stephanie Rinka's perspective on quality of life versus quantity of life?

How did John Rinka react to Stephanie's decision about the ventilator?

What does the 'ship of Theseus' metaphor illustrate about personal identity?

Reflect on how the narrator's childhood aspirations compare to his current life.

How can we ensure that our future selves are not resentful of our current decisions?

What are the three pieces of advice given for dealing with the changes in our future selves?