Trevor Noah: Human Capital is Changing the Future

Summary

Trevor Noah, a comedian and host of The Daily Show, delivers an insightful speech at the Goalkeepers event. He shares his personal story growing up in South Africa during apartheid, highlighting his mixed heritage and the challenges faced by his family. Noah emphasizes the importance of optimism and the power of information in driving change, particularly among millennials. He encourages the audience to harness the tools of technology to engage with activism and become 'goalkeepers' in their own right.

Takeaways

• 📱 'Welcome to the millennial age' - Trevor Noah acknowledges the digital age where people often interact through screens rather than in person.
• 🙏 'Thank you very much, Bill and Melinda' - Noah expresses gratitude to Bill and Melinda Gates for inviting him to speak at the Goalkeepers event.
• 🌍 'I do not have a fridge that can change lives' - He humorously points out that he doesn't have a technological innovation or a grand plan like some other speakers, but he brings his thoughts and stories.
• 🇿🇦 'I grew up in South Africa, during a time known as apartheid' - Noah shares his personal background, growing up in a mixed-race family during apartheid, which was illegal.
• 👩👨 'My mother's a black woman, a Xhosa woman from South Africa, and my father's Swiss from Switzerland' - He describes his heritage and the cultural mix within his family.
• 🌈 'Apartheid was a system of laws which made it illegal for black people and white people to integrate with each other' - Noah explains the segregation and laws he lived under.
• 🌟 'My mother was one of those people' - He credits his mother's optimism and strength as a significant influence in his life.
• 📈 'I believe the world is getting better, is because we have access to information' - Noah argues that access to information is a powerful tool that can lead to positive change.
• 🌎 'Young people communicate across borders, across continents' - He notes the global connectivity of youth and their potential to drive change.
• 🔥 'Millennials oftentimes are marked as they're lazy, they believe that they're entitled' - Noah addresses common stereotypes about millennials but also acknowledges their drive and desire for change.
• 🤷‍♂️ 'I don't know how to feel about [Donald Trump]' - Noah expresses the paradoxical emotions he feels towards Trump's presidency, both fear and amusement.
• 🌳 'Climate change is one of those, and that's where young people are stepping up' - He points out the active role of the youth in combating climate change.
• 🤝 'There is an opportunity, for everyone to become a goalkeeper' - Noah encourages the audience to engage with activists and use their influence for good.
• 🎓 'I am a millennial, and by proxy I hope to be a goalkeeper' - He identifies himself with the millennial generation and aspires to be a part of positive change.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Trevor Noah's speech at the Goalkeepers event?

The main theme of Trevor Noah's speech is optimism and the power of information in driving change, particularly among the millennial generation.

How does Trevor Noah describe his experience growing up during apartheid in South Africa?

Trevor Noah describes his experience growing up during apartheid as challenging, being part of a mixed family where his mother was a black Xhosa woman and his father was a white Swiss man, which was against the law at the time.

What does Trevor Noah credit for his belief that the world is getting better?

Trevor Noah credits access to information about the state of the world as one of the reasons he believes the world is getting better.

How does Trevor Noah view the role of young people in today's world?

Trevor Noah views young people as driven and engaged, capable of changing the course of history and not just being part of it.

What does Trevor Noah say about the power of laughter in the face of adversity?

Trevor Noah says that laughter allows people to process the real world without being controlled by fear, and it helps them experience their truer selves.

How does Trevor Noah describe the impact of social media and technology on activism?

Trevor Noah describes social media and technology as powerful tools that allow young people to communicate across borders and engage in activism, turning hashtag activism into real-world action.

What is Trevor Noah's opinion on the current political engagement of young people?

Trevor Noah believes that young people are more engaged in politics than ever before, understanding that they have the power to change the course of history.

How does Trevor Noah feel about Donald Trump's presidency?

Trevor Noah expresses a mix of terror and amusement regarding Donald Trump's presidency, comparing it to a paradoxical situation where he feels both fear and the need to laugh.

What does Trevor Noah suggest people do with the power and knowledge they possess?

Trevor Noah encourages people to use their power, ability, information, and knowledge to engage with activists and take action for change.

What does Trevor Noah say about the importance of optimism in the face of challenges?

Trevor Noah emphasizes the importance of optimism, citing his mother's influence and the example set by the Goalkeepers organization in seeing and pursuing a better future.

How does Trevor Noah relate his personal experiences to the concept of being a 'goalkeeper'?

Trevor Noah relates his personal experiences of growing up in a mixed-race family during apartheid and his mother's optimism to the concept of being a 'goalkeeper' by highlighting the importance of striving for a better future despite adversity.