Don't Just Learn To Code, Learn To Create | Justin Richards | TEDxYouth@ColumbiaSC

Summary

This motivational speech inspires individuals to embrace the power of creation and technology in shaping their future. The speaker shares personal experiences of pursuing dreams, highlighting how technology has made what once seemed impossible, possible. Through perseverance, learning from failure, and using available tools, anyone can create something meaningful. The core message is about taking action, learning to create, and not giving up despite challenges. Ultimately, the speaker urges the audience to contribute to the world by creating and inspiring the next generation to do the same.

Takeaways

• 😀 The world is full of magic and opportunities, especially through technology, which allows us to create almost anything we can imagine.
• 😀 The only wrong decision is indecision—decide what you want to create and take action.
• 😀 Technology is a tool for creation. By learning to use it, you can make your own apps, websites, fashion collections, movies, and even start your own business or charity.
• 😀 Learning is exciting. The key to success is asking questions and never stopping until you find the answers.
• 😀 You live in a world where you can instantly access information and connect with anyone around the world—this is a magical advantage.
• 😀 Failure is part of the creative process. You learn from mistakes and improve through revisions, which ultimately leads to success.
• 😀 Once you’ve created something, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with the world, as real artists do.
• 😀 The process of creating involves deciding what to make, designing the experience, building it, revising, and then sharing it with others.
• 😀 Creativity and persistence are key to success. Even if you fail, it’s a step forward as you continue to learn and grow.
• 😀 You can create a meaningful career and make a positive impact by embracing the power of technology, creation, and innovation.

Q & A

What is the ultimate message of the speaker's story?

The ultimate message is that with technology and creativity, anyone can pursue their passion, create something meaningful, and make a positive impact on the world, despite challenges and setbacks.

Why does the speaker encourage learning through failure?

The speaker believes that failure provides valuable lessons that success cannot teach, and that failing is an essential part of growth and progress in the creative process.

How does the speaker view technology in relation to creativity?

The speaker views technology as a powerful tool or 'magic' that can be used to create anything, from apps and websites to entire companies, as long as one learns how to use it effectively.

What role does decision-making play in pursuing one's dreams?

Decision-making is crucial, and the speaker emphasizes that the only wrong decision is indecision. Once a decision is made about what to create, there are no wrong choices—just action and learning.

How does the speaker suggest overcoming the fear of failure?

The speaker advises embracing failure as part of the process, recognizing that it is through failing that we learn the most, and that it is important to keep trying and revising until success is achieved.

What does the speaker mean by 'magic' in this context?

In this context, 'magic' refers to the extraordinary potential of technology and human creativity, which allows individuals to do things once thought impossible, such as communicating globally or creating new innovations.

Why is sharing creations important, according to the speaker?

Sharing creations is essential because it allows creators to receive feedback, gain recognition, and learn from the public response, whether it’s success or constructive criticism.

What does the speaker suggest about the process of creating something?

The process of creating involves deciding what to make, learning how to create it, executing the idea, revising it, and sharing it with others, while continuously improving with each iteration.

How does the speaker's personal journey inspire others?

The speaker's personal journey illustrates that anyone can achieve their dreams by being willing to learn, take risks, and push through challenges. The speaker’s path—from animation to entrepreneurship—demonstrates the power of persistence and creativity.

What advice does the speaker give regarding how to approach learning?

The speaker encourages curiosity and persistence in learning, stating that with tools like Google and online resources, anyone can find the information and experts they need to learn and grow in any field.