TED Community » Susan Cartwright

More About Me

I'm passionate about

Philosophy, Art, Sailing, Writing, Education and the idea of Universal Health care. I also like to travel.

An idea worth spreading

On raising children: Avoid negative comments on negative behaviour. To ensure your children don't fight, try to prevent them fighting well BEFORE it happens. We had two boys; Ashton and Chris. I watched them for ANY sign that one had behaved WELL toward the other. Then, when I was alone with that child (for example Chris) I told him what I had observed (his exact good behaviour) and said how lucky his brother was to have him because he was such a wonderful little bother! Later, when I saw Ashton do something nice to his brother I took him aside and told him how lucky his little brother was to have him. This could be called positive re-enforcement from a psychological reference, but from a humanitarian reference it simply acknowledges natural good. The two boys (28 and 29), although different as can be, are still best friends.

Talk to me about

I lOVE books, philosophy,art, educational issues, and sailing. Home Educated our kids. I am experienced in almost every aspect of nursing having worked in goals, Drug and Alcohol, surgical, etc.

My TED Story

Recently discovered TED and am overjoyed! As a positive idealistic person who believes that mankind can sort out any problem when they set their mind to it, I think TED is one of the best things to come out of the internet.

Comments

• TEDCred score: +0.60 TEDCred reflects your contribution to the TED community.

• A comment on Conversation: Selling kidneys. Is it unethical or an untapped business opportunity?

  Oct 11 2011: OK. I see where you are going here. Wow. That would really work! The problem is I can't see it getting past the ethics committees! As America is the only wealthy industrialized nation that does not ensure that all its citizens have health coverage, do you think that if we implement this idea some Americans would decide to sell a kidney to pay for their health care? This rather than go bankrupt?
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  A comment on Conversation: What is great storytelling?

  Oct 11 2011: I would agree re: context, complexity and nuances. Not so sure if they have to be elegant! Kurt Vonnegut spoke about this. It is pretty funny, and I think quite true. Check it out.http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/literature/kurt-vonneguts-chalk-talk-on-t.html
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  A comment on Conversation: If you ran a program for teenagers. How would you do it? How would you address the concern of anti-social behaviours?

  Oct 11 2011: I think the problem is basically with connection. These kids are anti-social because they cannot connect to people, have been betrayed by people, not loved by people, etc. May I suggest dogs (loving and loyal) and /or horses (large, scary, would be a challenge and would command respect). Perhaps a breakthrough could be made through animals. Riding for the Disabled is a wonderful program… perhaps something similar would work for your kids as they have not been betrayed by animals and they may feel safe with them. Safe enough to connect….
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  A comment on Conversation: Is there such a thing as TOO MUCH technology?

  Oct 9 2011: It seems to me that there needs to be a balance between technology and humanity. When I say humanity I mean passion, soul, beauty, kindness, generosity of spirit, music, love, art - all the higher forms of what makes humankind great. I admit to being a lover of Star Trek, and I prefer an idealistic view of the future. So, to answer your question, as long as the balance is there; there will never be "Too much" technology.

• A comment on Conversation: What is the most important virtue to Americans today?

  Oct 9 2011: There are hundreds of valid answers to this question; however, I suspect that one of the most basic needs for any individual was stated by Shakespeare: "To thine own self be true." With integrity you can not only live with yourself and sleep at night - you can be proud of who you are, too.
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  A comment on Conversation: What, in your opinion, is the secret to Steve Jobs success?

  Oct 9 2011: Passion.
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  A comment on Conversation: What is your favourite quote?

  Oct 9 2011: "I'm sorry for the length of this letter, but I didn't have time to write a short one." Mark Twain.

• A comment on Conversation: What is the next big thing?

  Oct 9 2011: The next big thing? I sure hope that someone makes nano tech tattoo ink that can be instantly erased when required! (No I don't have a tattoo, but I am a registered nurse and I am seeing some pretty awful tatoos on older people!) In the next 50 years I think a computer interface will be will be implanted directly into the brain and controlled via thought, check your mail, turn on the lights, watch 3D….. etc
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  A reply on Conversation: Is love real?

  Oct 9 2011: Thank you Andrea for your sensible comments. My partner of 37 years is still my best friend. He is the holder of all my secrets. He separates the wheat from the chaff when I talk to him, and is able to completely ignore the chaff (including the occasional rock!) When I am down he brings me up, when he is down I bring him up....
  Is this love? I think so.