TED Community » Gavin J

More About Me

I'm passionate about

God, running, helping others, living healthy, traveling and learning.

An idea worth spreading

God is good, people aren't so good. God, my faith, and my beliefs ≠ the persecution of others for their beliefs and practices. Christianity sometimes has a bad reputation; not all Christians are that way.

Talk to me about

Running, health, religion, science, college.

People don't know that I'm good at

Long-distance running.

Comments

• TEDCred score: +0.50 TEDCred reflects your contribution to the TED community.

• A comment on Talk: Christopher McDougall: Are we born to run?

  Mar 30 2013: If you're a runner in the TED community, check out an incredible running community and message board site.
  
  The Running Forum enjoys TED talks :)
  
  http://www.therunningforum.com/index.php/topic/319-ted-talks/
• +2

  A reply on Conversation: What are your New Year's resolutions?

  Jan 6 2013: I am 19 years old now and it really struck me about a year ago when I had just turned 18! It is a really powerful tool and has helped me have better relationships with my friends and family. It would be incredible if everyone practiced this!

• A comment on Conversation: Would religion exist if the first humans had our scientific knowledge?

  Jan 6 2013: Yes, because scientific (objective) knowledge would not have prevented any subjectivity from ever arising. From a perspective of spirituality, no scientific evidence disproves the existence of God or a soul - simply because this evidence is purely objective.
  
  Curiosity about the subjective would of course still have been around, as it is today. Science and religion do not conflict for me personally.
• +1

  A comment on Conversation: Have you realized your potential?

  Jan 6 2013: Your potential "today" will be reached, but your "overall/life" potential will never be reached because it is always changing. As you find yourself closer to your aspirations , you will (hopefully) continue to push yourself harder and further to goals within the passion you speak of.
  
  For a personal example:
  My extrinsic goal for 2013 is to make DIII Nationals for cross country. If I accomplish this, I will continue pushing my body and mind to its limits and form to goals - being All-American, setting a new personal record or winning nationals. The list would continue to grow and change as I accomplished more and more.
  
  In response to your question: "Did you just one day wake up, work hard and suddenly you're at the top?"
  I do not believe I will ever say to myself, "Hey, I'm nice and cozy here up at the top so I'm all done with this passion of mine!"
• +2

  A comment on Conversation: What are your New Year's resolutions?

  Jan 6 2013: My New Year's Resolution is to listen to others more and not always lean on my own understanding. Basically, accept that I can be wrong and make mistakes!