Ideas worth spreading

What happens when you lose everything

1,292,132 views | David Hoffman • TED2008

Nine days before TED2008, filmmaker David Hoffman lost almost everything he owned in a fire that destroyed his home, office and 30 years of passionate collecting. He looks back at a life that's been wiped clean in an instant -- and looks forward.

Nine days before TED2008, filmmaker David Hoffman lost almost everything he owned in a fire that destroyed his home, office and 30 years of passionate collecting. He looks back at a life that's been wiped clean in an instant -- and looks forward.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

David Hoffman

See speaker profile

In David Hoffman's long film career, he's made documentaries on everything from Amelia Earhardt to B.B. King, from double-dutch jump-roping to F-15 fighter pilots. Lately he's been fascinated with the early space program and our mania for all things Sputnik.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.