Thus spaketh Bob Thurman

Well, by now you must have realised that I follow a Buddhist path (where I can). I like this talk from the brilliant TED conference presentations by Bob Thurman, the first American to be ordained a Buddhist monk by the Dalai Lama when he was 24.

On the weekend I am speaking to visitors at Massey University's open day. I'm talking about the importance of design in the New Zealand economy.

I wonder whether the more usual arguments in favour of design might be better summarised by the idea that good design makes us happy.

Before you assume I am talking about about the superficial 'happiness' that momentary consumption generates. Think about this:

"Happiness can be reliable and satisfying in an enduring way without depriving others."

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