Philosophy

The endurance of games like backgammon or chess lies in their continual presentation of an interesting problem. These strategy and decision-making games are like a well from which we draw insights. As a game designer, I can attest that while creating games, most rule combinations aren't inherently fascinating. Often, a game concept might initially seem uninteresting or static, and despite efforts to invigorate it, it remains lifeless.

Game designer and NYU professor known for game theory and interactive entertainment

I see games as psychology experiments that we conduct on ourselves. This realization struck me while playing Sudoku. When you first encounter Sudoku, you're acutely aware of the rules you're applying to solve the puzzle. It's a conscious effort, like turning a crank and watching the puzzle get solved. However, as you progress, those initial heuristics, those rules of thumb, become internalized. You stop being aware of them; they become second nature, and you start focusing on more subtle, higher-level heuristics.

Game designer and NYU professor known for game theory and interactive entertainment

As a young athlete, there was a focus on personal achievements – it was all about me, my goals, and my 'little kingdom.' However, with age and more life experience, my perspective broadened. It's about the knowledge and experiences I've gained being actively reinvested into the world before I pass away.

British Paralympic sprinter and long jumper; multiple Paralympic medals

My aspiration, both pre- and post-accident, has always been to fully embrace life's offerings. For me, success isn't about the endpoint; it's about the journey – the growth from where I began and the rich stories gathered along the way. I'm passionate about setting ambitious goals, committing fully, and approaching them with courage and audacity.

British Paralympic sprinter and long jumper; multiple Paralympic medals

My sense of identity definitely evolved, becoming stronger due to the accident. It stripped away aspects I believed defined me, teaching me a profound lesson at 15: what truly defines me is unremovable. In essence, I learned that even if I lost every limb, my core identity – a hardworking, competitive, fun-loving person – would remain intact. Losses like money, job, or reputation can't diminish my inherent qualities – my fight, attitude, grace, and resolve.

British Paralympic sprinter and long jumper; multiple Paralympic medals

He describes mental wellness as an unwavering commitment to reality, regardless of the cost. Trauma, in this light, can be a powerful teacher, though its lessons often require revisiting. These moments offer a stark glimpse of reality, a contrast to the daily bombardment of trivial concerns.

British Paralympic sprinter and long jumper; multiple Paralympic medals

Each step I've taken was possible not solely through my own efforts but because of the profound support, trust, and camaraderie extended by many others. We've embarked on this journey together, and it's a path of continuous learning for me. I choose to focus on living my life with the intention of making meaningful contributions.

First Female President of Ireland & UN Human Rights Commissioner

What we urgently need is to cultivate a positive narrative, to energize and unite us in a collective movement. This isn't about asking everyone to do the same thing; rather, it's about fostering a 'movement of movements.' We encourage everyone to persist in their individual efforts, with the understanding that they are part of a larger, progressive force striving for a better world.

First Female President of Ireland & UN Human Rights Commissioner

Jade Begay, an indigenous woman with roots in a tribe in Mexico, shares a powerful sentiment from her culture: 'What if our best times are ahead of us?' This question challenges us to adopt a more hopeful and forward-thinking mindset, one that can inspire and motivate us towards positive action.

First Female President of Ireland & UN Human Rights Commissioner

We advocate for a 'feminist moonshot' approach, symbolized by the dandelion. The dandelion, a resilient flower and weed found on all continents, symbolizes our efforts. Despite its reputation as a nuisance, it's a plant I've grown to admire for its beauty, deep-rooting ability that rejuvenates the soil, and its edible qualities. Its seeds, spread by children, represent the spreading of our positive narrative towards a cleaner, healthier, more equitable world.

First Female President of Ireland & UN Human Rights Commissioner

My parents instilled in me the belief that everyone you meet can teach you something, regardless of their age, background, or education. I've always embraced every conversation as an opportunity to learn, to discover someone else's story and experiences, which are invariably different from my own.

Unlearning silence doesn't mean speaking incessantly—the world is far too noisy for that. Instead, it means understanding the difference between choosing to be silent and having silence imposed upon you. It's recognizing whether silence is additive or oppressive, whether it's reflective and generative or merely detracting. It's about having agency: Do I get to choose when to be silent?

It's this natural propensity to analyse and optimize everything around me, turning mundane tasks like loading a dishwasher into a strategic game of Tetris, that highlights how my brain operates. It's an instinctive approach to life, viewing the world through the lens of systems and structures.

Founder of Electronic Arts (EA) and 3DO Company

Based on my experience, I can say that healing is possible without forgiveness. It's perfectly valid for some people to choose never to forgive. There's a prevalent belief that forgiveness is necessary, as if something is wrong with you if you don't forgive. I disagree with this notion.

I used to believe in the concept of permanent healing, but my views have evolved. Nothing is permanent; however, each round of healing lightens our load and elevates us energetically. Life will inevitably reactivate old wounds, but these moments don't engulf us as they once did.

I'm a firm believer in the inherent goodness of the world. The notion that refugees aim to usurp others' opportunities is a misconception. Excellence and dedication secure positions, not nationality. If a refugee excels, it's a call for self-improvement, not resentment. My goal is to demonstrate through our actions that coexistence is not only possible but enriching.

Syrian Swimmer & Refugee Advocate Who Competed in Olympics