My philosophy for a happy life | Sam Berns | TEDxMidAtlantic
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Published 2013-12-13
Just before his passing on January 10, 2014, Sam Berns was a Junior at Foxboro High School in Foxboro, Massachusetts, where he achieved highest honors and was a percussion section leader in the high school marching band. He also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. Sam was diagnosed with Progeria, a rare, rapid aging disease, at the age of 2. He is featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Life According to Sam, which premiered on HBO on October 21, 2013, 2 days before his 17th birthday.
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All Comments (21)
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Finding out that he died a month after this speech is so depressing after hearing his dreams.
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He died at 17. Yet he lived more than those who have died at 70
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1. Focus on the things you're good at, not on the things you cannot do 2. Surround yourself with the people in your life that you love and want to be around 3. Keep moving forward 4. Never miss a party Thank you so much for your input Sam. You will never be forgotten!
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Is anyone watching in 2024?
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The strongest people are those with the best attitudes in the worst situations. RIP
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The maturity of this guy at 17 is impressive, rest in peace :(
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Seeing this Ted Talk after his death made me realize that he had given this inspiring speech a month before he passed away because of his disease Progeria. Sam stayed positive even with the realization every day could be his last. He was a true fighter, a strong person and I believe we can be as strong as him! Being so strong starts with his philosophy, so let's be happy together for Sam. Do you wanna join me?
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He was more well- adjusted than most of us, and so intelligent! RIP, Sam!
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"It's better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing, than a long life spent in a miserable way." RIP
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''being brave is not meant to be easy''
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We don't choose how we are born, but we choose what kind of people we become. What an amazing person!
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Anyone in April 2024
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"Its not the years in your life, it's the life in your years" Heard this quote from the band parkway drive in case anyone was wondering
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Rest in paradise, friend.
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According to the video's description, it's already been just over 10 years since we lost him. It's remarkable that he never let his condition take him over, and he fought proudly. I think pretty much the same way he did, in that you should always give yourself something to look forward to, and just be brave. In his 17 years of life, he truly made an impact. A huge one, at that. Rest easy, Sam. ❤️
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What most of us could not do in 80 years of our lifetime, Sam did it in less than 17.What a brilliant life he had ...God bless his soul.
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His body was too small to contain such a huge spirit. May he rest in peace.
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Can we talk about how good of a public speaker he was, especially at only 17? I know many adults who not be able to go in front of a crowd and speak with this much confidence.
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1. Be OK with what you ultimately can't do, because there is so much you CAN do. 2. Surround yourself with people you want to be around. 3. Keep moving forward. 4. Never miss a party if you can help it.
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I was actually depressed and my phycologist told me to go and watch the story of Sam Berns here on YouTube and indeed I have now come to understand myself now and accepted who truly I am....kuddos to u Sam and may ur soul rest in peace 😢thanks for encouraging me today even though u are no more🤲☑️
