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View From The Top: Thomas Friedman
37 segments available
Author and New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman spoke to a Stanford audience about the themes of his new book, "That Used To Be Us," which explores the reasons for U.S. decline in the 21st century and offers solutions to preserve American power in the world. More about the View From The Top speaker series: http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/vftt All View From The Top videos: http://www.youtube.com/course?list=EC5C14B375A7F2FEA8
Segments Timeline
The State of America: A Call to Action
Thomas Friedman introduces his book 'That Used to Be Us,' co-authored with Michael Mandelbaum, discussing America's decline and the potential for recovery. He emphasizes the importance of understanding America's role in the world and the necessity for collective action to secure a positive future.
"Change lives. Change lives. Change organizations. Change organizations. Change the world. So what I'm going to talk about is uh my latest book which uh was co-authored with uh Michael Mandelbomb. It's..."
America's Global Impact
Friedman reflects on the significance of America's fate as a central foreign policy issue. He argues that America's decline would not only affect its citizens but also reshape the global landscape, stressing the need for awareness and proactive measures to maintain American influence.
"depend on us. Now you might ask, how did two foreign policy geeks, I'm foreign affairs columnist for the New York Times. My co-author Michael Mandlebomb is chaired professor of international relations..."
Lessons from Cinema: Touch of Evil
Friedman draws parallels between his book and the film 'Touch of Evil,' using a quote from the movie to question America's future. He highlights the uncertainty of America's trajectory and the importance of taking action to ensure a positive outcome.
"and future of our country. Now, Michael and I are both movie buffs and uh the mo the book is built around a lot of different movie themes. There's one in particular that probably frames our original t..."
A Journey to China: Observations on Progress
Friedman recounts his experience at the World Economic Forum in Tianjin, China, contrasting the rapid development of Chinese infrastructure with the stagnation of American public services. He uses this comparison to illustrate the urgency of addressing America's own challenges.
"this book. Now I want to just take a couple of minutes to read the first really few paragraphs of the book from the opening chapter which is called if you see something say something. This is a book a..."
Escalator Repairs: A Symbol of Decline
Friedman shares a personal anecdote about the prolonged repairs of escalators in the Washington Metro system, highlighting the inefficiencies in American infrastructure. He contrasts this with China's rapid construction, emphasizing the need for improvement in American public services.
"2010. Reading that line, I started walking around my room September October, November, December. That's eight and a half months. Returning home to Maryland from that trip, I was describing the Ten Com..."
Resignation and Realization
Friedman discusses the growing sense of resignation among Americans regarding their country's decline. He challenges the narrative that America's best days are behind it and emphasizes the importance of optimism and action to reverse this trend.
"point. China's Ted Construction Group took 32 weeks to build a world-class convention center from the ground up including giant escalators in every corner, and it was taking Washington Metro 24 weeks ..."
Frustrated Optimists: A New Perspective
Friedman identifies himself and Mandelbaum as 'frustrated optimists' who believe in America's potential. He introduces the book's central theme: the need for Americans to recognize and address the challenges facing the nation to secure a better future.
"classroom conversations all across our country. So, do we buy the idea increasingly popular, that Britain owned the 19th century, America dominated the 20th century, and China will inevitably reign su..."
Understanding Our World: The U.S. 'Udalooop'
Friedman explains the concept of the 'udaloop' from U.S. Air Force training, emphasizing the importance of observing and understanding global trends. He critiques America's misreading of its environment and the consequences of failing to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
"why things have gone wrong, and what we can and must do to make them right. So that's the basic framing of the book. Now, the book basically argues that America America today faces basically four grea..."
The Merger of Globalization and IT Revolution
Friedman discusses the significant trend of globalization merging with the IT revolution, which he believes is the most impactful change in the world today. He compares this to historical shifts and stresses the urgency of recognizing and responding to this transformation.
"misread our environment. Now, if we were reading our environment, what would we be seeing? We'd be seeing that America today faces three great challenges. And I'm,, as, I, said,, I'm, going to, focus,..."
The Shift to Hyperconnectivity
Thomas Friedman discusses the transition from a connected world to a hyperconnected world, emphasizing the rapid technological advancements since his book 'The World is Flat.' He highlights how social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, which were nonexistent at the time, have transformed global communication and connectivity, marking what he calls 'the great inflection.'
"fact, it is in terms of impact as big as Gutenberg's invention of the printing press with one difference that played out over 20, 30, 50, 100 years. And this is playing out over a relatively few numbe..."
Witnessing Global Events Live
Friedman illustrates the impact of hyperconnectivity by sharing examples of how technology has enabled real-time access to global events, such as the Syrian uprising. He explains how local citizens can now broadcast their experiences, challenging traditional media narratives and showcasing the power of grassroots communication.
"inflection. If we were really talking in this country about the biggest thing going on right now, it is this incredible inflection. But this inflection has been disguised by post 911 and the subprime ..."
Mount Everest: A Symbol of Hyperconnectivity
Friedman shares a fascinating story about a Nepali telecommunications firm providing 3G service at the summit of Mount Everest. This development symbolizes the hyperconnected world, where climbers can now make calls from the highest point on Earth, illustrating the extent of global connectivity.
"content. There are about 15 people in the front row. Half of them are students. No problem in their wallets right now. Together they have enough money to start Sham News Network. That is connected to ..."
The Global Education Race
Friedman highlights the competitive landscape of education in a hyperconnected world, using Grenell College in Iowa as an example. He points out that a significant percentage of applications now come from China, indicating that American institutions are competing with the best students globally, raising the bar for educational standards.
"But I tell you, there's other signs of it as well and aren't just about technology. Uh I'm from Minnesota, as some of you may know. My wife is from Iowa. Um Iowa has a great liberal arts college. Um G..."
Average is Over
In this segment, Friedman discusses the implications of hyperconnectivity on job markets and education. He argues that the traditional notion of 'average' is obsolete, as individuals must now cultivate unique skills and value propositions to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
"PS21. So what does this mean? What it means at the macro level is that when the world gets this hyperconnected, it's as if the whole world were a Stanford math class and the whole global curve just ro..."
The New Job Market Reality
Friedman reflects on the changing nature of employment, emphasizing that simply being non-routine is no longer sufficient. He stresses the need for creativity and innovation in the workplace, as employers seek individuals who can adapt and reinvent their roles in a hyperconnected environment.
"hyperconnected age, which is that average is over. Average is officially over. You know the old saying in Texas, if all you ever do is all you've ever done, all you ever get is all you ever got. That ..."
The Challenge of Competition
Friedman shares his personal experience as a New York Times columnist, illustrating the vast increase in competition due to the internet. He contrasts the past, where information traveled slowly, with today's instant access to diverse perspectives, highlighting the pressure on writers to stay relevant.
"job. I became a New York Times columnist, foreign affairs columnist in January 1995. I inherited James Reston's office in the Washington Bureau of the New York Times. What a thrill. This great columni..."
Innovation in Education and Technology
Friedman discusses a visit to IIT Jodpur, where students developed a low-cost iPad. He emphasizes how technological advancements are breaking price barriers and reshaping education, illustrating the innovative spirit that thrives in a hyperconnected world.
"York Post? No. the new I could write whatever I want. Today I'll tell you a story. I was in India in uh September and I went out to IIT Jodpur and invited there by the dean because that's one of their..."
The Evolving Workplace Landscape
In this segment, Friedman outlines the three tiers of work in the modern economy: non-routine, routine, and non-routine local work. He explains how hyperconnectivity has changed the dynamics of these roles, requiring workers to be more creative and adaptable.
"So, what's what's going on or what does this mean for the workplace? and therefore for education. Well historically, as I'm sure you've been learning here, the workplace has been segmented into three ..."
Employers' New Expectations
Friedman shares insights from interviews with employers across various sectors, revealing a common demand for employees who can think critically and solve problems. He emphasizes the need for workers to not only perform their jobs but also innovate and adapt in a fast-paced, hyperconnected world.
"happened as the world has gotten hyperconnected. It's no longer enough now to just be non-rine. You need to be creative non-rine. You actually need to bring something extra. It's not enough just to sa..."
The Shift in Law Firm Dynamics
Friedman shares insights from a conversation with a law firm partner about the changing landscape of legal employment. He explains that firms are now retaining lawyers who demonstrate creativity and innovation in their work, rather than those who simply follow routine processes. This shift reflects a broader trend across industries towards valuing adaptability and creative problem-solving.
"It's why companies like Zingga that are at the cutting edge now do employee reviews, team management reviews, excuse me, four times a year because if you're going through five product cycles in a year..."
General Dempsey's Educational Revolution
Friedman recounts an interview with General Martin Dempsey, who transformed the U.S. Army Education Corps by introducing experiential learning and creativity in training. Dempsey's experiences in Iraq led him to realize the importance of empowering lower-level officers with decision-making capabilities, prompting a complete overhaul of how the Army selects and trains its leaders.
"So, what was particularly interesting for me was the guy who heads the green collar firm and his name is General Martin Dempsey. So, General Dempsey, you may have heard his name because he's now chair..."
The Double Challenge in Education
Friedman outlines the dual educational challenges facing the U.S.: raising the performance of disadvantaged youth and enhancing the overall educational standards to compete globally. He emphasizes the need for both foundational skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, as well as fostering creativity, collaboration, and communication among students.
"for us as a country is we have two educational challenges today. We need to bring our bottom to our average so much faster because we have so many young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods who are..."
Four Key Mindsets for Success
Friedman provides four essential pieces of advice for navigating the modern world: think like a new immigrant, an artisan, Jeff Bezos, and a waitress. Each mindset emphasizes adaptability, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging individuals to approach their work and life with a proactive and innovative attitude.
"education. Let me just try to sum up so we have some time for questions because a lot of parents ask me, I'm parent what do you tell your kids? How do you how do you tell your kids to deal with this w..."
The Importance of Entrepreneurial Thinking
In concluding his talk, Friedman stresses the significance of maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset in today's hyperconnected world. He encourages the audience to stay hungry, take pride in their work, and continuously seek improvement and innovation, drawing parallels to the characteristics of successful immigrants and artisans.
"all now truly do live in Garrison Keeler's Lake Wagon where all the men are strong, all the women are beautiful, and all the children need to be above average. Thank you very [Applause] much. Thank yo..."
The Five Pillars of American Success
Thomas Friedman outlines the five-part formula that historically contributed to America's success: education, infrastructure, immigration, institutions, and government-funded research. He emphasizes the decline of these pillars and how they are crucial to understanding the current challenges facing the U.S.
"accident and we're not in this fix we're in by accident. We had a five-part formula for success. It was first educate our people up to and beyond whatever the technology was. Excuse me. When it was th..."
The Decline of American Institutions
Friedman discusses the deterioration of key American institutions, including education and immigration policies. He critiques the current political climate and highlights how these declines are impacting the nation's ability to innovate and compete globally.
"formula for success. It was the greatest public private partnership in the history of the world. Where is it today? Education. We're now in the Pisa tests. We're 25th in the world basically with Argen..."
A Call for Balanced Solutions
Friedman advocates for a balanced approach to America's economic challenges, emphasizing the need for spending cuts, tax increases, and investments in education and infrastructure. He argues that a hybrid political strategy is essential for addressing the country's problems effectively.
"None of us did. What we did was this great public private partnership where the public enabled the private and the market. Bob English we interview in the book the one Republican two one of two Republ..."
Vision for America's Future
Friedman articulates a vision for America's role in the world, comparing it to Cape Canaveral in the 1960s. He stresses the importance of making the U.S. a launching pad for innovation and entrepreneurship, inviting global talent to contribute to American success.
"in his heart, President Obama has it but he really hasn't been able to, I think, articulate that in the campaign. So, what what am I looking for in a candidate? What do I think the country is looking ..."
The Importance of Journalism in a Flat World
In response to a question about the future of journalism, Friedman discusses the evolving landscape of media and the enduring need for trusted voices. He emphasizes the importance of journalistic integrity and the role of quality reporting in a world filled with diverse opinions.
"today. What is that vision? To me, it's very obvious. We want America to be for the world today what Cape Canaveral was to America in the 1960s. Cape Canaveral was where we launched our one moonshot. ..."
The Role of Trusted Voices in Media
Friedman highlights the necessity for journalists to maintain core values of accuracy and fairness in the age of digital media. He argues that despite the proliferation of voices, the demand for credible journalism is greater than ever.
"butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker, we'll be fine. I don't hear any of that today. And the worst thing I can say about this campaign, the worst thing I can say about it, it isn't even inter..."
Opportunities in the Evolving Job Market
Friedman addresses the challenges of finding meaningful work in a hyperconnected world. He discusses the impact of automation and outsourcing on job opportunities and encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to tackle significant societal issues.
"lot of other people. You know there's only one foreign affairs columnist on the New York Time. I mean and this is really we needed more and this has opened it up. But um what I always tell journalists..."
Innovative Solutions from Jordan
Friedman shares insights from his recent trip to Jordan, focusing on the startup Oasis 500. He discusses how this initiative aims to create rewarding work opportunities for young Jordanians and reflects on the broader implications for job creation in a changing global economy.
"confuse the ability to come in quickly with the need not to have the really basic trusted values that create trust between you and your reader because that's what creates a following. I mean there's t..."
Oasis 500: Empowering Young Entrepreneurs in Jordan
Friedman highlights Oasis 500, a startup accelerator in Jordan that invites young tech entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas. He explains how this initiative provides funding, training, and mentorship, aiming to create companies that can generate jobs and foster economic growth in the region, particularly in the context of the Arab Spring.
"don't start a social network for people with six toes. Okay? All right. Take on something really big. And that is the big question because we are in this world where you know they say the modern Ameri..."
Youth Dissatisfaction and the Arab Spring
In response to a question about youth dissatisfaction, Friedman reflects on the parallels between the Arab Spring and potential unrest in the West. He shares insights from his experiences covering the revolution in Tahrir Square, emphasizing the themes of dignity and the quest for opportunity that drive young people to seek change.
"Um they're now getting 450 applications a month. Um they uh have already launched uh about 60 companies and what is so exciting as one of the um lead innovators says you know this isn't about creating..."
The Volcanic Eruption of Change
Friedman describes the Arab Spring as a 'volcanic eruption' of human desire for dignity and justice. He contrasts the acute frustrations faced by youth in the Arab world with the opportunities available in the U.S., stressing the importance of addressing the longings of young people to ensure sustainable progress.
"think, you are so much more optimistic than you should be. you know, I mean you know, I mean, um, how do I say this? You know um, I'll tell you the difference between us and the Arabs. I I had the, um..."
Keeping the Slope Positive for the Arab Spring
Friedman discusses the importance of maintaining a positive trajectory for the Arab Spring, comparing it to historical movements in Russia. He emphasizes the need for governments in the region to meet the aspirations of their youth, ensuring that they can interact with the world and realize their full potential.
"there. So kind of at a macro point of view, that is a really big difference that um we aren't stifled in that way. You have a good idea today. there's a good chance if it's good you will find the mone..."
Imagination and Opportunity in a Flat World
Friedman concludes by discussing the shift from developed and developing countries to a world defined by imagination and opportunity. He highlights the potential for countries like Jordan to innovate and thrive in a flat world, urging the U.S. to nurture its advantages and support the growth of high-imagination enabling countries.
"potential because you know if you if you sort of add it all up, I mean what I really believe is that there's no more developed and developing countries anymore. That's like really what I'd call round ..."