Uncommon Ground – Rediscovering Wonder

February 12, 2009
Article

Share

Most species are individually stupid but collectively smart. Humans are the opposite.
It is remarkable what happens when you suspend judgement and disbelief for a while. You rediscover wonder. A little bit of this rediscovery happens every weekend in cinema halls across the country.
But I was very lucky to have my own awakening of wonder at the TED conference in Long Beach, California, early in February.

You may also want to read

November 20, 2025
Article

The Indian Express | Rohini Nilekani writes: We need a mental health movement rooted in community

When we help others, we help ourselves. It is a win-win described for samaaj by good science Just five minutes a day of contemplative practices to improve mindfulness, connection, insight[...]

November 19, 2025
Article

IDR | Is Data Failing Us?

By Natasha Joshi, Chief Strategy Officer, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies Last year, we at Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies interviewed 14 social sector leaders and funders to inquire what they thought were the biggest issues[...]

September 25, 2025
Article

IDR | The limits of AI in Social Change

– Gautam John, CEO, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies More actors—from grantmaking to service delivery—are exploring the use of AI. However, the excitement around scale and efficiency often overshadows a critical question: What does it mean[...]