RSA Animate: awesome illustrated lectures

The other day, a friend sent me this Youtube video by RSA Animate. I liked it so much I decided to share it with you. I think animation people in particular should get a kick out of this, but curious people who like to learn and think about things will dig this too. Based in London, UK, the RSA is the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. Their tagline is “21st century enlightenment”.

The concept of these videos is simple. In each, a talented illustrator draws images as a speaker presents a topic. You remember how in grade school they used to tell us that there are different learning styles out there, and that some of us are visual learners and others auditory learners? Well these RSA Animate videos have everyone covered.

In the installment posted above (Smile or Die), acclaimed journalist, author and political activist Barbara Ehrenreich explores the darker side of positive thinking. It’s an interesting argument, and the visuals are awesome to watch too. For more RSA Animate videos check out the RSA Comment blog or their Youtube channel. Please let me know if you stumble upon interesting ones.