Inspirational TED talks

Lord Ba'al

Well Known GateFan
I just watched a playlist of 4 TED talks that I found interesting. Actually I really found the first two talks in the playlist really very inspirational. The other two I found like meh. So I'll just post links for the first two videos on their own.

I figured it might be nice to have a thread specifically devoted to this, since there are so many great TED talks out there and I've noticed that several board members watch them from time to time. Feel free to post videos you find inspiring, or find in any other way worth sharing.


 

Lord Ba'al

Well Known GateFan
Maybe I'm giving away too much of myself here, but I feel this video is describing me.


P.S. I've had some whisky.
 

heisenberg

Earl Grey
I just watched a playlist of 4 TED talks that I found interesting. Actually I really found the first two talks in the playlist really very inspirational. The other two I found like meh. So I'll just post links for the first two videos on their own.

I figured it might be nice to have a thread specifically devoted to this, since there are so many great TED talks out there and I've noticed that several board members watch them from time to time. Feel free to post videos you find inspiring, or find in any other way worth sharing.


It's all bullshit and it's bad for you. These people are just wasting your time and they know that you aren't going to do anything to change your life because we unfortunately don't have the sophisticated intelligence to think outside the box to fuck with Human Beings. We are not evil therefore can't think of a way of screwing others. Only people who are crazy that are capable of doing that. Live with what you have and make the most of it. Go out with your family and don't bother trying to 'change the world' because Life is Rigged, the world is rigged and the entire system is rigged from the start. You will never be victorious, prosperous but only be given the illusion that you will be successful.
 
It's all bullshit and it's bad for you. These people are just wasting your time and they know that you aren't going to do anything to change your life because we unfortunately don't have the sophisticated intelligence to think outside the box to fuck with Human Beings. We are not evil therefore can't think of a way of screwing others. Only people who are crazy that are capable of doing that. Live with what you have and make the most of it. Go out with your family and don't bother trying to 'change the world' because Life is Rigged, the world is rigged and the entire system is rigged from the start. You will never be victorious, prosperous but only be given the illusion that you will be successful.

Self-help junkies pay the rent of these people. It's not much different than the relationship between crack dealers and crackheads. Sure some positive stuff can be gleaned from inspirational talks such as these, but the problem is that inspiration wears off quickly and one is left with the work of actually making a permanent positive change. That's much harder to do hence the loop of going back to the well over and over and over in search of that elusive magic pill that will fix everything overnight.
 

Lord Ba'al

Well Known GateFan
It's all bullshit and it's bad for you. These people are just wasting your time and they know that you aren't going to do anything to change your life because we unfortunately don't have the sophisticated intelligence to think outside the box to fuck with Human Beings. We are not evil therefore can't think of a way of screwing others. Only people who are crazy that are capable of doing that. Live with what you have and make the most of it. Go out with your family and don't bother trying to 'change the world' because Life is Rigged, the world is rigged and the entire system is rigged from the start. You will never be victorious, prosperous but only be given the illusion that you will be successful.

I'm sensing a lot of negative energy from you lately mate. As opposed to how you used to post before. You might wanna reflect on that.
 

heisenberg

Earl Grey
I'm sensing a lot of negative energy from you lately mate. As opposed to how you used to post before. You might wanna reflect on that.
Perhaps you can recommend a Ted Talk on anger management? :welcoming:
Clearly neither of you have not have worked in an office environment or are living in the modern age. Have you watched the episode of Dark Mirror? Watch it if you can because it is EXACTLY where life is heading.

This isn't 2000 or the 80s or 90s. There is this one big push towards convenience for a reason. It's to control of people and get a better understanding of what people are up to. Your life and your destiny will be in the hand of an entity that is followed by a set of procedures/rules and breaking those rules will mean either being brainwashed or you will be decomissioned. You and I are all part of an entity which has a system going towards perfection and close to 100% efficiency. You can't stop it nor can you slow it down. One of the big pushers of this is Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple especially Amazon. Amazon is going to annihilate competition by providing unprecedented competition through their servicing platform. Their rules are to keep the customer 100% happy. They don't want an upset customer. They don't want a depressed customer. They want everyone to smile and keep smiling and continue to keep coming back for more.

Don't believe me that Amazon wants to takeover the world and I am just being paranoid? They will utilise big data which is a massive data that might seem like numbers and rubbish to us, but they'll run algorithms and will use super computers to swift through the data and determine what is selling well, what isn't, what consumers want and desire. It is basically a science.

https://qz.com/1141691/amazon-amzn-just-released-an-ai-powered-camera-but-its-not-for-you/
https://techcrunch.com/2017/11/29/amazon-is-putting-alexa-in-the-office/
http://fortune.com/2017/11/29/amazo...gest-shopping-day-ever-beating-out-prime-day/
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/28/amazon-seattle-office-space-13-point-6-million-square-feet.html
https://www.businessinsider.com.au/...ig-at-oracles-larry-ellison-2017-11?r=US&IR=T
https://venturebeat.com/2017/11/27/...ew-program-to-fund-machine-learning-research/

This is the reality of working for Amazon. Timed Toilet breaks.
http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/amazon-warehouses-harsh-working-conditions-838527

Amazon are investing heavily in Robotics because robots can do shit better than we can. Infact, pretty much everyone is. We are slow/inefficient/won't listen to instructions, are slow at learning, won't do shit without being forced to do so and simply have a very short shelf-life.


At the moment, Amazon has to rely on Humans, but wait till we start to get better robotics once all the hardwork from Scientists/engineers has been completed. It's not a question of If but when. All the poor people that are currently on the street will be removed off the street either be jailed or be thrown outside where they are asked to fend for themselves and not to allowed to come in ever or won't be because the borders will be closely secured/watched and protected.

They will be, away from the super wealthy, the super well off and the super happy. Those that fall under the super happy will want to be entertained which their 10,000,000 dollar suits and that big fake smile on their faces and posh clothing/hair style and completely immaculate body without any physical flaws on them.

Think this might not happen in our lifetime? The law of technology is that it accelerate and doesn't decelerate. Have a look at how fast we have come to when it comes to technology 10 years ago. Most people didn't even think about having internet on their phones let alone streaming the latest tech. This push towards dominance can't be stopped. Not unless you can stop 7 billion people from joining in. The PC liberals have been pushing towards a system like this because they are rich enough to afford it. They are smart enough and are sophisticated enough to want it to sacrifice their privacy
You can call me negative all you want, but I work in the area of analytics and statistics, and I know where humanity is heading. When you combine Statistics with Science, there is zero human emotions involved. It's simply facts and figures. It is madness.

This sort of cultural shift has already happened. Go to any office place or public place and you'll see that we have a set of rules in place. We have etiquette in several places otherwise, you are labelled as an animal or are ridiculed/mocked by those observing you. Your free speech is also under threat and soon it will be silenced. Infact it already is.

Our lives are pushed to the edge because there is this demand for it. People demand it and we serve it. We now have 24 hour restaurants because people demand it. We have 24 hour Gyms because there is a demand for it. The public demand internet through phones they get it.The public demand better service for their time, we serve them. The public demand better value for their money we give it to them. The public demand better doctors we serve it. The public demand more doctors we serve it. I hope you can see where I am coming from.
 
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Overmind One

GateFans Gatemaster
Staff member
It's all bullshit and it's bad for you. These people are just wasting your time and they know that you aren't going to do anything to change your life because we unfortunately don't have the sophisticated intelligence to think outside the box to fuck with Human Beings. We are not evil therefore can't think of a way of screwing others. Only people who are crazy that are capable of doing that. Live with what you have and make the most of it. Go out with your family and don't bother trying to 'change the world' because Life is Rigged, the world is rigged and the entire system is rigged from the start. You will never be victorious, prosperous but only be given the illusion that you will be successful.

How pessimistic! You are at risk of becoming a perennial "victim" with that outlook on things. There is nobody stopping you from becoming successful OR defining what "success" is for you. If you avoid the trap of some scam artists or turn off something you don't like (a commercial, a politician opposite of your views, a con man wanting your money, etc). That is a measure of success. When you build something or create something, you are prosperous in some measure. If your goal is to topple the order of things by yourself, then yes you will fail. But if you become a victim first, you will never even make an attempt.

What is making you feel so helpless and not in control of your destiny?
 

Overmind One

GateFans Gatemaster
Staff member
Clearly neither of you have not have worked in an office environment or are living in the modern age. Have you watched the episode of Dark Mirror? Watch it if you can because it is EXACTLY where life is heading.

I don't know about them, but I have worked more than 30 years in the office environment and in the modern age AND in technology where the cutting edge of this sea change is taking place. I do not at all see it as some self-directed juggernaut taking over the world. If you are a corporation, then it does not serve your interest to destroy your market. That Dark Mirror episode with the ratings was pure science fiction by definition, but it is not at all likely as a reality. In order for such a system to be implemented, you would have to vote on it and then agree upon implementation and codify it by institutionalizing the system. That is just not going to happen.

This isn't 2000 or the 80s or 90s. There is this one big push towards convenience for a reason. It's to control of people and get a better understanding of what people are up to. Your life and your destiny will be in the hand of an entity that is followed by a set of procedures/rules and breaking those rules will mean either being brainwashed or you will be decomissioned. You and I are all part of an entity which has a system going towards perfection and close to 100% efficiency. You can't stop it nor can you slow it down. One of the big pushers of this is Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple especially Amazon. Amazon is going to annihilate competition by providing unprecedented competition through their servicing platform. Their rules are to keep the customer 100% happy. They don't want an upset customer. They don't want a depressed customer. They want everyone to smile and keep smiling and continue to keep coming back for more.

All of those entities still rely upon customer satisfaction and sales. As soon as the customers are no longer served to their liking, they will dump them and go elsewhere (see: brick and mortar chains like Macy's, Sears, Kohls, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, etc.). You are speaking as though Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple do not have to answer to the masses. They sure do. You can stop them by not shopping with them or using their services. Or, the government can just slowly legislate your business model out of existence (see Big Tobacco and Coca Cola sugary soft drinks). Sure, they want everyone to smile and come back, but that cannot force anyone to do either of those two things.

Don't believe me that Amazon wants to takeover the world and I am just being paranoid? They will utilise big data which is a massive data that might seem like numbers and rubbish to us, but they'll run algorithms and will use super computers to swift through the data and determine what is selling well, what isn't, what consumers want and desire. It is basically a science.

https://qz.com/1141691/amazon-amzn-just-released-an-ai-powered-camera-but-its-not-for-you/
https://techcrunch.com/2017/11/29/amazon-is-putting-alexa-in-the-office/
http://fortune.com/2017/11/29/amazo...gest-shopping-day-ever-beating-out-prime-day/
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/28/amazon-seattle-office-space-13-point-6-million-square-feet.html
https://www.businessinsider.com.au/...ig-at-oracles-larry-ellison-2017-11?r=US&IR=T
https://venturebeat.com/2017/11/27/...ew-program-to-fund-machine-learning-research/

This is the reality of working for Amazon. Timed Toilet breaks.
http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/amazon-warehouses-harsh-working-conditions-838527

Amazon are investing heavily in Robotics because robots can do shit better than we can. Infact, pretty much everyone is. We are slow/inefficient/won't listen to instructions, are slow at learning, won't do shit without being forced to do so and simply have a very short shelf-life.

Okay, but it still comes down to Amazon's customers. Right now, Amazon and it's related services are EXACTLY how I want to shop. Google Apps and it's related services are dirt cheap and exactly what I need for my small business. So, they get my business because they are giving me what I want. As soon as they aren't, I will go elsewhere. Amazon will never be in a position to force anything on anyone.

At the moment, Amazon has to rely on Humans, but wait till we start to get better robotics once all the hardwork from Scientists/engineers has been completed. It's not a question of If but when. All the poor people that are currently on the street will be removed off the street either be jailed or be thrown outside where they are asked to fend for themselves and not to allowed to come in ever or won't be because the borders will be closely secured/watched and protected.

They will be, away from the super wealthy, the super well off and the super happy. Those that fall under the super happy will want to be entertained which their 10,000,000 dollar suits and that big fake smile on their faces and posh clothing/hair style and completely immaculate body without any physical flaws on them.

This might make a great premise for a scifi movie, but it is just not going to happen. You assume that the West controls the world and it really does not. China can topple the US dollar in a single day by simply refusing to accept it as legal tender. If Russia and China form a strategic alliance, it will be a superpower superior to the nuclear and economic capabilities of the United States. What you describe will never be allowed by Humanity.

Think this might not happen in our lifetime? The law of technology is that it accelerate and doesn't decelerate. Have a look at how fast we have come to when it comes to technology 10 years ago. Most people didn't even think about having internet on their phones let alone streaming the latest tech. This push towards dominance can't be stopped. Not unless you can stop 7 billion people from joining in. The PC liberals have been pushing towards a system like this because they are rich enough to afford it. They are smart enough and are sophisticated enough to want it to sacrifice their privacy
You can call me negative all you want, but I work in the area of analytics and statistics, and I know where humanity is heading. When you combine Statistics with Science, there is zero human emotions involved. It's simply facts and figures. It is madness.

The bolded: Yes it can be stopped, and it always is. History shows us that as soon as the tipping point between freedom and tyranny is tipped towards tyranny and totalitarianism, revolution follows and topples that system. This ALWAYS happens without exception. You give too much power to these entities. They just are not nearly as powerful or as influential globally as you think.

This sort of cultural shift has already happened. Go to any office place or public place and you'll see that we have a set of rules in place. We have etiquette in several places otherwise, you are labelled as an animal or are ridiculed/mocked by those observing you. Your free speech is also under threat and soon it will be silenced. Infact it already is.

Our lives are pushed to the edge because there is this demand for it. People demand it and we serve it. We now have 24 restaurants because people demand it. We have 24 hour Gyms because there is a demand for it. The public demand internet through phones they get it.The public demand better service for their time, we serve them. The public demand better value for their money we give it to them. The public demand better doctors we serve it. The public demand more doctors we serve it. I hope you can see where I am coming from.

EXCELLENT last two paragraphs. As you said, services and things exist because the people demand it. People are not demanding to be controlled, or replaced by robots or forced to behave or dress or think a certain way. People are demanding that their freedoms be preserved. This goes 180 degrees from your description of a dystopian future where corporations rule the world.
 
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Lord Ba'al

Well Known GateFan
Clearly... *snip* ...I hope you can see where I am coming from.

Heisenberg, one day you'll look at your comment and realize that you were a tad overzealous in regard to your negative vision on the future. It's not that I don't recognize it. I think I used to be a bit like that at certain points when I was younger. Perhaps we've all been there, I don't know. But you will see, you'll change over time.
 

Overmind One

GateFans Gatemaster
Staff member
Heisenberg, one day you'll look at your comment and realize that you were a tad overzealous in regard to your negative vision on the future. It's not that I don't recognize it. I think I used to be a bit like that at certain points when I was younger. Perhaps we've all been there, I don't know. But you will see, you'll change over time.

It's all these dystopian and apocalyptic movies and TV shows we are getting. :moody: Fear and uncertainty stimulates sales and creates dependency.
 

heisenberg

Earl Grey
How pessimistic! You are at risk of becoming a perennial "victim" with that outlook on things. There is nobody stopping you from becoming successful OR defining what "success" is for you. If you avoid the trap of some scam artists or turn off something you don't like (a commercial, a politician opposite of your views, a con man wanting your money, etc). That is a measure of success. When you build something or create something, you are prosperous in some measure. If your goal is to topple the order of things by yourself, then yes you will fail. But if you become a victim first, you will never even make an attempt.

What is making you feel so helpless and not in control of your destiny?
I am not pessimistic. I am very optimistic but seeing the reality. How do you define 'success'? It does not exist. Once you succeed at something, you'll soon will want an another challenge because once you get good at something, it will bring you pleasure but then bring you boredom. We love challenges because we are born to take challenges head on. This is why we are the dominate species. My new job I have is completely different to what I have done in the past. I have ZERO experience in this field. It is a complete alien but I have not been a chicken and taken the risk of being ridiculed/fired possibly for making a mistake/or not taken on a challenge. I admit that I have had a few challenges where I have had my heart broken and they have been costly but I have never said no to them. I always thought that this was probably not the right path for me then. I look elsewhere and my life naturally takes me to uncharted territory but to me I like that sort of mystery in my life. It's basically an adventure for me. I guess I am just heart broken of what I have not achieved because of a lot of unfortunate events. I tried to follow my passion which is music but then I saw how heart breaking the industry is and how evil some artists can be to their fanbase and now I am witnessing the destruction of the music industry all together and I can't do anything about it. Thankfully the ghosts of yesterday keep that amazing spirit alive. My love for Science/Space and music is thanks to stuff like this.




 
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heisenberg

Earl Grey
I don't know about them, but I have worked more than 30 years in the office environment and in the modern age AND in technology where the cutting edge of this sea change is taking place. I do not at all see it as some self-directed juggernaut taking over the world. If you are a corporation, then it does not serve your interest to destroy your market. That Dark Mirror episode with the ratings was pure science fiction by definition, but it is not at all likely as a reality. In order for such a system to be implemented, you would have to vote on it and then agree upon implementation and codify it by institutionalizing the system. That is just not going to happen.

The office environment changes depending where you go but given where I am from, where there is a shift in the age group plus a gradual changes in culturally, where we are more social, and using shit like instantgram and facebook, you are considered a weirdo if you don't participate.


All of those entities still rely upon customer satisfaction and sales. As soon as the customers are no longer served to their liking, they will dump them and go elsewhere (see: brick and mortar chains like Macy's, Sears, Kohls, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, etc.). You are speaking as though Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple do not have to answer to the masses. They sure do. You can stop them by not shopping with them or using their services. Or, the government can just slowly legislate your business model out of existence (see Big Tobacco and Coca Cola sugary soft drinks). Sure, they want everyone to smile and come back, but that cannot force anyone to do either of those two things.

Yes and this is where Amazon succeeds! Amazon are looking to tap into every segment because they have the resources, the capital and the power to. The fact that the Government body of Australia ACCC can't stop Amazon from its anticompetitiveness, shows how much power they have.

Stores and companies get away with a lot of shit, as long as they don't kill people multiple times. Big companies like BHP Biliton/BP/Chevron/ all have done a lot of damage but are rarely prosecuted. Why? Because they have control/power and natural resources which means that they can pay their way out and control how things are run. We continue to buy their Oil because Oil has become a fabric of society that they can't be closed down for good. You don't think that Amazon wants to do the same? I think they'll keep pushing their luck and the public will cop it and get used to it.

Okay, but it still comes down to Amazon's customers. Right now, Amazon and it's related services are EXACTLY how I want to shop. Google Apps and it's related services are dirt cheap and exactly what I need for my small business. So, they get my business because they are giving me what I want. As soon as they aren't, I will go elsewhere. Amazon will never be in a position to force anything on anyone.

I am not labelling Amazon as a 'evil' company but the company continues to invest in itself and always is giving what the majority of their customers want. They continuously and relentlessly reinvest in itself. A better service, provide faster/cleaner/reduce costs/improve efficiency. They run their company like a god damn country and they are the government of their ecosystem.
Amazon is investing in industries that are sustainable and will continue to grow forever. They won't at this stage compete with Facebook because it's tapped the market but they'll continue to look where there is an emerging market. It wouldn't surprise me if they takeover Facebook or even Apple or even Google perhaps. They'll do shit systematically and do it quite in a very subtle and very sneaky way. Watch this video below. It does not make a profit but invests in the future. Jeff always said, never settle.



This might make a great premise for a scifi movie, but it is just not going to happen. You assume that the West controls the world and it really does not. China can topple the US dollar in a single day by simply refusing to accept it as legal tender. If Russia and China form a strategic alliance, it will be a superpower superior to the nuclear and economic capabilities of the United States. What you describe will never be allowed by Humanity.

I have many great Science Fiction premises. I think a lot. A bit too much for my liking. I also love to write a lot too and whatever thoughts come to my head.

The bolded: Yes it can be stopped, and it always is. History shows us that as soon as the tipping point between freedom and tyranny is tipped towards tyranny and totalitarianism, revolution follows and topples that system. This ALWAYS happens without exception. You give too much power to these entities. They just are not nearly as powerful or as influential globally as you think.
Nope. Life does not stop for you or me, nor does consumer demand, even if we like it or not. If people demand and there is enough motive to push this idea, it will eventually become a reality. People demand electric cars and look how many are jumping on it.People wanted Gay Marriage to be legalized, it happened even though people shared different opinions about it and it didn't create a shit storm. Hell, every country spies on each other and on its people but that continues to happen and will continue to happen and life moves on and we eventually get used to it.

EXCELLENT last two paragraphs. As you said, services and things exist because the people demand it. People are not demanding to be controlled, or replaced by robots or forced to behave or dress or think a certain way. People are demanding that their freedoms be preserved. This goes 180 degrees from your description of a dystopian future where corporations rule the world.
People are demanding to be controlled but we are allowing to be controlled because it's easier and less of a worry for us for others to take over the responsibility so we can spend time doing something else. This is why certain generations have trouble getting used to certain new ideas. It's a generation gap kinda like with privacy.
 
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heisenberg

Earl Grey
Heisenberg, have you considered exploring Buddhism and/or minimalism? There are ways to extricate oneself from our highly artificial society -- mentally, physically or geographically.
Not really into Buddhism but I do appreciate their way of life.Music is my sole healer and my ultimate escape. I don't do drugs/alcohol or anything garbage like that damages the fabric of society rather than making things better. Music to me is the ultimate powerful healer because it keeps that positive spirit alive. It's been there and will always be there for me. This shit never gets old no matter how many times you listen to it
Mozart's Father leopold. I don't know if it's just me but music was a lot happier in the olden days during the renaissance era but technology made life worse not better.



 
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Overmind One

GateFans Gatemaster
Staff member
Heisenberg, have you considered exploring Buddhism and/or minimalism? There are ways to extricate oneself from our highly artificial society -- mentally, physically or geographically.

BINGO! This is where I am in my life. I have extricated myself from most of the machine by doing ALL of those things. I moved, downsized, and got rid of services/things that were demanding my attentions without giving me much in return. And I have spoken here about Buddhism in the past. There is much in the philosophy that can really be life changing when you put it in practice. And first and foremost about Buddhism: It is NOT a religion, it is a philosophy.
 

Overmind One

GateFans Gatemaster
Staff member
Not really into Buddhism but I do appreciate their way of life.Music is my sole healer and my ultimate escape. I don't do drugs/alcohol or anything garbage like that damages the fabric of society rather than making things better. Music to me is the ultimate powerful healer because it keeps that positive spirit alive. It's been there and will always be there for me. This shit never gets old no matter how many times you listen to it
Mozart's Father leopold. I don't know if it's just me but music was a lot happier in the olden days during the renaissance era but technology made life worse not better.




Do you play any instruments? I agree that music is cathartic. And I am classically trained, but my music has become very personal because not many people seem to enjoy classical music anymore. I rarely play it for others on my piano, but I am quietly playing concertos wearing headphones lat at night. :) I also listen to classical music in my car (Bach and Chopin mostly). I am quite fond of counterpoint and other baroque artists, and some of the more contemporary classical artists like Rachmaninoff.
 

heisenberg

Earl Grey
Do you play any instruments? I agree that music is cathartic. And I am classically trained, but my music has become very personal because not many people seem to enjoy classical music anymore. I rarely play it for others on my piano, but I am quietly playing concertos wearing headphones lat at night. :) I also listen to classical music in my car (Bach and Chopin mostly). I am quite fond of counterpoint and other baroque artists, and some of the more contemporary classical artists like Rachmaninoff.
I sort of used to play the piano and can make a decent track if I can find the right key and sound for it and extrapolate from there. Some tracks are harder to decipher and know what is the first key.

Music has been there for me when I have needed it. It's given me the inner strength to keep fighting on and keep searching for answers. I have a musical ear so to speak because I can tell when something sounds off but I still need training. That track I sent you a while back in your PM was made on the fly. I let my imagination take control. One key lead to another and soon within 20 minutes I had that track. Like all great things, they all come by accident. It was completely experimental that I thought sounded nice but it still sounds unfinished though I have had a lot of extremely good responses of how sweet and delicate it sounds. I sort of want to make music like that. Finish product should sound like this

I have other tracks and have attempted to recreate the AOE theme song, Mission Impossible theme song, Simspons theme song, Clubbed to Dead by Rob D from the Matrix and so many that I have lost count. I have made a few originals too that I have just experimented.
 
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