According to Dictionary.com, a humanitarian is a person actively engaged in promoting human welfare and social reforms, sometimes known as a philanthropist. With the recent disaster in Haiti and the next looming around the corner, anyone interested in their fellow man can’t help but take time to think about their role in the world and what can be done to make things better.

To that end, we have gathered 50 fascinating lectures for humanitarians. Learn from the best, or simply get a different point of view by giving them a listen.

Fascinating TED Lectures for Humanitarians

First launched in 1984, TED stands for technology, entertainment, design. It is a nonprofit organization devoted to “ideas worth spreading.” Best of all, the entire library of expert lectures is available to view for free.

1.Rick Warren on A Life of Purpose : Pastor Rick Warren, author of “The Purpose-Driven Life,” reflects on his own crisis of purpose in the wake of his book’s wild success. He explains his belief that God’s intention is for each of us to use our talents and influence to do good. The most emailed of the humanitarian TED lectures, a short 20 minute video could change your life.

2. Bill Gates on Mosquitoes, Malaria, and Education : Even if you’re reading this on a Mac, you already know who Bill Gates is. In this 20 minute lecture, he discusses a new kind of philanthropy in which he asks us to consider two big questions and how we might answer them. There is also a Q & A session featured on the blog.

3. Jose Abreu on Kids Transformed by Music : Jose Antonio Abreu is the founder of a youth orchestra system that has transformed thousands of kids’ lives in Venezuela. Here he shares his amazing story and unveils a prize wish that could have a big impact in the U.S. and beyond. The lecture is given in Spanish with English subtitles.

4. Bill Strickland Makes Change With a Slideshow : Bill grew up in the crumbling remains of Pittsburgh and the busted steel economy. He shares his tale of how arts, music, and an unlikely partnership helped him survive. Pictures and music accompany.

5. Cameron Sinclair on Open-Source Architecture : 2006 TED Prize winner Cameron Sinclair is co-founder of Architecture for Humanity, a nonprofit that seeks architecture solutions to global crises. On accepting his prize, Cameron demonstrates how architects can respond to world housing crises. He also discusses how architecture was used to help the refugees of Kosovo.

6. Andrew Mwenda Takes a New Look at Africa : Journalist Andrew Mwenda has spent his career fighting for free speech and economic empowerment throughout Africa. He argues that aid makes objects of the poor become passive. In this fascinating lecture, he argues that Africa can be a place to create wealth and happiness.

7. George Ayittey on Cheetahs vs. Hippos : Economist George Ayittey sees Africa’s future as a fight between hippos — complacent, greedy bureaucrats wallowing in the muck — versus cheetahs, the fast-moving and entrepreneurial leaders. Anger is unleashed on the corrupt leaders of Africa, while calling on the cheetah generation.

8. Bono’s Call to Action for Africa : He is the lead singer of U2 and uses his celebrity to end hunger, poverty, and disease, especially in Africa. In this twenty minute humanitarian lecture, he accepts the 2005 TED Prize and discusses how the world has changed in such a short period of time. He also urges that Africa isn’t a celebrity cause but a global emergency.

Fascinating Nobel Lectures for Humanitarians

With a wealth of prestigious winners, take a look at the speeches of those awarded this humanitarian prize.

9. Martin Luther King : In December of 1964, Dr. King traveled to Oslo to accept his prize. The entire text of his acceptance speech is available to read and share. In it, he discusses civil rights and his non-violent approach to it.

10. Mother Teresa : In 1948, she dedicated the majority of her life to helping the poorest of the poor in India, thus gaining her the name “Saint of the Gutters.” She also founded an order of nuns called the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. In 1979, she won the prize and even included a prayer in her acceptance speech.

11. Nelson Mandela : After 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela negotiated the end of apartheid in South Africa and became its first black president in 1994. He also received the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. In the text of his speech, he calls for an end to inequality and hope for the future.

12. Doctors Without Borders : This nonprofit organization strives to bring medical care to those around the world who need it but have no access to it. Awarded the prize in 1999, this acceptance speech was given by Dr. James Orbinski, the then president of the MSF International Council. It discusses more in detail their work and what needs to be done to help.

13. Lech Walesa : This Polish Labor leader helped bring solidarity to the country. In 1983, this speech was given on his behalf. He also donated the $200,000 prize to a fund dedicated to rebuilding the country.

14. Albert Schweitzer : In 1952, this German-French philosopher received the prize for his theory of “Reverence For Life.” The speech is available in English, French, and as a sound recording.

15. Kim Dae Jung : He won the prize for his work for democracy and human rights in South Korea and in East Asia in general, and for peace and reconciliation with North Korea in particular. Awarded in 2000, he spoke on the work that was done and is being done to help the region achieve peace.

Fascinating Religious Lectures for Humanitarians

See how a relationship with God can aid humanitarian efforts with the help of these lectures.

16. Sermon : Billy Graham has been a leading preacher and humanitarian for over 50 years. In this sermon, he addresses a huge crowd on the teachings of Christ. Seven other sermons are also available.

17. For The Students : Pope John Paul II made his legacy as the most well traveled pope in history. Taking a special interest in the younger generation, he addresses a crowd at the CUA campus in Washington, D.C. in 1979. One of his few lectures in English, you can view it in two parts.

18. Reconciling Love : Archbishop Desmond Tutu was awarded the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize for his immense contribution to the cause of human rights. In 2005, he gave this lecture in California on a new era of tolerance and forgiveness. Coming in at just over 50 minutes, it is both inspiring and fascinating.

19. Ethics For Our Time : Stop here for a nearly two hour humanitarian lecture by the Dalai Lama. In this talk His Holiness turns to one of his favorite themes: the importance of compassion. Far from being a uniquely Buddhist concern, the Dalai Lama explains why caring for others can be the basis for a rich and rewarding life for all people.

20. Human Rights : Amr Khaled is a Muslim televangelist, social activist, and the chairman of Right Start Foundation International. In this lecture, he speaks on women and human rights in the Middle East. Available as a download for Windows Media.

21. Is There Still a Mystery to Mysticism After Modernity? : Rabbi Alan Brill is a professor at Seton Hall University. In this 2008 lecture at Fordham University, he explains the role of God in modern society. Mysticism in modern times is also discussed.

22. Favor of God : Joel Osteen is the pastor of one of the largest churches in the world. In this 10 minute video, he lectures on how God is on your side. There are also many other videos from him to choose from.

23. Pope Benedict XVI Speech at the White House : In April of 2008, Pope Benedict made his first trip to America. In this speech at The White House, he addresses both Catholics and Americans. It is over nine minutes long and in English.

24. Speech of the Heart : Mother Teresa of Calcutta/Gonxha remains a leading name for religious humanitarians. In this two part speech, she answers questions and shares wisdom on God’s plan. Also done in English, it is a must view.

Fascinating Charitable Lectures for Humanitarians

For more on what charity and related topics mean, take a look at these lectures.

25. Private Pain and Public Compensation : Who can forget all of the charitable and humanitarian acts of September, 11? In this lecture Kenneth Feinberg, the Special Master of the Federal September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001, he addresses a crowd at Case Western Reserve University. His monumental and humanitarian task involved dispensing compensation to the families of the victims and he discusses it more here.

26. Charity vs. Charitable : The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university where Reverend Matthew Ruhl spoke to the class of 2013. Rev. Ruhl is best known for his energetic homilies, growing parish memberships and unorthodox fundraising schemes. In his talk, he discusses the real mean of service and what you can learn from it.

27. Speech on Charity : The Toastmasters are a well known group renowned for saying words of inspiration before that first sip. Dr. Shayama Chona gives a speech to this crowd. It is available in two parts from YouTube.

28. Prayer of the Children & Charity Speech : If you’re a humanitarian and a fan of “American Idol,” you will enjoy this video. It is a short speech made by David Archuleta. He also sings afterward.

29. Doing Good and Doing Harm : Fiona Terry delivered the 2008 Kenan Distinguished Lecture in Ethics at Duke University. In this lecture, she discusses the paradox of humanitarian action. She also gives analysis of the ethical dimensions of the humanitarian aid system, drawing both on her book “Condemned to Repeat?” and her recent work in Myanmar and the Sudan.

30. Dr. David N. Gibbs Lecture : Dr. Gibbs is an Associate Professor of History and Political Science at the University of Arizona. His lecture is entitled: First Do No Harm: Are Humanitarian Military Interventions Really Humanitarian? Kosovo is used as an example.

31. My Values, My Philanthropy : Linda Biehl is the cofounder of the Amy Biehl Foundation and lectures at the University of Texas at Austin. After her daughter was killed in South Africa, Linda chose to forgive rather than demand retribution against the youths convicted in the death of her daughter. In fact, one of the men who was convicted of the murder is a valued employee. She tells the crowd what humanitarianism means to her and what it can mean to each individual.

32. Lecture on the Role of Philanthropy : Professor Hersh Chadha gives a humanitarian lecture at the Institute of Journalism in the Ukraine. Given entirely in English, she addresses the role of the individual and philanthropy.

33. Lecture on Philanthropy : The president and CEO of the Skillman Foundation, Carol Goss gives this humanitarian lecture. She talks more about the power of philanthropy and the fear of mediocrity. Available in nine parts on YouTube.

34. Against Charity : Slavoj Žižek is a Slovenian continental philosopher and critical theorist working in the traditions of Hegelianism, Marxism, and Lacanian psychoanalysis. In his lecture, he talks about how charity can actually be a bad thing. Available in several parts from YouTube.

Fascinating Lectures for Humanitarians on Hot Topics

Go behind the issues of our times with the help of these humanitarian lectures.

35. Engineering New Approaches to Cancer Detection and Therapy : One of the most devastating diseases in decades, learn more about what is being done to fight cancer with this lecture from MIT. With over 500 patients and 30 years of experience, Dr. Langer has earned the title “Mr. Wizard.” This lecture deals with his efforts to design materials for safer and more effective cancer treatment.

36. SUTC : Although technically not a lecture, humanitarians with an interest in fighting cancer should stop here. The video library from Stand Up To Cancer contains highlights from the show, along with never before seen footage. There are also many other resources on the site.

37. Al Gore Speaks at GW : If you are a humanitarian and concerned about climate change, the former Vice President is the lecturer for you. Speaking in December of 2009, he addresses a crowd at George Washington University about his new book. Climate change, sustainability, and other topics are mentioned.

38. Climate Change Hoax : Want to hear the other side of the argument? Then check out this short video of the James Corbett radio show. Retired climatologist Dr. Tim Ball discusses what Climate-Gate means and shares insights on what it shows.

39. The Lot of the Unemployed : Even when times aren’t tough, the struggles of the unemployed are on the minds of many humanitarians. Alan B. Krueger of the Institute for Advanced Study discusses new evidence on the plot of the unemployed and how they spend their time. The effect of unemployment benefits is also discussed.

40. An Overview of the United States Government’s Space and Science Policy : A brief overview of the basic elements of the U.S. space and science policy-making apparatus are presented. They focus on the interactions among the principal organizations, policy-making bodies, and individual participants. A good choice for humanitarians who want to use science to better the world.

41. On Science and Democracy : Scientists may be the smartest people in the world, but are they the most democratic? In this humanitarian lecture, physicist Lee Smolin discusses just that. He also talks about how the scientific community works.

42. Habitat for Humanity : The brainchild of former President Jimmy Carter, this nonprofit helps people around the world get homes of their own. In this 2009 speech, he addresses a crowd at Chaing Mai. Insights and more are shared.

43. Help for Haiti : It shouldn’t take a disaster for bipartisan efforts in humanitarian areas. However, with the tragedy of the Haitian earthquake, three presidents united to help. President Barack Obama and former Presidents Clinton and Bush 43 combine to aid the victims.

44. Hilarious Speech : If the above has got you down, check out this video. Former presidents Clinton and Bush prepare for a speech with hilarious results. Doctoring also added.

Most Inspiring Lectures for Humanitarians

If you need inspiration for your humanitarian work, or for any other purposes, the below lectures are sure to help.

45. The Last Lecture : When professor Randy Pausch was asked to give his theoretical last lecture which was entitled “Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” no one knew how ironic it would be. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, his speech, book, and life became a worldwide phenomenon. See how it all started by checking out his lecture.

46. Why Aren’t We Happy? : Psychologist Dan Gilbert challenges the idea that we’ll be miserable if we don’t get what we want. Arguing that this synthetic happiness isn’t real, he focuses on what is. Twenty two minutes are available on YouTube.

47. Steve Jobs : This world renowned CEO of Apple tells his rags to riches stories to the graduating class of Stanford in 2005. He draws on some of the most pivotal points in his life, including death. Steve also urges graduates to pursue their dreams and see the opportunities in life’s setbacks.

48. Oprah Winfrey : Another rags to riches story, Oprah Winfrey shares all with this graduating university class. In the lecture, she shares three lessons about feelings, failure, and finding happiness. Oprah also discusses her television career from 1976 to the present.

49. I Have No Name For it and Hope Nobody Else Comes up With One : Leave it to late writer Kurt Vonnegut to come up with such an inventive title. In another lecture to a graduating class, he addresses Rice University in 1998. Stories, advice, and even Adam and Eve are mentioned.

50. Startups : Don’t think you can have your own rags to riches story? Then check out this lecture from Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com, given at Startup School in 2008.

Even if you have decades of philanthropic experience or are just opening up yourself for the first time, you can learn a lot from the above 50 fascinating lectures for humanitarians. They can broaden your goals, inspire you, and even give you a different point of view.