GOOGLE.org’s Larry Brilliant

Set against the backdrop of the warmest weather yet this year, Dr. Larry Brilliant’s talk about our global problems took on even more urgency.

As he spoke about climate change, it was hard not to think of the weatherman this morning, “Scorching hot today…Get ready for the triple digits.”

The heat inside the lecture room was appropriate. As Brilliant explained Google.org’s initiative to Develop Renewable Energy Cheaper Than Coal (RE less than C), there was no escape for the audience into air-conditioned complacency. Bodies against bodies, the rising temperature in the standing room only lecture area was a metaphor: We are all in this together.

In fact, Brilliant deeply understands the interdependence and fragility of all things. His philosophy exemplifies the Zen principle of Inter-being. He warned, “We need to look at the health of human environments, insect environments and animal environments together. Veterinary epidemiology and human epidemiology together.”

LARRY BRILLIANT’S TALISMAN
Dr. Brilliant has a talisman that has guided him in the most difficult decision-making processes. Who should Google help in a world of infinite problems? In this video that Drue shot, (same video embedded below) Brilliant shares how this soulful talisman has guided him without fail.

VALLEYZEN – BLACK on GREEN
Drue told Brilliant he would be covered in ValleyZen.

“I’m honored,” said Brilliant, and gestured magnanimously.

“And I’m wearing black like you,” he told her.

“You can never have too much black, or GREEN,” said Drue.