TED: The gospel of doubt | Casey Gerald

The speaker recounts a pivotal night in 1999 when he awaited the Second Coming of Christ, only to be left with doubt. This doubt followed him through his education at Yale, a career at Lehman Brothers, and a political stint in Washington DC. He founded MBAs Across America to find purpose, but a visit to Harlem revealed deep societal inequalities. The speaker concludes by advocating for a 'gospel of doubt,' encouraging questioning and the search for new solutions.

What event was the narrator anticipating on December 31, 1999?

• The end of the millennium

• A new year celebration

• The Second Coming of Christ

• A family reunion

What did the narrator realize after the anticipated event did not occur?

• Their beliefs might be wrong

• They had been right all along

• They needed to pray more

• The world was ending soon

Which institution did the narrator attend, hoping to leave behind past challenges?

• Yale University

• Princeton University

• Harvard University

• Stanford University

What realization did the narrator have while working at Lehman Brothers?

• The economy was improving

• They would become wealthy

• Their job could not save them

• The financial industry was stable

What was the primary goal of MBAs Across America?

• To expand educational opportunities

• To help entrepreneurs with purpose-driven businesses

• To promote political change

• To create a new financial system

What did the narrator feel when comparing the wealth of Harvard alumni to the needs in Harlem?

• Indifference to inequality

• Pride in their achievements

• Disturbed by the disparity

• Content with the status quo

What does the 'gospel of doubt' encourage according to the narrator?

• Blind faith in established systems

• Questioning and critical thinking

• Acceptance of all beliefs

• Ignoring societal issues

What does the narrator suggest is necessary when faced with overwhelming troubles?

• Blind faith

• Humble doubt

• Unquestioning acceptance

• Complete denial

What did the narrator decide to do with MBAs Across America?

• Put it out of business

• Expand its operations

• Seek more funding

• Focus on profit-making

What does the narrator believe about the age of disbelief?

• It is a time of strong belief

• People have stopped believing

• Belief is irrelevant

• Disbelief is widespread