In an age of global warming, debt crises, and cyber wars, it might seem that what we don’t know is threatening. Every day, we realize how much we don’t know, from big (95% of the universe is dark energy or dark matter) to small—all those twists and turns we’ve experienced on our own life pathways.

Yet it’s in those dark spots, those roads not taken yet, where we make our discoveries—staring through a telescope or a camera, holding protest signs or a pen to paper. How do we know what’s going to happen?

When we don’t let our “others have failed—I’m too young—the problem’s too big” sort of knowledge become a roadblock to dreams, we can change the world. Call it the magical properties of not knowing…the unstoppable power of ideas.

So, is not knowing such a bad thing? Sometimes, it may be the wisest thing of all.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx.

TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxTeen, where x=independently organized TED event. At our TEDxTeen event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.

The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.

Please visit ted.com/tedx for more information.