The Simple Power of Joy and Delight

Howdy folks — we interrupt your regularly scheduled AI programming for an important human reminder from friend of the network, Brendan Boyle. If you don’t already know Brendan, you’re in for a real treat. Besides being one of Stanford’s most beloved professors, an acclaimed toy inventor, and founder of IDEO’s Toy Lab, he’s also the source of one of my favorite quotes: “A lot of people assume that play is the opposite of work. It is not. It is the opposite of boredom. And far from being evidence of disengagement, it’s actually a healthy sign of engagement.” Brendan was kind enough to share some of his human brilliance with us here — please do him a solid and connect with / follow / admire him via his fabulous LinkedIn newsletter.

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In a world that often feels dominated by stress, division, and screens, I believe we’re forgetting one of life’s simplest — and most vital — human needs: joy and delight.

When I design toys, teach students at Stanford, or simply look around my own neighborhood, I’m struck by how small, unexpected moments can reconnect us to what it means to be fully alive. It’s not about big, dramatic happiness. It’s about tiny sparks that interrupt our autopilot — and remind us that wonder is always just around the corner.

Three reminders from nature

Nature does this better than any product or platform ever could:

Hummingbirds: There’s something magical about a hummingbird. They appear out of nowhere — a blur of wings and color that makes you freeze mid-sentence. It’s impossible to watch a hummingbird without feeling a childlike sense of surprise.

Fireflies: Fireflies might be nature’s original delight designers. On a warm summer night, a single blinking light drifting across the yard can turn grown-ups into kids again. We chase them, we catch them, and for a moment, we remember how to wonder.

Rainbows: Even the busiest city street can pause for a rainbow. It arches over the noise and traffic — people stop, point, pull out their phones. For a few minutes, strangers stand shoulder to shoulder, all smiling at the sky.

We need more of this — everywhere

In the real world, joy and delight matter because they break our routines. They’re reminders to laugh, notice, and share. Even the most digital corners of our culture are searching for it — think of TikTok. Millions scroll not for news or status, but for dancing, silliness, and a spark of human connection.

Look at the NBA’s Steph Curry — watch him sink an impossible three-pointer, then dance with his teammates and the crowd. It’s not just skill; it’s contagious delight.

Or my own little bubble of everyday magic: my 1961 Porsche 356 Outlaw. Park it anywhere — people stop. They smile, ask questions, take pictures. For a moment, they’re not rushing to the next thing — they’re just enjoying a beautiful old machine and the story it tells.

An invitation

In the rush of AI, automation, and hyper-productivity, I think we need to protect spaces for useless, beautiful, joyful moments — at work, at home, and in our communities. If you’re a designer, make room for delight. If you’re a leader, spark it in your culture. If you’re a parent — play!

Here’s to more hummingbirds, fireflies, rainbows — and whatever tiny things remind you that joy still matters.

✨ What brings you unexpected delight? I’d love to hear your examples.

Related: Take A Wonder Wander
Related: Take A First Try
Related: Be Sparkable
Related: Play
Related: Divergent Diversions

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