Unlike other elements like water and earth, fire is not itself a substance it’s a reaction. Yet it’s one that’s integral to humanity’s survival. In this thoughtprovoking talk, fire historian Stephen Pyne examines our past relationship to fire and considers our future connection to the flame.

TEDArchive presents previously unpublished talks from TED conferences.
Enjoy this unedited talk by Stephen Pyne.
Filmed at TED in 2015.