I didn’t know what to expect from this keynote. For starters, the thought of a four and a half hour keynote was daunting, to say the least. After three non-stop days of Dreamforce craziness, I wasn’t sure I had any mental stamina left. But the ambiguous title, “Deepak Chopra & Friends,” was intriguing enough for me to head down to Moscone South for one last hurrah. 

The first “Friend” that spoke was Dr. David Agus, a well-known cancer doctor and biomedical researcher. Focusing on disease prevention, Agus highlighted data and research on the value of preventative measures. “We are not good at treating disease, but we are good at prevention,” said Agus. While your health may be half genetic-related, that still leaves 50% for actionable influence. Agus stated that behavioural modification is the key to a long healthy life. Regularity in meals, sleep, exercise, and your schedule, are all essential in avoiding stress and disease. 

The need for consistent exercise was a major point. According to Agus, sitting for five hours a day (in your office) has the same effect as smoking a 1/4 pack of cigarettes per day. For sedentary folks, the emergence of health technology like Fitbits and treadmill desks are aiming to address this pervasive inactivity.

Moving forward, Agus believes that at some point, critical data will result in behavioral change. However, the key to a healthier nation lies in education and leadership. 

The second guest speaker was Dr. Wayne Dyer. Author of 41 books, Dyer speaks about motivation and self reliance. In all of us is “a calling,” said Dyer. This should act as your rudder in life, directing your path regardless of external influences. 

“While you are the protagonist in your own life, you’re also the spear carrier, or extra, in a much larger drama.” 

This perspective should help individuals make decisions based on their own goals, and not the desires of others. Dyer highlighted the power of self actualization, acting on your dreams with unrelenting perseverance. 

The last and final speaker was the holistic health guru, Dr. Deepak Chopra. Chopra argued that the era of reductionism is ending. Reductionism is the scientific approach to reduce everything to its parts, analyzing each piece individually to reach a conclusion. Chopra believes that Holism is a more effective method, analyzing the relationship of all components in your life, and how they affect one another. 

In this, your emotions and biological state are very much connected. Chopra’s equation for happiness: H = S + C + V, posits that your Happiness relates to your Set point in the brain, plus Conditions of living, plus your Voluntary actions. 

Then, Chopra went nebulus with his discussion. Much like Carl Sagan’s famous Cosmos series, Chopra delved into our the perspective of the universe and our connection to matter. 

All in all, these three speakers were engaging and thought provoking, and well worth the four and a half hour time slot.