¿Quién soy?: ¿Qué significa hacernos esta pregunta? | Gabriel Pereyra | TEDxTukuy

Summary

The speaker shares a life-changing story of surviving a near-death experience while sailing. After a serious accident that left him with severe injuries, he experienced a profound sense of peace and happiness as he faced death. This incident led him to reevaluate his life and pursue a deeper understanding of himself. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, having a purpose, and living authentically. Through his journey, he discovered that true happiness comes from understanding who you are, finding your life’s direction, and ultimately, giving back to others to make a meaningful impact.

Takeaways

• 🌊 A life-changing boating accident left the speaker seriously injured, with 13 broken ribs, a ruptured diaphragm, and a punctured lung.
• 😇 In the near-death experience, the speaker felt a profound sense of peace and happiness, believing they were about to meet God.
• 🤔 The incident prompted deep reflection on life, leading the speaker to focus on discovering who they truly are and what they want to achieve.
• 🧭 Knowing oneself is essential to living with purpose and coherence; this begins by asking the question: 'Who am I?'
• 💪 Discovering your true identity requires courage and persistence, as it involves confronting both your strengths and weaknesses.
• 🫶 Building a strong friendship with oneself is key to self-acceptance and happiness, just as we love and accept our friends despite their imperfections.
• 🎯 Understanding your identity helps you set clear goals and direction for your life, preventing you from living based on external expectations or societal norms.
• 😌 True happiness involves recognizing and pursuing the right balance of life's needs, such as love, kindness, spirituality, and purpose, rather than just material success.
• 💡 Finding a personal purpose or mission in life provides a sense of direction and motivation, helping to overcome daily struggles and challenges.
• 💞 The ultimate takeaway is that discovering who you are also helps you understand how you can contribute to others' happiness, fostering a sense of fulfillment and leaving a positive impact on the world.

Q & A

What event does the speaker describe at the beginning of the story?

The speaker describes a sailing accident where a large wave overturned their boat, leaving them in the middle of the ocean with a damaged vessel and no means of controlling it.

What injuries did the speaker sustain during the accident?

The speaker suffered 13 broken ribs, a ruptured diaphragm, and a punctured lung after the boat was thrown on top of them by a large wave.

How did the speaker describe their near-death experience?

The speaker felt as though they were drifting away from their physical senses, becoming distant from pain and voices around them, and they believed they were dying. However, they also experienced a deep sense of happiness and peace during this moment.

What realization did the speaker have when they thought they were dying?

The speaker felt profound happiness because they believed they were about to see God and felt content with the life they had lived up to that point.

How did the speaker’s outlook on life change after surviving the accident?

After surviving, the speaker felt a strong sense of responsibility to live more authentically and in alignment with who they truly are. They realized the importance of knowing oneself to live a coherent life.

What question does the speaker encourage others to ask themselves, and why is it important?

The speaker encourages others to ask themselves, 'Who am I?' because understanding one's true self is essential to living a fulfilled and authentic life. It helps individuals navigate their decisions and directions in life.

Why does the speaker argue that being a friend to oneself is important?

The speaker believes that being a friend to oneself is important because self-knowledge and self-acceptance lead to greater happiness and resilience. By being kind and understanding to oneself, individuals can navigate their imperfections and live more harmoniously.

How does the speaker connect self-awareness to happiness?

The speaker explains that knowing oneself allows a person to identify what they truly need to be happy. Without this self-awareness, people may focus on external goals that do not bring lasting fulfillment.

What does the speaker identify as essential for giving life purpose?

The speaker emphasizes that finding a purpose or mission is essential to feeling energized and motivated. Discovering a purpose gives meaning to everyday actions and provides a reason to persevere through challenges.

What is the 'intelligence ontológica' that the speaker refers to, and why is it significant?

The 'intelligence ontológica' refers to the ability to deeply understand one's own being and existence. The speaker considers this capacity important because it helps individuals discover their purpose and gives them the tools to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.