Where Is Home? | Pico Iyer | TED

Summary

The speaker explores the complex nature of identity and belonging in an increasingly globalized world. Born in India, raised in England, and a long-time resident of the U.S., he discusses the fluidity of 'home' and the concept of being a 'permanent alien.' He advocates for the beauty of movement and the freedom it brings, suggesting that home is less about geography and more about personal connections and experiences. After losing his physical home to a wildfire, he finds solace and clarity in stillness, concluding that home is where one becomes oneself and where one stands, not just sleeps.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The speaker's identity is complex, with roots in India, upbringing in England, and long-term residence in the United States, reflecting a modern sense of belonging that is not tied to a single place.
• 🏠 Home is a multifaceted concept that extends beyond physical location to include emotional connections, personal growth, and the sense of community one carries within.
• 🌐 The increasing number of people living in countries other than their own suggests a growing global diaspora that challenges traditional notions of nationality and belonging.
• 🌱 The idea of home as a 'work in progress' implies that one's sense of belonging can evolve and be redefined over time, incorporating various cultural influences and experiences.
• 🔥 A personal crisis, such as losing one's home to a wildfire, can lead to a profound reevaluation of what truly constitutes 'home' and what one values most in life.
• 🌟 The liberation from traditional ties allows for a more fluid and personalized sense of identity, where individuals can choose and create their own communities and sense of self.
• 🌍 The speaker emphasizes the beauty of diversity and the richness that comes from being 'surrounded by the foreign,' which can lead to a heightened awareness and appreciation of different cultures.
• 👀 The importance of stillness and reflection is highlighted as a counterbalance to constant movement, offering clarity and perspective on one's life and direction.
• 🏰 The experience at a Catholic hermitage, despite not being religious, provided the speaker with a profound sense of peace and a space for deep introspection, illustrating the value of solitude.
• 📚 Writing and creating in a quiet, removed environment allowed for significant personal and professional growth, suggesting that stillness can be a powerful catalyst for productivity and insight.
• 🏡 The concept of 'home' ultimately being a place of personal values and identity, rather than a physical location, is a recurring theme that encourages a reevaluation of what it means to belong.

Q & A

What is the speaker's perspective on the question 'Where do you come from?'

The speaker finds the question complex, as they have Indian ancestry but were born, raised, and educated in England, and have been living in the United States for 48 years. They suggest that 'home' is less about a physical location and more about personal connections and experiences.

Why does the speaker feel they have not earned the right to call themselves an Indian?

The speaker does not feel they have earned the right to call themselves an Indian because they have never lived in India and cannot speak any of its dialects.

How does the speaker describe their experience growing up in England?

The speaker describes feeling different from the classic English heroes represented in their textbooks, as they were the only kid in their classes who didn't look like them.

What does the speaker imply about the concept of 'home' for many people today?

The speaker implies that for many people today, 'home' is not just a physical place but a collection of experiences and connections that are constantly evolving and being added to.

How does the speaker's experience with a wildfire in California affect their understanding of 'home'?

The speaker's experience with a wildfire that destroyed their home made them realize that 'home' is not a physical place but what one carries inside, including memories, relationships, and personal growth.

What does the speaker suggest is the 'liberation' in the modern understanding of 'home'?

The speaker suggests that the liberation in the modern understanding of 'home' is the ability to choose one's sense of home and community, and to fashion one's sense of self beyond the rigid categories of the past.

What is the significance of the speaker's visit to a Catholic hermitage?

The visit to the Catholic hermitage is significant because it provides the speaker with a place of stillness and reflection, allowing them to gain perspective on their life and work, and to understand the importance of having a 'home' to return to.

How does the speaker describe the experience of being in the Catholic hermitage?

The speaker describes the experience as one of profound silence and stillness, which is not an absence of noise but a presence of energy. This environment allowed them to focus, write, and make important decisions.

What does the speaker suggest is the relationship between movement and stillness?

The speaker suggests that movement is meaningful only when balanced with stillness. It is in moments of stillness that one can reflect, find clarity, and understand what truly matters.

How does the speaker view the future of 'home' and identity?

The speaker views the future of 'home' and identity as increasingly fluid and less tied to a single location or culture. They believe that people will continue to form their identities from a blend of different cultures and experiences.

What advice does the speaker give for finding a sense of 'home'?

The speaker advises that finding a sense of 'home' involves taking moments of stillness to reflect and understand what one deeply cares about. This can be achieved through practices like meditation, disconnecting from technology, or spending time in nature.