In defence of the liberal arts: Judah Pollack at TEDxWhitehorse

Summary

The speaker reflects on the power of narratives, comparing them to the pursuit of certainty in history, from Augustine's spiritual city of God to Descartes' age of reason. He highlights the value of stories, which evoke empathy, connect us with others, and help us understand our humanity. Using personal experiences of loss and self-discovery, the speaker emphasizes how storytelling shapes perception and brings people together. He encourages us to embrace and share our stories, as they allow us to be truly seen and known, both by ourselves and others.

Takeaways

• 📖 The speaker reflects on their childhood love of adventure stories, noting how storytelling has evolved from pirates stealing treasure to modern piracy involving movies, emphasizing the value of stories.
• 🎓 The speaker humorously critiques the liberal arts, noting that while society sees them as impractical, the liberal arts teach valuable skills like asking meaningful questions.
• 🔍 We live in an age that demands answers, but truth is complex and multifaceted, often best explored through a network of narratives rather than simple solutions.
• ✝️ The speaker contrasts two historical 'crosses': one during the fall of Rome (410 AD) and Augustine's focus on spiritual truth, and another with Descartes' Cartesian plane, symbolizing the shift to reason and science.
• 🧠 Narratives are fundamental to how humans process and understand the world, with the brain literally synchronizing when people share stories, fostering empathy and deeper connections.
• 👁️ Our perception of reality is shaped by the narratives we carry, as our brains fill in gaps based on the stories we've internalized, influencing what we see and how we understand others.
• 🎭 Too often, organizations and leaders suppress personal narratives, resulting in a lack of empathy and understanding between people.
• 🛡️ The speaker shares a personal story of loss and redemption, using storytelling as a metaphorical tool to overcome life’s challenges and rebuild their identity.
• 🧬 Narratives allow individuals to connect with their humanity, understand their scars, and find meaning, illustrating that personal stories create bonds and shared understanding.
• 🌅 The speaker concludes that sharing personal narratives is essential for being truly seen and known, advocating for empathy and vulnerability in storytelling.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speaker's talk?

The main theme is the importance of narratives in understanding ourselves and the world. The speaker argues that stories are essential for empathy, human connection, and personal growth.

How does the speaker contrast piracy of the past with modern-day piracy?

The speaker contrasts past piracy, which involved stealing gold, with modern-day piracy, which involves stealing stories (such as movies). This transition highlights the growing value of stories over material wealth.

Why does the speaker believe liberal arts education is important despite its current challenges?

The speaker believes liberal arts education is essential because it teaches people how to ask meaningful questions, engage with multiple narratives, and explore what it means to be human. These skills are increasingly rare in a society focused on finding answers.

What historical events do the two 'crosses' in the talk symbolize?

The first cross symbolizes the fall of Rome and the rise of Christian theology, focusing on the city of God and personal spiritual connection. The second cross represents Descartes' Cartesian plane and the shift towards reason and science. Both crosses represent systems seeking certainty.

What does the speaker suggest is missing in modern times, despite advances in science and reason?

The speaker suggests that what's missing is the understanding of what it means to be human. While science and reason give answers, they do not address the depth and nuance of human experience, which can only be explored through narratives.

How does the speaker describe the role of narrative in human brain function?

The speaker describes how the brain's default mode network builds a narrative of our lives, integrating new information and helping us understand past, present, and future. The brain is wired to engage with stories, creating empathy and comprehension through neural synchronization.

What is neural coupling, and how does it relate to storytelling?

Neural coupling is the synchronization of brain activity between a storyteller and listeners. As listeners comprehend a story, their brain patterns mirror those of the storyteller, fostering deeper understanding and empathy.

What experiment involving fMRI and storytelling does the speaker reference, and what were its findings?

The speaker references a study where a woman told a story in an fMRI, and 12 others listened while their brain activity was recorded. The study found that as the listeners understood the story, their brain activity synchronized with the storyteller's, especially in areas related to narrative and empathy.

How does the speaker explain the concept of seeing through narratives?

The speaker explains that our brain processes only a fraction of the information our eyes receive, filling in gaps based on past experiences and narratives. Our understanding of the world is shaped by the stories we know, and without knowing someone's story, we may not fully 'see' or understand them.

Why does the speaker believe it's important to share our stories and scars?

The speaker believes that sharing our stories and scars is crucial because it allows us to be truly seen and known by others. By revealing our vulnerabilities and experiences, we foster empathy and connection, which are key to understanding one another.