Nader Helmy - NFL 2011 Original Oratory Champion

Summary

In this thought-provoking speech, the speaker reflects on the cultural tendency to discard the 'old' in favor of the new, from possessions to relationships. Using personal anecdotes—like a tailor’s appreciation for an old suit and a family prayer tradition at a modern mall—the speaker challenges the notion that newer is always better. They propose a three-step solution: re-evaluating true value, offering support to meaningful relationships, and bridging generations by building on the past. Ultimately, the speaker calls for a balanced approach that values both the old and the new, creating a harmonious foundation for personal growth and societal progress.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ahmed the Taylor values old things, like a suit, and sees potential where others see waste. This reflects the broader theme of appreciating the value in the 'old.'
• 😀 In modern society, 'old' often equals 'obsolete,' driven by a culture of constant newness. This leads to the quick discarding of possessions and relationships.
• 😀 Planned obsolescence is a tactic where products are designed to wear out or break quickly, while perceived obsolescence convinces people that functional items are no longer valuable.
• 😀 The 'arrogance of change' assumes that newer means better, neglecting the value that older items and experiences bring, such as timeless functionality and wisdom.
• 😀 Relationships, like possessions, are often discarded in favor of the 'new' and 'fresh,' leading to shallow connections and the loss of valuable long-term bonds.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the disconnect between the older and younger generations, with many rejecting the wisdom and experiences of older individuals in favor of novelty.
• 😀 Despite societal pressures to discard the old, there are moments, like in the aftermath of disaster, where people recognize the deep personal value in old possessions and keepsakes.
• 😀 The cultural shift in modern America has led to the loss of traditional values like family, community, and respect for elders, which were once central to society.
• 😀 The speaker’s personal reflection as a Middle Eastern immigrant in America shows the internal conflict between old traditions and modern, Western influences, encouraging a blend of both.
• 😀 The speaker proposes a three-step solution to valuing the old: 1) Reevaluate true worth vs. perceived worth, 2) Support relationships and traditions, 3) Build upon the efforts of those before us for future growth.
• 😀 By embracing the value of the old, whether in possessions or relationships, we can create a more meaningful and connected life, blending both the new and the timeless.

Q & A

Who is Ahmed the tailor, and why is he significant to the speaker's story?

Ahmed the tailor is a figure from the speaker's childhood in Egypt, known for his ability to see the potential in old things, especially old possessions like suits. He represents the value of the old, contrasting with society's tendency to discard items in favor of the new.

What does the speaker mean by the term 'expiration day culture'?

The term 'expiration day culture' refers to a societal mindset that prioritizes the newest, youngest, and most modern things, viewing the old as inferior or irrelevant. This attitude extends to possessions, people, and even relationships.

How does the speaker critique the concept of planned obsolescence?

The speaker critiques planned obsolescence by explaining how products are designed to break or become outdated quickly. This encourages consumers to discard items and purchase new ones, fostering a cycle of waste and overconsumption.

What is the difference between planned obsolescence and perceived obsolescence?

Planned obsolescence refers to products being intentionally designed to fail or become obsolete, while perceived obsolescence occurs when a product is still functional but is seen as outdated or undesirable due to societal pressure to always have the latest version.

How does the speaker connect the theme of discarding possessions to relationships?

The speaker draws a parallel between the way people discard old possessions and the way they often discard relationships, particularly older ones. In a society obsessed with novelty, people are more likely to seek out new relationships and discard long-term friendships or family connections.

What does the speaker say about the value of older people in society?

The speaker points out that older people, particularly those over 65, are often disconnected from younger generations. This leads to a devaluation of their life experiences, wisdom, and expertise, which are valuable but overlooked in modern culture.

What cultural shift does the speaker identify in America regarding older traditions and values?

The speaker identifies a cultural shift in America where older values, such as respect for tradition, community, and family, are seen as 'old-fashioned' and less relevant. This shift has led to a loss of these values, as newer, more individualistic ideals take precedence.

How does the speaker's personal experience at the Mall of America illustrate the clash between the old and the new?

The speaker shares a personal story where their father insisted on stopping to pray in front of the Apple Store at the Mall of America. This moment highlighted the contrast between the modern, consumer-driven environment and the speaker's traditional values, leading them to reflect on the importance of not discarding old traditions.

What are the three steps the speaker proposes for valuing the old in our lives?

The three steps proposed by the speaker are: 1) Plan, by reevaluating what holds true value instead of perceived value; 2) Support, by nurturing relationships with older family members and friends; 3) Build upon the past, by learning from previous generations while embracing the new.

How does the speaker suggest we apply the idea of an 'internal cathedral' to our own lives?

The speaker suggests that, much like the builders of cathedrals who created lasting structures, we can build an 'internal cathedral' by re-evaluating what we value, supporting important relationships, and preserving the lessons from past generations while moving forward into the future.