El poder de una conversación: Álvaro González-Alorda at TEDxPuraVida 2013

Summary

This script recounts the harrowing tale of 16 survivors from a plane crash in the Andes, emphasizing the internal struggles they faced, particularly on the 72nd day. It draws parallels between their fight for survival and the challenges we face in life, advocating for meaningful conversations that can transform lives. The speaker also reflects on the impact of technology on communication, urging for more face-to-face interactions to mend broken relationships and improve the world.

Takeaways

• 😶 The story of the Andes plane crash and the 72-day survival of 16 people is a testament to human resilience and the psychological impact of extreme situations.
• 📚 The book 'La sociedad de la nieve' by Paulo Bierce provides a deep insight into the internal experiences of the survivors, highlighting the struggle and the decision-making process during their ordeal.
• 🌟 The most difficult moment for the survivors was on the 13th day when they experienced a profound shock, seeing their own deaths and the stark reality of their situation.
• 🤝 The act of helping each other, even in the face of death, showcases the power of human connection and the importance of community in times of crisis.
• 💬 The speaker emphasizes the importance of face-to-face conversations in personal and professional life, suggesting that they can change the course of our lives.
• 📱 The rapid technological advancements have changed the way we communicate, sometimes leading to a disconnection with the people around us despite being more connected than ever.
• 🔢 The speaker suggests that avoiding difficult conversations by sending emails can exacerbate problems and that direct, meaningful dialogue is essential for resolving issues.
• 👫 The speaker is moved by lifelong friendships and relationships, which are a stark contrast to the broken relationships and families prevalent in today's world.
• 🌱 The idea that each person can make a difference by focusing on their immediate circle of influence, such as friends, family, and colleagues, is presented as a way to change the world.
• 🎼 The story of Paul McCartney composing 'Hey Jude' for Julian Lennon illustrates the power of inspiration and support through difficult times.
• 🚀 The speaker calls for boldness in choosing to have difficult conversations, suggesting that the quality of leadership is directly related to the quality of conversations one has.

Q & A

What is the historical event mentioned in the script involving an airplane crash in the Andes?

The script refers to the 1972 Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crash in the Andes, where a plane carrying 45 passengers crashed and 16 survivors endured 72 days in the harsh conditions of the Andes at an altitude of 4000 meters.

How did the survivors manage to survive for 72 days in the Andes?

The survivors managed to survive by huddling together for warmth, and eventually resorting to cannibalism, consuming the flesh of the deceased passengers to stay alive.

What book did the speaker receive from a friend before boarding a flight?

The speaker received the book 'La sociedad de la nieve' by Paulo Bierce, which is about the experiences of the survivors of the Andes plane crash.

What is the significance of the book 'La sociedad de la nieve' in the context of the script?

The book is significant because it provides an in-depth account of the survivors' experiences, focusing on their internal struggles and the psychological impact of the ordeal, rather than just the events that transpired.

What is the 'tipping point' moment described by the survivors as the most difficult during their ordeal?

The most difficult moment was on the 13th day when a light entered the plane, causing a shock and a triple vision of reality, leading to a profound sense of peace and the contemplation of death.

What did the speaker learn from being a professor to the daughters of two survivors of the Andes plane crash?

The script does not provide specific insights from the speaker's experience as a professor to the daughters of the survivors, but it implies a deep respect and fascination with the survivors' story.

How does the speaker relate the story of the Andes survivors to everyday life challenges?

The speaker draws a parallel between the extreme survival situation and moments in everyday life when people feel overwhelmed by failure, personal or economic difficulties, and deep pain, suggesting that sometimes a conversation or a small act can help one break free from such 'freezing' states.

What technological transition does the speaker mention as a bridge between the typewriter and the iPhone?

The speaker refers to the current generation as a 'bridge generation' that has used typewriters and now uses iPhones, indicating the significant technological changes they have witnessed.

What impact do these technological changes have according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that technological changes are accompanied by social, political, cultural, and business model changes, and that the current generation is experiencing a high level of change, which comes with both opportunities and challenges.

What is the speaker's proposal regarding the use of emails and face-to-face conversations?

The speaker proposes to have fewer emails and more face-to-face conversations, suggesting that the latter can be more meaningful and can help avoid misunderstandings and foster stronger relationships.

What is the main message the speaker wants to convey about the power of conversations?

The speaker emphasizes the power of conversations to change lives, suggesting that having meaningful, empathetic, and well-prepared conversations can inspire others and lead to positive outcomes.