Malu Bertanya, Sesat Dijalan | Husein Al-Hadar | TEDxUINJakarta

Summary

In this compelling speech, Husein Ja'far Al Hadar, also known as Habib Ja'far, discusses the importance of continuous self-discovery and critical thinking through his movement 'Pemuda Tersesat'. He emphasizes the need to question societal norms, overcome the ego, and embrace curiosity. Drawing on the Socratic method of asking meaningful questions, he advocates for humility in the pursuit of knowledge. Habib Ja'far shares his personal journey from leading a mental health initiative to becoming a prominent figure in Indonesia, urging listeners to see feeling 'lost' as a path to enlightenment and growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of embracing being 'lost' as a path to self-discovery and growth, which drives continuous learning and improvement.
• 😀 Husein Ja'far Al Hadar (Habib Ja'far) founded Pemuda Tersesat, an initiative focusing on mental health, entrepreneurship, and educational scholarships for youth in Indonesia.
• 😀 'Pemuda Tersesat' began as a Ramadan project, but its popularity grew, leading to its continued success and influence beyond Ramadan.
• 😀 The project has gained millions of viewers, with its content answering unconventional questions people need answered, addressing issues often avoided in traditional religious forums.
• 😀 Critical thinking is a central theme, where the speaker encourages people to ask questions and remain humble in their search for knowledge.
• 😀 The concept of 'Socratic method' or asking questions is essential in fostering critical thinking, helping people to challenge assumptions and seek deeper truths.
• 😀 Ego and pride are identified as barriers to learning and growth, with the speaker encouraging individuals to overcome the fear of appearing ignorant in order to ask meaningful questions.
• 😀 Questions are portrayed as the key to knowledge, and asking questions, even if they seem strange or unorthodox, is crucial for understanding the world and oneself.
• 😀 The speaker stresses that there are no 'wrong' questions, but there can be 'wrong' answers, with ignorance being the first step toward gaining knowledge.
• 😀 Comedic questioning is used as a tool to break down barriers, enabling serious discussions and critiques without direct confrontation, using humor to speak truths.
• 😀 Being open-minded is necessary to accept new perspectives and ideas, especially when they challenge our long-held beliefs or assumptions.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind the 'Pemuda Tersesat' initiative?

The 'Pemuda Tersesat' initiative aims to address the questions and struggles of young people in Indonesia by providing mental health support, entrepreneurship opportunities, and scholarships. It encourages self-exploration and growth through unorthodox approaches to learning and self-improvement.

Why does the speaker refer to himself as 'Habib swasta' instead of just 'Habib'?

The speaker uses 'Habib swasta' to convey that he is not bound by traditional expectations associated with religious or social titles. He prefers to remain humble and self-identified rather than adhering strictly to societal labels.

What inspired the creation of 'Pemuda Tersesat'?

The creation of 'Pemuda Tersesat' was inspired by a Ramadan cultural program called 'Kultum,' where the speaker and his friend aimed to provide meaningful answers to unconventional questions that were often not addressed in conventional religious forums.

How did 'Pemuda Tersesat' gain popularity?

It gained popularity because of its unique approach to addressing pressing and unexpected questions, often related to life, religion, and society. This engaging format attracted hundreds of thousands to millions of viewers, especially during Ramadan.

What role does humor play in the 'Pemuda Tersesat' approach?

Humor is used as an accessible tool to engage people and communicate serious messages. It serves to critique societal norms and encourages people to think critically while making difficult topics more relatable and digestible.

What is the significance of the 'Socratic method' mentioned in the script?

The 'Socratic method' is significant because it emphasizes the importance of asking meaningful questions to encourage deeper thinking and understanding. It promotes critical thinking through dialogue and helps individuals challenge assumptions and seek knowledge.

Why is the concept of 'feeling lost' central to the speaker's message?

The concept of 'feeling lost' is central because it represents a state of self-awareness and curiosity, driving continuous learning. The speaker believes that feeling lost can push individuals to seek enlightenment and grow, preventing them from becoming stagnant or complacent.

How does the speaker view the relationship between humility and knowledge?

The speaker views humility as essential for acquiring knowledge. By acknowledging that one does not know everything and asking questions, a person opens themselves up to new learning experiences and avoids the trap of thinking they know everything.

What are the four key guides to critical thinking discussed by the speaker?

The four key guides to critical thinking are: 1) Clarifying thoughts without opportunistic interests, 2) Focusing on accuracy rather than speed, 3) Delaying belief and maximizing questioning, and 4) Maintaining an open mind to new truths and perspectives.

What does the speaker suggest about the ego and its role in learning?

The speaker suggests that ego is a barrier to learning, as it creates shame or pride that prevents individuals from asking necessary questions. Overcoming ego allows for deeper understanding and prevents individuals from remaining in ignorance or stubbornly holding onto wrong beliefs.