The Art of Stillness | Pico Iyer | TED

Summary

The speaker, a lifelong traveler and writer, shares his journey from seeking the extraordinary in distant lands to finding profound joy and insight in stillness. He argues that in our fast-paced, connected world, the art of 'going nowhere'—sitting still and reflecting—offers a more meaningful and enriching experience than constant movement. By embracing stillness, one can find clarity, true happiness, and a deeper connection with oneself and the world.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The speaker's love for travel began at a young age and continued into adulthood, influencing their career path as a travel writer.
• 🛫 Traveling alone from a young age fostered a deep appreciation for the experience of flying and different cultures.
• 🌐 The speaker believes that the magic of travel comes from one's perspective and ability to appreciate the beauty in different places.
• 🧘‍♂️ Contrary to the constant movement of travel, the speaker found that sitting still and reflecting was a powerful way to process experiences and find inner peace.
• 🏔 The idea that one's perception shapes their experience is illustrated by the example of an angry man in the Himalayas who fails to appreciate the beauty around him.
• 📚 The speaker emphasizes the importance of introspection and the value of 'going nowhere' to gain clarity and insight into one's own life.
• 📈 The Stoics' philosophy that it's not experiences that define us but what we do with them is highlighted as a timeless truth.
• 🌪️ The impact of events in our lives is subjective, as shown by the contrasting reactions to a hurricane's destruction.
• 📱 Despite technological advancements, the speaker suggests that modern life demands constant availability, which can lead to a loss of personal connection.
• 🏡 The concept of a 'second home' is redefined as taking time off to create mental and emotional space for oneself, rather than a physical place.
• 🧘‍♀️ The speaker's personal journey led them to embrace a simpler life in Kyoto, Japan, prioritizing stillness and reflection over the fast pace of their previous life.
• 🌅 The talk concludes with the message that in a fast-paced world, slowing down and sitting still can be the most enriching and necessary action one can take.

Q & A

Why did the speaker choose to attend boarding school in England instead of a local school in California?

The speaker found it would be cheaper to attend boarding school in England than the best school near his parents' house in California, even considering the cost of flying there several times a year.

What did the speaker do immediately after graduating from high school?

The speaker got a job mopping tables so he could spend every season of his 18th year on a different continent, combining his love for travel with the means to do so.

How did the speaker's job as a travel writer influence his perspective on travel and life?

As a travel writer, the speaker found that experiencing the world's wonders could bring magic and clarity to one's life, but also realized that the true magic comes from one's perspective and ability to appreciate the beauty in any place.

What did the speaker learn about the importance of stillness from his travels?

The speaker learned that developing attentive and appreciative eyes, and thus a deeper understanding and appreciation of experiences, often comes from periods of stillness and reflection rather than constant movement.

How does the speaker relate the concept of 'going nowhere' to personal growth and understanding?

The speaker suggests that 'going nowhere'—spending time in stillness and reflection—allows one to sift through experiences, understand the past and future, and find true happiness and direction in life.

What is the significance of the speaker's reference to the Stoics and their philosophy on experience?

The Stoics' philosophy emphasizes that it's not the experiences themselves that shape our lives, but how we respond to them. This aligns with the speaker's point that our interpretation and internal processing of experiences are what truly matter.

Can you explain the speaker's point about the difference between the impact of a trip and the impact of reflecting on it?

The speaker argues that while a trip may last only a few days, the process of sitting still and reflecting on the trip can last a lifetime, turning fleeting sights into lasting insights.

What is the speaker's view on the relationship between technology and the need for stillness in our lives?

The speaker observes that even those who create technologies that eliminate old limits are often the most aware of the need for limits, including the need for stillness and disconnection from technology to gain perspective and maintain emotional intelligence.

Why did the speaker decide to abandon his dream life in New York for a simpler life in Kyoto, Japan?

The speaker felt overwhelmed by the constant motion and noise of his life in New York and sought the stillness and simplicity of life in Kyoto to better understand his happiness and to live a more meaningful life.

How does the speaker describe the benefits of taking time off and creating 'empty space' in one's life?

The speaker describes the benefits as the ability to refresh one's creativity, joy, and perspective, allowing for a more fulfilling and connected life with loved ones and work.

What advice does the speaker give for those who wish to experience the world more deeply and return home rejuvenated?

The speaker advises considering 'going nowhere,' or taking time for stillness and reflection, as a way to gain a deeper appreciation for life and to return home with fresh hope and love for the world.