Heroes we carry with us: Brian Palmer at TEDxUppsalaUniversity

Summary

The speaker shares their deep anxiety and fascination with individuals who display extraordinary courage in the face of danger. They highlight the inspiring stories of Malala Yousafzai, Sophie Scholl, Witold Pilecki, and others who risked their lives for justice and humanity. Through these examples, the speaker reflects on the power of civic courage and the capacity of human beings to shine amidst brutality and indifference, offering a hopeful perspective on our shared potential for greatness.

Takeaways

• 😟 The speaker experiences constant anxiety, worrying about small and large issues alike.
• 🌍 The speaker admires individuals who face monumental challenges and take on great risks, like the lone protester at Tiananmen Square.
• 📚 The speaker has been fascinated by courageous individuals since college and has studied their lives as a social anthropologist.
• 👧 Malala Yousafzai is highlighted as a hero who bravely wrote a blog about life under the Taliban at just 11 years old, despite the danger.
• 🎓 The speaker references teaching a popular course on civic courage and engagement at Harvard, emphasizing the impact of courage.
• 📝 Sophie Scholl, a student who resisted Nazi Germany, is recognized as a symbol of courage, even being voted the greatest German of all time by a younger generation.
• 🏃‍♂️ Courage is contagious, but the speaker warns that some acts of bravery, like those of Witold Pilecki, who voluntarily entered Auschwitz, are extraordinary and rare.
• 🚒 Civic courage often involves going against the flow, like firefighters running into danger during 9/11, or individuals intervening in everyday situations.
• 😲 The speaker shares lighter examples of everyday courage, such as Wesley Autry saving a man on the subway tracks and 'Snack Man' defusing a fight while eating nachos.
• 🌟 The speaker concludes by expressing faith in the enduring capacity for human courage and hope, inspired by the actions of individuals like Malala, Sophie, and Witold.

Q & A

Who is the speaker fascinated by, and why?

The speaker is fascinated by individuals who voluntarily take on gigantic problems, adding great worries to their lives, such as the lone protester in Tiananmen Square or individuals like Malala Yousafzai and Sophie Scholl. These people inspire the speaker because of their courage and willingness to stand up for the common good despite the personal risks.

What did Malala Yousafzai do that made her a hero in the speaker's eyes?

Malala Yousafzai, at the age of 11, agreed to write a blog for the BBC during a time when the Taliban were blowing up girls' schools in the SWAT Valley in Pakistan. She wrote about her daily fears and aspirations, later speaking out publicly against the Taliban's actions. Despite being shot by extremists, she survived and became a global symbol for girls' education and bravery.

What does the speaker admire about Sophie Scholl?

The speaker admires Sophie Scholl for her courage in standing up against Nazi Germany. She and her brother Hans, along with a few friends, distributed pamphlets denouncing the regime, knowing the danger it posed. They were eventually captured by the Gestapo and executed, but Sophie is remembered as one of the greatest Germans of all time for her courage.

How does the speaker describe the impact of altruistic individuals like Malala and Sophie on others?

The speaker believes that when people risk their lives for the common good, they leave a profound impact on others, inspiring deep respect and admiration. Citing psychologist William James, the speaker notes that such individuals are seen as 'born superior' because they have touched 'the mystery of existence.'

What historical event does the speaker refer to when mentioning the lone protester in Tiananmen Square?

The speaker refers to the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests in China, where a lone protester stood in front of tanks, symbolizing defiance against a brutal military force. The speaker wonders about the bravery of this individual and what must have been going through his mind.

What role does the speaker believe courage plays in everyday life?

The speaker believes that courage can be contagious and transformative, even in everyday situations. Examples like Wesley Autry, who saved a man on New York subway tracks, and 'Snack Man,' who defused a conflict while nonchalantly eating nachos, show that courage can be displayed in ordinary moments and still make a significant impact.

Why does the speaker refer to Civic courage, and how does it relate to the examples mentioned?

The speaker refers to Civic courage as the ability to stand up for what is right, often going against the flow of society. The examples mentioned, like the lone protester, Malala, Sophie Scholl, and Wesley Autry, all display Civic courage by risking their well-being or life for the greater good, often in situations where others would avoid confrontation or danger.

What was Vitołd Pilecki's act of bravery, according to the speaker?

Vitołd Pilecki voluntarily entered Auschwitz during World War II to gather intelligence about the atrocities happening there. He smuggled out messages despite severe brutality and managed to escape after 947 days. After the war, he joined the resistance against Soviet domination in Poland but was captured, tortured, and executed.

How does the speaker reflect on their own experience teaching Civic courage?

The speaker reflects on teaching a course at Harvard about Civic courage and engagement, which attracted over 600 students. The speaker found that courage could inspire students to follow the paths of the guests they interviewed, indicating that courage is almost as contagious as fear.

What overarching message does the speaker leave with regarding humanity's potential for greatness?

The speaker emphasizes that despite the brutality and indifference in the world, humans still have the potential to shine magnificently through acts of courage and compassion. Examples like Malala, Sophie Scholl, and Vitołd Pilecki give the speaker hope that humans can transcend selfishness and inspire others to work for the common good.

Outlines

00:00

😟 Living with Anxiety and Admiring Courage

The speaker reflects on their experience with anxiety, a state where they are constantly worried about everyday things. They express admiration for people who face enormous challenges, such as the lone protester in Tiananmen Square and Malala Yousafzai. These individuals inspire the speaker and influence their understanding of what it means to be human. The speaker introduces Malala's story, highlighting her bravery in standing up to the Taliban in Pakistan despite the dangers.

05:01

🎯 The Attack on Malala Yousafzai

The narrative continues with the harrowing account of Malala being shot by Taliban militants for advocating for girls' education. Despite being critically injured, Malala survives after extensive medical treatment in the UK. The global outpouring of support following the attack demonstrates the deep respect for her courage. The speaker reflects on how individuals like Malala, who risk their lives for the greater good, command admiration and embody a profound sense of human altruism.

10:02

🛡️ The Courage of Sophie Scholl and Other Heroes

The speaker discusses the courage of Sophie Scholl, a German student who opposed the Nazi regime during World War II. She and her brother Hans were executed for distributing anti-Nazi pamphlets, but their legacy lives on, with Sophie being voted as the greatest German of all time. The speaker shares their experience teaching about civic courage, noting that examples of bravery can be contagious, inspiring others to take action. The story of Witold Pilecki, who volunteered to enter Auschwitz to gather intelligence, is also highlighted as an extraordinary act of courage.

15:03

💪 Everyday Acts of Heroism

The final paragraph shifts focus to acts of courage in everyday life, such as Wesley Autry saving a man from an oncoming subway train and a man known as 'Snack Man' who defused a tense situation on a New York City train while casually eating nachos. The speaker emphasizes that such acts of bravery, whether grand or small, remind them of the potential for humanity to shine even in the face of brutality and indifference. The paragraph concludes with a reaffirmation of belief in the 'secret conspiracy of hope' represented by these courageous individuals.

Keywords

💡Courage

Courage refers to the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, or adversity, often in situations that require self-sacrifice. In the video, courage is exemplified by individuals like Malala Yousafzai, who spoke out against the Taliban despite the risks, and by Sophie Scholl, who resisted Nazi Germany. The video highlights the power of courage to inspire others and make a profound impact on society.

💡Altruism

Altruism is the selfless concern for the well-being of others. It is a key concept in the video, as many of the individuals discussed, such as Wesley Autry and Vitol Paletsky, act out of a deep sense of duty to others, even at great personal risk. The video explores how altruistic actions, like risking one's life to save another, are deeply respected and admired in society.

💡Oppression

Oppression refers to the unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power, often resulting in the mistreatment or subjugation of individuals or groups. The video discusses oppression in various forms, such as the Taliban's repression of girls' education in Pakistan and the Nazi regime's persecution of Jews and other minorities. The individuals highlighted in the video, like Malala and Sophie Scholl, stood up against these oppressive forces.

💡Resilience

Resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or adversity. The video showcases resilience through the stories of people like Malala Yousafzai, who survived an assassination attempt and continued to advocate for girls' education, and Vitol Paletsky, who endured the horrors of Auschwitz and continued to resist the Nazis. Their resilience demonstrates the human spirit's ability to withstand and overcome great challenges.

💡Sacrifice

Sacrifice involves giving up something valuable or important for the sake of others or for a greater cause. The video emphasizes the sacrifices made by individuals like Sophie Scholl, who gave up her life to resist Nazi tyranny, and Vitol Paletsky, who voluntarily entered Auschwitz to gather intelligence. These sacrifices are portrayed as acts of profound moral courage that inspire others.

💡Moral Courage

Moral courage is the willingness to stand up for what is right, even in the face of personal risk or social pressure. The video discusses moral courage in the context of figures like Sophie Scholl and Malala Yousafzai, who took bold stands against powerful forces of evil. Their actions demonstrate how moral courage can lead to significant social change and inspire others to act similarly.

💡Injustice

Injustice refers to the violation of the rights of others or the unfair treatment of individuals or groups. The video highlights various forms of injustice, such as the Taliban's violence against girls seeking education and the Nazis' genocide against Jews. The individuals featured in the video, like Malala and Sophie Scholl, fought against these injustices, often at great personal cost.

💡Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. The video implicitly underscores the importance of empathy through the actions of individuals like Wesley Autry, who risked his life to save a stranger on the subway tracks. Their actions are driven by a deep sense of empathy for others' suffering and a desire to alleviate it, which is a central theme in the video.

💡Resistance

Resistance refers to the refusal to accept or comply with something, especially in the context of oppressive or unjust systems. The video discusses resistance through the actions of people like Vitol Paletsky, who resisted Nazi occupation, and Sophie Scholl, who opposed the Nazi regime through clandestine activities. Their resistance is portrayed as a vital and courageous response to tyranny.

💡Heroism

Heroism involves actions of great bravery and self-sacrifice, often in the service of a noble cause. The video highlights the heroism of individuals like Malala Yousafzai, who became a global symbol of the fight for girls' education, and Sophie Scholl, who is remembered as a hero in Germany for her resistance to Nazi tyranny. Their heroism inspires others and serves as a powerful example of what it means to be truly courageous.

Highlights

Love looks forward, hate looks back, and anxiety has eyes all over its head.

The speaker identifies as someone who spends most of their time in a state of anxiety.

Malala Yousafzai, at the age of 11, volunteered to write a blog for the BBC during the Taliban's occupation of the SWAT Valley.

Despite threats, Malala used her real name and publicly spoke out for girls' education.

Malala was shot by the Taliban for her activism but survived and became a global symbol of courage.

The speaker reflects on how people like Malala, who risk their lives for the common good, inspire deep respect and admiration.

Sophie Scholl, a German student, resisted Nazi Germany by distributing anti-Hitler pamphlets.

Sophie Scholl and her brother were captured by the Gestapo and executed for their resistance efforts.

A survey in Germany identified Sophie and Hans Scholl as the greatest Germans of all time, surpassing figures like Bach and Einstein.

Vitol Paletsky voluntarily infiltrated Auschwitz to gather intelligence on the atrocities committed there.

Paletsky survived nearly 1,000 days in Auschwitz, escaped, but was later captured and executed by the Soviets.

The speaker is haunted by the bravery of individuals like Paletsky who willingly faced unimaginable horrors.

Courage is contagious, and the speaker believes it can inspire others to take bold actions.

Wesley Autry saved a man on New York subway tracks by pinning him between the rails as a train passed over them.

In a world full of brutality and indifference, the speaker finds hope in the courageous acts of individuals like Malala, Sophie, and Vitol.

Transcripts

foreign

once said that love looks forward

hate looks back and anxiety has eyes all

over its head

I think you can see that I spend most of

my time in that third state anxiety

I'm someone who worries what will happen

if I forget to floss my teeth tonight

I wake up in hotel rooms checking myself

for bed bug bites

my days are filled with 101 worries

and so I'm fascinated by individuals who

voluntarily take on gigantic problems

who add great worries to their lives

people like the lone protester

standing in front of the tanks in

Tiananmen Square China 1989.

what was that guy thinking

how how could that frail man

take on a brutal Army

already in college I began to assemble

the names of such individuals

of of martyred Heroes I wrote them on

the wall of my dorm room

and and now as a social Anthropologist I

Ponder the power and beauty of such

lives

they have changed the way I think about

what it is to be a human being

I want to introduce you to some of my

heroes

for example Malala yousafzai

how many of you know her

I I don't mean know her personally but

have have read of her some of you

it is the

winter of 2009 in the SWAT Valley in

Pakistan the Taliban extremists are

blowing up girls schools more than a

hundred of them splashing acid in the

faces of girls trying to go to school

in London the BBC editors think that it

would be interesting to have a Blog

written by a schoolgirl in the SWAT

Valley it would be sort of like Anne

Frank's diary

their local fixers ask around but nobody

wants to write such a Blog

even anonymously it could be dangerous

if one was found out

and then eleven-year-old Malala says yes

I'll do it

she Begins by writing of an 11 year

old's concerns such as how the Taliban

cut off the cable network so she can no

longer follow her favorite drama

my dream boy will come to marry me

she also writes of frightening moments I

quote

on my way home from school I heard a man

saying I will kill you

I hastened my pace

to my utter relief he was talking on his

mobile phone and must have been

threatening someone else

gradually the situation in the SWAT

Valley

became calmer

Malala described her feelings

the Taliban had been pushed out of the

valley I quote

I used to dream of becoming famous

to see my Valley freed from the clutches

of the Taliban

to see girls flying like butterflies

free from any restrictions

it is becoming as a reality

so I am happy happy and very happy

She Wrote

at that time she began to speak out

using her real name admitted that it was

she who had written the blog

after an interview on Webb television

she she wrote to the journalist an email

in all capitals I want an access to the

world of knowledge

and she signed it

your small video star

it was on the 9th of October

last year that Malala and her

schoolmates were on the school bus going

home after an exam singing Pashto and

folk songs

two armed militants stopped the school

bus one of them got on and yelled which

one of you is Malala speak up or I'll

shoot you all

he found her he shot her in the head and

neck

after a week in local hospitals Malala

was flown in a coma to a hospital in

Birmingham England

that had a specialty in gunshot wounds

to the brain

months of operations took place and she

survived

when Malala was attacked

there was a wave of love and sympathy

for her through the whole world people

collecting money for her medical care

she was on the cover of Newsweek Malala

the bravest girl in the world twice on

the cover of time

almost a million people

nominated her for the Nobel Peace Prize

as did every political party of Canada

and it's it's striking how when somebody

is willing to risk her life for the

common good it makes such a deep

impression on the rest of us

the psychologist William James pondered

that phenomenon in

1902

and and he wrote that when we meet

someone who has risked her life in this

altruistic way

we consider her to be our born Superior

so great is our respect

and James went on to say that

such people have in some sense touched

the mystery of existence

he doesn't explain what that mystery is

but I think it might be this

to

borrow a thought from Cesar Chavez

to be human is to suffer for others

God help us to be human

I think of another person who awakens

strong feelings

Sophie Scholl

born in the town of um

in Germany the same town where Albert

Einstein was born

she started as a student at the

University of Munich in 1942 her brother

was already there they had a wonderful

Student Life

discussions into the evening dinner

parties

theater

but gradually she and her brother and a

few friends

learned more and more of what their

country Nazi Germany was doing at the

time

Mass executions of Jews and others

and they decided they had to do

something about it

they wrote pamphlets against Hitler's

regime and with a hand-cranked

mimeograph machine made thousands of

copies that they distributed secretly

around Munich

they knew this was dangerous

one day Sophie and her brother were

leaving piles of pamphlets in secret

around the university when a guard saw

them ran after them grabbed them and

took them into the Gestapo

Sophie and her brother Hans

and

their small group of allies were

beheaded

a few years ago there was a survey in

Germany

of Germans between the ages of 18

and 40. asking who was the greatest

German of all time

and the results came back

the greatest German of all time

was Sophie Scholl

and Hans Shoal

ahead of buck

Beethoven and Albert Einstein

I used to teach a course about Civic

courage and engagement at Harvard

the course attracted more than 600

students per term

friends say that my ego has never

recovered from that time

and and they're right

Boston magazine wrote of the course they

they said that it led the students

toward Saint Francis Styles sainthood

the magazine continued

the courses taught by the slim wispy

voiced and vaguely Monkish Brian Palmer

and I thought to myself how did they

find out so much about me

we invited guests to the course who had

shown great courage to to interview them

about their work

and I found that the students often

wanted to follow along with these guests

in their in their Endeavors and it's it

struck me then that courage can be

almost as contagious as fear

but but some examples of Courage

should perhaps carry a warning

don't try this at home

I think of vitol paletsky

he and his wife and their two children

had a farm in the Polish Countryside he

was trained as a musician he also did

volunteer work

and they had an idyllic uh life there

until something happened

September 1939 the Germans invaded

Poland

Vito joined the resistance

after a year there were rumors

circulating

about a prison camp that the Germans had

established in Poland

in a town called Auschwitz

it was said to be a place of

extraordinary brutality but no one knew

the details

and and we told felt that it was

important for

the Polish underground and for everyone

who was standing against the Nazis to to

know what was happening in Auschwitz

so he volunteered to go in

he waited till a day when the Germans

were rounding up Jews and political

opponents in a square in Warsaw and he

ran into the group so that he would also

be taken prisoner and his plan was to

smuggle out messages when he could

already after a few days the first

message arrived he described how a guard

had become irritated with him and hit

him in the face with a metal rod

I spat out my two front teeth he wrote

bleeding began

it didn't get any better for the next

947 days while he was there

eventually he was able to escape making

a run for it getting shot in the

shoulder but surviving and he came home

to his wife and children again

after the war ended

vetold couldn't accept Soviet domination

of Poland joined the resistance once

more

was caught tortured at length and

executed

they told

you haunt me

I can't understand

how someone would voluntarily

go into Auschwitz

go to the places that scare you

said the Buddhist nun pay my children

and Civic courage is often about going

in a different direction than everyone

else the firefighters running up the

World Trade Center towers

when everyone else is trying to run down

we try also to take up uh examples of

courage in everyday situations

such as Wesley Autry

an African-American construction worker

he was at a subway station in New York

a man on the platform had a seizure and

tumbled down onto the tracks just as the

train was coming in Wesley jumped down

he pushed the other man in the space

between the two metal rails and pinned

him there the train ran over both men

neither neither was harmed

they were they were there waiting for

the rescue rescue crews for half an hour

and Wesley said it was one of the more

unusual conversations of his life

because the other man didn't understand

why he was under a New York City subway

train being hugged by a stranger

or also in New York I think of a

situation on the number six train

a man had been attacking a woman

another man

stood between the victim and the the

attacker uh

to to to stop the fight and while doing

so he continued to eat his nachos from a

little tray nonchalantly to to calm down

the atmosphere

he went into YouTube history forever as

snack man

oh

with with great nachos comes great

responsibility

as as someone commented

but

with

with or without nachos

it's it's people like this

it's it's people like this who pull me

back from the abyss of despair

who remind me that in our world of

brutality

and and of indifference to others

suffering

it is still possible for our human

species to shine this magnificently

yes

yes Malala

yes Sophie

yes we told

I believe in your secret conspiracy

of Hope