TED: The art of stillness | Pico Iyer

The speaker shares their journey from a young traveler to a travel writer, emphasizing the importance of stillness and reflection in a fast-paced world. They discuss how travel can bring magic to life but stress that true insight comes from sitting still. The speaker highlights the need to balance technology with limits and the value of rest and empty space. They recount personal experiences, including moving to Kyoto for a simpler life, and advocate for the urgency of stillness in today's accelerated society.

What inspired the narrator to become a travel writer?

• A recommendation from a friend

• A fascination with different cultures

• A love for flying developed during school trips

• A desire to escape from home

According to the narrator, what is essential to appreciate the magic of travel?

• Visiting exotic locations

• Having the right perspective

• Traveling with friends

• Taking lots of photos

What does the narrator mean by 'going nowhere'?

• Avoiding travel altogether

• Living in isolation

• Sitting still and reflecting

• Traveling to remote places

How does the narrator suggest we can change our lives?

• By changing our mind

• By changing our environment

• By changing our job

• By changing our friends

What paradox does the narrator highlight about modern technology?

• It increases productivity but reduces creativity

• It connects us globally but disconnects us personally

• It provides information but decreases knowledge

• It makes life easier but more expensive

What practice do some in Silicon Valley follow to disconnect from technology?

• Internet Sabbath

• Digital Detox

• Offline Weekends

• Tech-Free Tuesdays

Why did the narrator move to Kyoto, Japan?

• To learn a new language

• For a job opportunity

• To escape city life

• To find peace and clarity

What does the narrator value most about their life in Kyoto?

• Cultural excitement

• Job advancement

• Social interactions

• Time and space to think

What is the narrator's view on the importance of stillness?

• It is only for the elderly

• It is a waste of time

• It is unnecessary in a fast-paced world

• It is a luxury in modern life

What does the narrator suggest as an alternative to a traditional vacation?

• Going nowhere

• Taking a cruise

• Visiting family

• Traveling to a new city