[Ce TEDx sera en anglais]

Today, we live in a world far too loud. Many of us are guilty of getting caught up in the chaos of life, forgetting to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. In turn, those who embrace the quiet and foster the silence are penalized in more ways than we can ever imagine.

Consequently, most lack the crucial skill to listen in schools, in the workplace, as parents, as friends and most importantly to ourselves. For instance, in the education system, simply listening has become frowned upon, in fact it’s openly discouraged. We are bombarded with the push to constantly participate and speak up, though for some reason, society fails to remember that silence is one of the greatest gifts life has to offer. This causes our listening abilities to suffer in order to meet the needs of a rubric set out in front of us. Though, In order to truly ponder important thoughts, develop ideas and learn, we need the silence that grants listening. Students are expected to perform at a certain standard, but how can we do that when the one thing necessary is so condemned? Well, it’s impossible, and the answer to why our world is flawed on this matter.

In all realms of life, humanity has slowly criminalized the quiet, stripping away the opportunity for people to become their best selves and understand the world around them. Yet, the fix is so simple, but painfully ignored. I’m here to change this and advocate that we need to end our constant battle with the loud and find peace in the silence.