TED - Can Curiosity Heal Division? | Scott Shigeoka | TED
In 2017, the speaker began experiencing auditory hallucinations that were negative and persistent. Initially, they tried to ignore these voices, but upon their therapist's advice, they began to listen and understand them. This process revealed that the voices echoed past experiences of shame and bullying, particularly related to their identity. By embracing these voices, the speaker found a path to healing and self-love. This personal insight extended into their professional work at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, where they explore societal divisions. The speaker embarked on a road trip across the U.S., engaging with diverse communities, including Trump supporters and religious groups, to practice curiosity and find common ground. Through these interactions, they discovered that curiosity can break down biases and foster connections, even with those who hold different beliefs. The speaker emphasizes that curiosity is not just an intellectual exercise but a means to love and understand others deeply, advocating for its practice to bridge divides and enhance relationships.
Key Points:
- Embrace curiosity to understand and heal personal fears and biases.
- Listening to internal voices can reveal past traumas and lead to self-acceptance.
- Curiosity can bridge societal divides by fostering understanding and connection.
- Engaging with diverse perspectives can reduce biases and promote shared humanity.
- Practicing curiosity is a powerful way to enhance love and relationships.