TED Talks Daily The Island of Missing Trees | Elif Shafak
Aug 8, 2022
Elif Shafak, an award-winning Turkish novelist, dives into the vital themes of democracy, diversity, and identity. She passionately argues against tribalism, urging for a deeper understanding of global solidarity. The conversation touches on her new novel, exploring intergenerational trauma and the power of storytelling in fostering empathy. Elif also discusses how sensory experiences shape creativity and the intricate relationship between emotions and political narratives, highlighting the need for compassion in a polarized world.
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Tasting Words
- Elif Shafak shares an anecdote about a teenage girl asking if she tastes words while writing.
- This question prompts Shafak to reflect on synesthesia and the complex relationship between language and sensory experience.
Mixed Emotions Towards Homelands
- Shafak connects synesthesia to the mixed emotions many feel towards their homelands.
- She uses the taste of her motherland, Turkey, as an example, describing it as both sweet and bitter.
The Importance of Emotions in Politics
- Shafak criticizes mainstream political theory for neglecting the role of emotions.
- She argues that understanding and addressing emotional factors is crucial in today's political landscape.
