TED Talks Daily Beyond the Talk: Pico Iyer on silence and stillness
31 snips
Jan 10, 2026 
Pico Iyer, an accomplished author and essayist, delves into the importance of silence and mindfulness in today’s frenetic world. He shares insights on how avoiding a cell phone fosters deeper connections and reflects on nationalism as a response to our increasingly interconnected lives. Iyer contrasts stillness and silence as vital practices for clarity. He offers practical tips for cultivating quiet moments amidst chaos, emphasizing that silence fosters connection rather than isolation. His anecdotes from silent retreats showcase the liberating power of stillness.
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Pace Of Life Versus Human Design
- Humans were never designed to live at a pace determined by machines, and we long to clear space in our heads and days.
- Pico Iyer frames stillness as a remedy to a culturally accelerated life rather than mere nostalgia for quiet.
Choose Enduring Sounds Over Chatter
- Choosing what to listen to matters: natural, enduring sounds free you from internal chatter and despair.
- Silence lets you shift from feeling powerless to being placed within a hopeful, larger world.
Silence Strengthens Connection
- Silence can deepen connection by helping you remember and actually hear the people you care about.
- Stepping away from noise lets essential concerns rise to the top and guides clearer action when you return.