TED Talks Daily The revolutionary power of diverse thought | Elif Shafak
Oct 25, 2019
Elif Shafak, a renowned novelist and human rights activist, passionately discusses the necessity of diverse perspectives in combating authoritarianism. She emphasizes that we can learn from populists and isolationists alike, advocating for the beauty of cosmopolitanism. Shafak explores how synesthesia influences creativity, revealing the emotional complexity tied to national identity. With a call for empathy and the embracing of complexity, she champions the revolutionary power of plurality in a world leaning towards oversimplification.
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The Taste of Words and Emotions
- Shafak connects the taste of words with emotions, noting that happy and sad words have different flavors.
- She describes the taste of her motherland, Turkey, as bittersweet, reflecting mixed emotions.
The Power of Emotions in Politics
- Mainstream political theory overlooks the impact of emotions.
- Collective sentiments, amplified by social media, now significantly influence politics.
Liquid Countries vs. Solid Countries
- Shafak recounts an encounter with an American scholar who viewed the world as divided.
- The scholar believed some countries were 'liquid' and unstable, while others, like America, were 'solid'.