Bahá’u’lláh says there is a sign (from God) in every phenomenon: the sign of the intellect is contemplation and the sign of contemplation is silence, because it is impossible for a man to do two things at one time—he cannot both speak and meditate.
It is an axiomatic fact that while you meditate you are speaking with your own spirit. In that state of mind you put certain questions to your spirit and the spirit answers: the light breaks forth and the reality is revealed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá – Paris Talks - page 175)
In March this year Susan Cain was recorded giving a TED talk on the theme of her book Quiet. She is well aware of the irony of pacing a platform in front of so many people and talking about introversion. I reckon she pulls the feat off amazingly well. What do you reckon? Particularly moving are the memories of her grandfather she shares towards the end of her talk and also her teasing out the implications of silence for spirituality and creativity.
Her talk opened a locked door to my soul
Susan Cain’s talk is one of the most moving things I’ve seen on TED. She really speaks to my soul! I have my suitcase full of books…
Oh, and Pete, do you embody the spirit of Susan Cain’s grandfather?
I am checking this book out because I see that it is being reviewed by Elaine Charles on her radio show The Book Report (www.bookreportradio.com) on 13 May. This TED talk is excellent. One wonders what American Foreign Policy would be like if people stopped to think instead of just taking action