Can one man change the world by not talking?
John Glionna has an interesting profile in today’s LA Times about John Francis, a man who stopped speaking for 17 years.
Moved by an oil spill in San Francisco Bay, John Francis in 1973 stopped speaking, stopped using motor vehicles, and began a solitary, speechless trek across the world. For 17 years, he used a mix of signing, facial expression, art, writing, and banjo to communicate and connect. Along the way, he wore out 100 pairs of shoes and earned 3 degrees in science and environmental studies. And somehow, in the process of giving up his voice, he gave a voice to an uncompromising idea about humans and the way they interact with each other and with the earth.
John Francis began speaking again on Earth Day 1990.
“At first it was all about oil pollution, loss of habitat, cutting down trees,” he said. “It evolved into a deeper meaning: how humans treat each other when they meet, opening dialogues so we can talk about things like saving the Earth.”
If you liked that post, then try these...
What's your 'everyday eco?' by Vicky on April 26th, 2009
I've been thinking a lot lately about how being busy everyday can affect how green you live.
It's all about the greenhouse this year by Vicky on March 7th, 2009
My great uncle Bill used to spend hours in his greenhouse.
Veg Patch Diaries 2008 by Vicky on June 24th, 2008
Although I'm not going to write in any great detail about my veg growing adventures this year I just wanted to do a quick update and let you know (those of you who are interested) that despite not much success last year we haven't given up on the good life yet.
