John Francis Walks the Earth: Reflection

John Francis talks about his travels that were done completely on foot and without a word said. After seeing the environmental damage two collided oil tankers caused John to make a commitment he would stop using motorized vehicles. This caused him to get into arguments with people thinking he was trying to make the look bad. He decided he would stop speaking for a day. He found that his silence allowed him to learn a great deal and he kept silent for the next seventeen years. During this time he studied environment at multiple universities (He walked across the States to do so). He has since started to talk and use motorized vehicles again because now being a U.N. ambassador he has responsibilities beyond just his own.
I found it amazing how much he accomplished with the "handicaps" he made for himself. He must have a lot of will power and sense of purpose not to start using vehicles. But i believe he should have started using vehicles again earlier it would have allowed him to accomplish much more in a shorter time. I understand that it sent a good environmental message but after his environmental studies i think he could put his knowlege to greater use with some mobility. His talk also showed me how much you can learn from others by just listening and observing. I may have to try to go a day without talking and see what i learn.

Francis J.John Francis walks the Earth. Avail. from http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/john_francis_walks_the_earth.html(Nov.2008)