Everything is Connected -- Here's How: | Tom Chi | TEDxTaipei

Tom Chi begins by sharing his lifelong curiosity about the universe and its workings. He explains that his journey from astrophysics to understanding human nature has been profound. Chi introduces the concept that everything is connected, not in an abstract way, but through concrete and understandable means. He uses the example of the heart and its function, highlighting the role of hemoglobin and the iron atom at its core. He traces the origin of iron to the supernovas and supermassive stars, emphasizing that the iron in our veins is a direct result of these cosmic events. Chi further explains that the formation of stars is driven by galactic collisions, which are visible through images from the Hubble Space Telescope. These collisions ignite new star formations, which in turn produce the iron that is central to life on Earth.

The second story focuses on the breath, a simple yet profound action that connects us to our bodies. Chi explains that taking a deep breath was not possible on Earth three billion years ago due to the lack of oxygen in the atmosphere. He describes the process by which cyanobacteria, through photosynthesis, transformed the planet's atmosphere from one with little oxygen to one rich in it. This process took billions of years and allowed for the formation of the ozone layer, which was essential for the emergence of complex, multicellular life. Chi points out that the descendants of cyanobacteria, now known as chloroplasts, continue to perform photosynthesis in plants, thus connecting our breath to the life processes of plants. He also reflects on the idea that the impact of individual lives, like those of the ancient cyanobacteria, can have far-reaching effects that extend beyond our understanding.

In the third story, Chi discusses the connection of the mind, using the piano as a metaphor. He shares his personal connection to the instrument and describes how professional pianists dedicate significant portions of their brain to mastering it. Chi explores how the brain's capacity to learn and perform such a complex task is a relatively new development in human history, as the piano was invented in the 1700s. He suggests that the invention and mastery of the piano required a convergence of various fields of knowledge and skills. Chi introduces the concept of 'The Palette of Being,' which represents the sum of human experiences and knowledge available to each new generation. He argues that each person has the opportunity to create a unique 'painting' with the 'colors' of being available at the time of their birth, and also to contribute new 'colors' through their own inventions and creative expressions.

Chi concludes by emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things in the universe, from the cosmic to the cellular. He suggests that our actions, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on the world, much like how cyanobacteria transformed the Earth's atmosphere. He ponders on the gift of consciousness and its implications for understanding our interconnectedness. Chi argues that recognizing this connection is not only a spiritual truth but also a scientific fact, evident at every level of the universe's organization. He calls for a collective understanding of this truth and a commitment to living in accordance with it, challenging ourselves to consider the implications of our connectedness for our actions and decisions.