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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ย. 2024
- Imagine being unable to say, "I am hungry," "I am in pain," "thank you," or "I love you,” - losing your ability to communicate, being trapped inside your body, surrounded by people yet utterly alone. For 13 long years, that was Martin Pistorius’s reality. After contracting a brain infection at the age of twelve, Pistorius lost his ability to control his movements and to speak, and eventually he failed every test for mental awareness. He had become a ghost. But then a strange thing started to happen - his mind began to knit itself back together. In this moving talk, Pistorius tells how he freed himself from a life locked inside his own body.
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Absolutely horrible experience. How he managed to keep sane is testament of a very strong an resilient mind. My deepest respect.
Yeah but he rly did not have a choice. He couldn't have just died if he wanted to.
Actually, he could’ve. The less brain activity there is the more likely he was to just die. So if he gave up and just “existed” he would’ve died much sooner.
Edit: this makes it sound like I’m saying he’s dead, I’m not, I’m simply explaining how the less brain activity there is the more likely it is that your body would just shut down. (I’m no expert, just going off some knowledge and basic intel.)
Well said.
I feel for this person. They had to watch Barney and Friends.
He's just one reason why we need to stop devaluing and dehumanizing the lives of disabled people.
This is something that I really fear. I would never wish this upon anyone.
KobesMind Ayy
I once thought the pain of a bad large burn was the most pain but now I realize not all pain is equal.
Yes. Im afraid that Im gonna go the same way that Scotty Cranmer did a couple years ago. I wont have the support as he has and I wont be able to keep going like him. Its really scary huh
KobesMind Ayy
Ye
I greatly admire this man for staying sane after ten years of abuse, dehumanization and neglect. It takes a strong mind to endure that kind of thing.
He wasn't abused or neglected. He was well loved and taken care of.
@@fj2448 did you even listen to what he went through?
@@fj2448 He wasn't by his parents, but by some of the caregivers they had hired! Thank goodness for the one who was perceptive enough to notice he was aware and trying to communicate!
Wow. I was a nurse for 21 years, and I took care of several people like him. And never never did i not think they couldn't hear me! I knew they could! I would sing to my patients! And hug and tell them I loved them. I'm appalled at the care he was given! Terrible!
In 1984 I was in a head on collision and ended up in a coma for 2 weeks. And I could hear everyone! I couldn't see them because I was blind.
Anyhow. Here I am.
I have a son who does not speak from a brain infection for almost 2 yrs now. I have wondered what kind of quality of life can be expected for him. I have just seen a wonderful example of the life he can have. he is an adult of 33 years and now has to accept not being able to communicate with the world has he once did. It very concerning for me has it has been a difficult journey to keeping him mobile and seeing his cognition waiver, as well as getting him to make effort towards making life purposeful. I will give him more on Martin to hopefully encourage and inspire my son. thank you for your story and thank God for your living to tell it.
Chris CK Essential oils are very unhealthy and awful, please don’t advertise them.
@@chriskilcoyne3 This is cheap as fk man.
All our respect to you Lisa :)
I hope you were able to find a way for him to communicate with the world. Not being able to communicate is the worst possible thing - any disability pales in comparison to a complete locked-in state. Please investigate any possible ways - new technology has enabled practically anybody who is conscious to communicate via eyeball movements, e.t.c. I really hope you will find a way! Keep us updated
Much love to you and your family. I hope you are doing well, never give up! There are beautiful people in this world, even if the majority can be insensitive at times they will eventually learn that they have the least. Much love.
I know how you feel. My nonverbal autistic son will be 20 this year, and I miss his voice and yearn for his independence. This man’s story has been such an inspiration.
Incredible story. Text to speech software has come so far. The voice actually has a very conversational tone. Amazing.
In 2022, I can create Text to speech software from your voice that even you or your mother would not be able to distinguish from your original voice :D
The fact that he is still appreciating his life is mind blowing. we live in a society in which we take everything for granted. It's so inspiring to know that no matter what is happening in your life right now, there is hope for a better future.
thank you so much for this amazing speech. and thank you for sharing some of the most private moment of your life.
I had the same thought as you
even i was thinking the same thing, we don't respect what we have and we just complain what we don't have, i think it's hard to explain 😣
It's been quite a long time since a TED talk has made me cry.
I think this may have been the first one for me.
And I've listened to dozens of them.
+Mark Lucas same
The only one that got to me more than this was "2070 Paradigm Shift".
13:27 "The act of you listening to me today brings me farther into the light."
The act of you telling your story brings everyone it reaches toward your light. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Wtf are you talking about, “light”. Are you a child. Do you believe in fairies? You do? You do.
His incredible story is a reminder of what a privilege it is to have a healthy mind and body
This is the most moving TED Talk I've ever heard.
I've been talking all my life and I can't make a speech like this.
The smile on his face when he talks about meeting his wife.. ❤
I cannot believe what I just heard.. I'm shocked and I'm crying. What a kind, beautiful and strong soul. We need more people like this!
I hope they are blessed with a baby or babies !! A lovely couple . Two beautiful hearts would raise a wonderful family 🙏
I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THIS STORY GOD❤
@@alanalycan3986oh god. Grow up. God isn’t real. And I have to break this to you, but neither is the tooth fairy or the Easter bunny. This one’s going to hit you hard…. But Santa Claus is also fictional. Try learning to read so you can educate yourself.
@@alanalycan3986They do have a child. When I first read about Martin just today. The article I read, said they have a child.
13:33 @@Sam-sh5koWow!!! What made you not believe in God? Just an FYI, neither do us who DO believe in God don't think the Easter Bunny or Santa are real any more than you do. Lol! Btw, I learned to read BEFORE entering kindergarten at the age of 5. Can YOU claim that? Oh and another thing; Albert Einstein believed in God, as do many other scientists. I have friends who are doctors, lawyers, engineers, nurses, etc, who have a STRONG belief in God.
Touched my heart ! I want to hug him and thank him for fighting so hard to stay alive and enjoy life !
I want to raise my hat to science that made this possible !
+sara meachel
Science? If you mean the text-to-speech software and the hardware that is needed for it, fine. What I think should be appreciated more highly, though, is the fact that his mind "came back" and later on someone recognized his awareness.
+pennymac16 she didnt say anything about not appreciating this fact.
b
Raise your hat to the one person who displayed what humanity should be. Empathetic! Science didn’t save him, a compassionate woman did.
@@pennymac16apologies, I’ve just realised you posted this 8 years ago, most likely as an 8/9 year old. So you probably have grown up now. That’s great :)
Humans will always take advantage of those who cannot speak for themselves. Literally or figuratively speaking. Therefore, those of us who can, must stand up for those who can't.
Totally Agree!
I'm surprised the care center was not sued or disciplined in some manner. Well for sure God is the final judge.
This is why I teach in the special school that I do! Everyone deserves a voice!
wow. All these little problems people think they have have. "my phone this, I look ugly, my car's crappy, I'm out of shape, someone called me this, I can't catch a break blah blah".
This just belittles any problems that people think they have. Including myself.
Count your Blesings.
This guy is hero.
M
10:06 “I discovered that true communication is about more than conveying a message. It is about getting that message heard and respected.”
I think everyone will relate to this but it particularly hits home for people with a long term injury or disability. It’s very hard for that unique experience to feel heard. Your words really touched me Martin.
this man has "it together" in a way i will never
This made me cry. This is the most heart touching story.
That's a nightmare scenario. I hope the people in my life understands that I have high hopes for the future and would never accept death. Vegetable or comatose, in a world of possibilities the future can hold something brighter no matter how slim a chance. My one biggest fear if I were in his situation would be that I may stopped being cared for or taken off life support when I could have been saved perhaps even months later, but even if it takes decades the world is still growing. Technology advances, medicine improves, and no condition if not fatal can eventually be fixed. Hopefully even the fatal ones someday.
+Kate Clementine Well said. I'd caution, however, that it is not wise to be so optimistic; the outcomes we desire are not inevitable, instead depending on new discoveries being made and numerous other factors occurring in such a way that said discoveries can be used to better lives--in short, time will (or won't) tell. That said, I strongly second the notion that people should do their full research on new experimental procedures and then weigh the pros & cons of using them before too quickly choosing death.
+Kate Clementine i think this story is beautifull, but it itself is my nightmare you could hope all you want from the future. but living trough this wouldnt be worth it to me. if you have to and then come out of thats great but i wouldnt want to be locked inside for any amount of time and even he still is clearly affected by it so you are a patient in the eyes of others and can never truly have a normal life.
hope is a double edge sword, there is a reason why it was in Pandora's box. sometime is better to accept the truth and find the strength and ways to move on with the life that you want not what other expect of you. after all happiness is with in you. you just have to fund it.
Just finished ghost boy on audible today and was waiting to see this inspirational man until after I was done.
Exactly why science and technology need to be embraced.
Well the real point is actually why life needs to be embraced and cherished. The point you make is valid, but a distant second to the testament Martin gives to the sacredness of human life.
@@jaketate8329try not to talk like you’re religious, it makes you look funny. Like a moron LMAO.
I felt every word he said.. I am so proud for him to believe in himself en have hope despite everything he went trough. Kindess litteraly can change everyone of us. Just a smile can make us day. We all go trough challenges in our daily life and with a smile we give each other "hope" and "worhtness". How beautifull it is.. Our propfet muhammed (peace be upon him) says: "Smile because it is a charity", I really understood it now..
We were just talking about consciousness and locked-in syndrome in psychology class. This humanizes what I learned in class. The human brain is amazing.
This is the most emotional ted talk I ever watch.. Begin able to communicate is a bless that we don't think about.. I admire this man a lot for begin able to share his story with people It is so admirable!! I respect him a lot..
I am crying 😭
@@nobo618 surely most of us did
I just cried watching his story on 60Minutes and Now found this new vidoe. So Happy for Him :)
I find this man to be inspiring and amazing. I am in awe of his inner strength. But I feel bad for everyone involved too; I used to be a caregiver for hospice patients; one was non-communicative. I always talked to her and sang her songs. I treated her as though she COULD hear and understand me, "Good morning Peggy; it's just me, Sandra. I need to roll you over, so you're going to feel me touching you on your should and hip. Sorry; I know my hands are cold". I never knew if she could understand, but I figured it was better to err on the side of compassion. Caregiving is overwhelming and if the caregiver neglects their OWN needs, it can easily lead to burnout; this is what happened to me. I developed compassion fatigue and realized I needed to change professions. The aromatherapist who helped him is remarkable and so is Joan. I wish Martin a long and fulfilling life full of connection and meaningful experiences. The stranger who smiled at him will never know the impact of this small gesture; I will remember this and try to apply it in my own life.
I teared up. Such a brave, passionate and sensible man.
My mother always taught me doctors do not know everything. The saw him. Tested him and had no idea of his cognitive state. In my life I have had family that a times doctors said the mind is gone. I always talk no matter what cause at the end of the day man is still limited in the mind of the wonders of the human body and even greater the human spirit. God bless this man and his family. What an example of intestinal fortitude and divine spirit
This is the most heart-wrenching TED talk I have ever seen. I want to give this man a hug.
Heed the words of those who have suffered greatly. Perhaps they come back with a profound appreciation of what we take for granted.
And in that moment we can be reborn.
+chas ames Very true.
Those who have suffered from terrible tragedies will more clearly notice and understand the things that everyone assumes is a normal part of everyday life.
Whether it be from having a disability, becoming a victim of abuse, or anything else. Those people know what the problem is better than anyone else and when they are given the time and opportunity to raise their voice and cry out, people can truly understand.
I feel every single word you have told through not only my ears but heart. Please imagine my huge hug as warmly as you can.
What a remarkable gift Martin can be to so many. That smile at the end will stay etched on my memory.Occasionally such a person comes along to wake us up to the superficiality that can dominate many lives.
Thank You Martin.
This man has a phenomenal story. I will never forget this.
This was so beautiful and moving. Brought me to tears. As someone who has experienced abuse and well, all forms of it, and see someone living their life to the fullest no matter how it once plagued them is such an inspiration. I can move on too.
This fills me with so many different emotions. I cannot begin to imagine how terrifying and frustrating life must have been for this man. I'm glad he finally found his voice.
This made me cry. He's so courageous.
Man I love this guy. I wish I could give him a hug
This man concurred an heroic feat. God bless him and his family. I can’t imagine
Even though I had already read his book Ghost Boy, this TED talk still brought tears to my eyes. Such a moving story.
I panic from seconds of sleep paralysis, I can't imagine years!
Couldn't keep the tears from coming. Amazing and sad story
I'm impressed this is amazing to think a simple smile made you climb from a chasm of sadness. To think despite all the ability you had to keep yourself down you decided to climb up. Thank goodness the specialist saw you understood what was going on.
I can't Imagine the feeling you had when you lost your ability to communicate, that's horrifying. I've once lost my ability to speak for well over a week and that was horrible, and I could still communicate through other things like typing it on my phone or making hand signals. But not being able to communicate at all must be, I don't even know.
I once had laryngitis. It was horrible!
The Pen is mightier than the sword. thank you for making me cry.
Words are mightier than actions
@@Blitzkim2 actions are mightier, anyone can day many things, but will they do it?
I have so much admiration for this man. What an incredible human being.
wow! just wow. how he fought to stay alive..... and boy, now that he can communicate he is certainly LIVING. people like you turn the lights on in a world full of darkness. god bless and keep you xx
I love how eloquent he is more than anything tbh
His last two words made me cry!
I worked for an older teen, and he seemed really gone and unaware and like he had the mind of a new born, but one day I saw him playing Mario Odyssey, and he was killing it. I realized he was really there, he was weaving and dodging and beating bosses. It was cool, now years after leaving that job I still drop by and visit and game it up sometimes.
My heart sings happiness for this man & for the physical therapist who took note of his awareness.
When he talked about how his brain knitted itself back together, it really made me realise how amazing the brain is.
Martin, you are one of the greatest people on planet earth. It makes me happy to hear you enjoy life after all you have gone through! All the best to you and your family.
Tears were flowing down my face from almost the beginning of this video. You're such an inspiration Martin, thank you for sharing your story.
Something about him and the way he seems to have learned to show so much of his thoughts or emotions on his face is so intriguing. I saw another video with a wonderful example of his beautiful smile that just seems to shine with positivity. What an incredibly inspiring story. I'm so happy for him that after his experience he's been able to have a voice again to tell the world.
This is really sad but uplifting. Truly the feat of what some people can struggle with, and overcome.
Wow. Absolutely incredible story.
No one in the right mind should dislike this video ;-;
several ppl did! why?!?!?!?! what could possibly be the reason?
We live in such a sad and sick world. SIgh we may not understand why people would dislike such a wonderful video but what we can do is make sure we strive to be considerate, show empathy and be positive not just for ourselves but those who are filled with hate and negativity. Maybe just maybe, over time it would make a difference in this cold world in which we live.
+Drew McTygue Fear. What he went through is a nightmare. People might dislike a video because they shudder at the thought of something like that happening to them. Also...not everyone who watches, understands.
Envy. Imagine someone, who really ranted to give a speech and being rejected for whatever reason. Afterwards seeing that a guy in a wheelchair who did better than them.
Lastly - "I dislike this [video]" may just be an option for some to tell TH-cam (the application) to show less of similar videos. I do believe our Likes and Dislikes are taken into consideration when TH-cam suggests a video.
+Drew McTygue My guess is they did not watch the video.
Maybe it was his abusive caretakers, or maybe other abusive caretakers who work in such hospitals downvote this video.
For someone who didnt have a voice for so long, his communication skills are unprecedented.
The next time I'm down because of a particular situation, I'll think of him. There is always someone out there going through more worse things than yourself. This should put a smile on your face and motivate you not to take life for granted.
The smile on his face when he mentions Joan. 😃😃😃
So beautifully said. "Thank you" instead for inspiring us.
Wow wow omg wow, wtf, I have never felt so emotional listening to someone's story, I can feel the fear, pain, sadness, horror, everything...I'm actually crying... I want to go back in time and save the boy version of him. This guy is the most amazing superhero on the planet, ever. !!
Did they ever get a proper diagnosis? Very strong and powerful individual, amazing.
Simply beautiful. The longest Ted Talk and one that has left a life long impression on and in me. Thanks
This stunned me! How horrific, disheartening, then hopeful and loving your story was and now is. Thank you for sharing it and bless you and your family may you all find peace now.
I hope care facilities, including nursing homes, and similar families will know about your story so others can be helped.
Who on earth would dislike this video???
Probably the same couple of people who abused him
Probably all abusive caretakers.
LOL seriously
maybe just missclick on wrong thumb :v
@@ibraxgaming1864 if that is correct, 1% misclicked, which looks possible
This is beautiful :)
O depoimento mais emocionante que já assisti! Que vontade de abraçar esse cara!
who dislikes this!? it was an amazing speech and shows how you can come back from almost anything if you put your mind to it.
Not everyone can he was lucky to
Just thinking about how right now I suffer because I can often feel “unheard” with my thoughts because I really like to talk with people and share my emotions and opinions, just thinking about NEVER getting that scares me so much and I am so proud that you have come so far. God has troubled your early life so that you could overcome it and inspire so many more souls on this earth!
Гажайып тамаша. Кандай керемет окига. Бул киси оте мыкты. Ата анасына жане комектескен айелге рахмет. Тастамай касында болганына. Оз дененде болып ештене истей алмау жане айта алмау оте кыйын. Рахмет сизге. Сиз баска кисилерге умит бересиз.
Невероятно. Я очень рада что этот человек смог всё это время бороться со своим телом и разумом. Спасибо его родителям не смотря на все трудности которые не бросили его. И девушке которая увидела в нем души и его сознание. Благодаря таким людям и у других людей есть надежда на исцеление и нормальную жизнь.
Жанара. Уральск. Казахстан.
i would imagine that if i were in him in those 13 years i would have become incredibly suicidal and gone insane being alone in my own mind with no way to express anything. 13 years alone. 13 years of being communicated to but without anyway to return the favor. im actually bawling.
This is unbelievably inspiring it's just shows how the little things in life is ultimately what matters the most a smile from a stranger caring partners or friends work that you like and being heard .....This was just beautiful thank you for making this speech
That "thank you" at the end, really made me cry, didn't it?
Mad respect for this man!
Impressive. Really inspiring.
What a powerful message. I can't say more than this: Martin Pistorius you are inspiring. Wow. Thank you.
Maybe "he is back" to tell everyone of us: look closer and pay attention; like the aromatherapist who truly saw him "alive inside" when nobody else did.
I want to know more about his story. Thank you so much for sharing it to Martin and Ted
These are the true hero’s.
I have so much emotion going on right now. This man is such a huge inspiration, a reminder to never take anything for granted, The best example of strength, resilience, hope ,faith and determination that I've ever witnessed. I can only imagine what he suffered at the hands of those he was at the mercy of. I hope all who abused this guy were held accountable, they should be publicly shamed and then locked up for life. I pray that he and his wife have long blessed life and that he continues to heal in every way, let us not forget those who still live this way every day , let us always show love and kindness and never dismiss anyone around us. Thank you Martin.
What a terrifying and rare experience. He is amazing.
I remember reading about him in readers digest a few years ago. Still very inspring.
Amazing testimony of endurance. Respect!
That's what courage is, courage to move on whether what happens and whatever the circumstances are.
Hi, Mr I am so sorry to hear about all things you have been through in that care home. :( It is unbelievable how people can be so evil. I admire you so much, your bravery, your faith, your desire for living. I wish I could meet you and shake your hands. I am watching this video right now because I will use it at university. I am studying health and social care so the lecture asked us to watch it and to prepare for classes tomorrow via Zoom. Congratulations on all the achievements in your life, you are a hero. You deserve the best in life. You are amazing. Lots of blessings to you. I am your big fan.
Incredible. Wow. Ironically, lost for words!
i want gonna cry but that smile at the the end almost made me cry like a baby than again crying dosent make you less of a man it makes you more of won
This is literally the most incredible story that I've ever heard.
Its heart moving. May Lord shower its blessing on him
+Omer Chaudhry
Yeah thank God for making the virus that infected him in the first place.
+Mud Hut Bad things in this world exist because of sin not because of God, it wasn't always this way but now everyone is born with this curse. We are still loved more than we can ever imagine, God wants us to come back to him. One day there will be a new earth, and no disease. We know this because it is in the bible, which I know is true because of its historical accuracy back so far, and because of prophecy which became true about Jesus Christ. The new earth is also a prophecy that will come true one day, but we can only see it if we accept what has been done. The curse of sin is broken when we do this, and we can live life with Gods direction knowing that one day we will see Him, if we just trust that all this is true :)
God created everything, he is all knowing and all powerful. So logically he knew sin would exist, logically he created sin. Besides how illogical what you are saying is, I have no interest in worshiping someone who abuses me, has the power to stop my suffering yet claims to love me.
+Derp It's not a specific sin that someone commits, yes we commit sin but we are born into it, this is all explained in Genesis :)
+auldlangsign I'm not making it up at all, it's the truth and I'm only telling you out of love, because I care about you as a person, there is no need for anger here. The bible is a very realiable ancient record, and there are segments predicting Christs death hundreds of years before it occurred very specifically. Just have a think about it, I am not trying to force anyone into anything :)
Wow , una verdadera historia de esperanza , de fe y de ganas de vivir . Gracias Dios por mostrarnos tu grandeza con este maravilloso ser humano.
What a harrowing story, but at the same time absolutely inspirational. What resolve Martin has shown throughout his life. Thank you Martin for sharing, I'm sure many will have learned something positive from this. I know I have.
In some ways...SOME...ways I've been there. In many ways not. Te world has an abundance of ways to leave someone thinking they're an inanimate object...Useless, hopeless, robbed of a voice.
This story holds out a sliver of hope to me. Thanks you.
I somewhat experienced this state of being during multiple seizures and in a chemically induced coma. It feels other-worldly.
I am sorry! I am very sorry, I can't begin to understand what you went through, I am sorry
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. You have demonstrated remarkable bravery and have put life into perspective for all of us.
what an amazing speech from an amazing man
Thank you Martin for being a living example of the enormous strenght of the human spirit. Your story shows we humans are, in our core, SOCIAL animals, or like the proverb says "No man is an island."
This was fucking beautiful. I've never been so sad and yet happy in the span of 14 minutes.