Conversation has been
one of the defining
characteristics of democracy
throughout the ages,
dating all the way back
to ancient Greece.
Integral in all sorts of forums
and political discussions,
it's a big part of what makes
a democratic society what it is.
Argument, debate, conversation,
call it what you will,
it's what makes us modern.
It is a tool
that we have had for centuries,
however, have been
very reluctant in using.
And practicing this shapes us
in ways that nothing else does.
You're challenged to doubt
and criticize everything that you hear,
and form a reasonable stance of your own.
As an individual, you're challenged
to stand your ground
and learn to prove an argument:
your opinion.
It makes one less of a bystander
who just listens and nods along
as decisions are made all around them,
and gives one a very potent tool
to have their voice heard.
Debate makes two sides strive
to find the best answer
on any given topic.
Mahatma Gandhi himself has said
that honest disagreement
is often a good sign of progress
and for a large portion of history,
we have been stagnant
in voicing ourselves,
in developing discussion
and reaching meaningful solutions.
Debating gives us a tool
not only to have our voice heard,
but just as importantly,
to hearing each other.
The discoveries
and inventions of our time
are only one side
of measurable improvement.
The openness of thought and of opinion
is what I think truly makes our age
more modern than of those before us.
The thing we know as sport debating
is a little different
and a lot more aggressive.
The point there
isn't to reach common ground
but to prove that you,
and you alone, are right;
while your opposition, well,
they've got it all wrong.
It's a lot more calculated.
There is no room for mistakes;
there can be no compromise.
It is an exercise in mental agility;
you're forced to clash
your opposition's arguments,
while simultaneously,
weaving your own agenda.
Sport debating is arduous,
to say the least;
however, the feeling of clashing swords
with an equal opponent,
fighting tooth and nail to come out
on top is extremely rewarding
to say the least.
But all of that is
only competitive debating
and all of the competition
should stay in that.
Debate as a whole plays a big role
in what makes us human,
so the next time you find yourself
in an argument, remember:
you are both the cause and the effect
of one of the humanity's
greatest advances.
Thank you.
(Applause)