The hidden perks of debating | Martynas Baciulis | TEDxVilnius

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

Debate as a whole plays a big role in what makes us human. It’s why we’re able to improve, create and maintain peace. In his short talk, Martynas challenges us to remember that every time we find ourselves in an argument, we are both the cause and effect of one of the most beautiful achievements of our time.

Martynas Bačiulis is a senior student at Palangos Senoji gymnasium in Lithuania. Right now he is working towards finishing school and pursuing further education.
Martynas has been debating on and off for over two years now, and participating in all of the local and national debating events that he can. Debating is something that has opened many doors for Martynas and has granted him experience that little else can.

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)