Shannon opened her talk by asking one of the biggest questions of all: what makes us human?
Rather than giving neat answers, she invited us to reflect on three areas:
Fast and slow living – contrasting the natural cycles of early human life with our clock-driven routines today, and questioning what happens to curiosity and imagination when life is rushed.
Constant access and overstimulation – examining how 24-hour communication and endless information change our expectations and leave us chasing “the next thing.”
Life without a manual – considering how we step from the structure of school into a sea of choices, and the anxiety that comes with wanting to find the “right” path.
There is no single guide to being human. Instead, the task is to work out what matters most and live accordingly.
The talk ended with a reminder that life is complex but also full of connection – and that kindness to ourselves and each other matters more than any manual could.
Slides and media used in the presentation:
