The Business Of Being Human | Irene Mehvish Musliar | TEDxMerryland Intl School Youth

Quick Overview

Irene Mehvish Musliar argues that the true "business" of being human is not about money, but about the exchange of intangible values like kindness, support, trust, and connection, which ultimately yield greater rewards than financial gain.

Key Points: The speaker contends that people often associate 'business' with money, shops, large companies, and meetings, but redefines it as the exchange of intangible values. The core message is that the 'business of being human' involves exchanging kindness, support for mental health, trust, and friendship, rather than monetary transactions. An anecdote is shared about an experience at a new school where a girl smiled at the speaker, making her feel welcomed and happy, illustrating the power of a simple human connection. The speaker asserts that good business practices, like those involving kindness and support, create value for both sides, unlike 'bad business' which is purely extractive. The talk questions whether everything related to business should revolve around money, suggesting that human qualities offer a more powerful, non-monetary exchange. The speaker concludes by inviting the audience to invest in these human values, emphasizing that these connections are more powerful than any financial asset.

Context: This video captures a TEDx talk delivered by Irene Mehvish Musliar at TEDxMerryland Intl School Youth, titled 'The Business of Being Human.' The presentation challenges the conventional understanding of 'business' as solely monetary, instead framing it as the vital exchange of human qualities like kindness, trust, and support, especially in the context of social integration and mental well-being.

Detailed Analysis

Irene Mehvish Musliar begins by contrasting the typical association of 'business' (money, shops, meetings) with her redefined concept: the business of being human. She recounts a personal story from her first day at a new school in a new country where a simple smile from a girl instantly made her feel welcomed and happy, emphasizing that this small human interaction held immense, non-monetary value. She argues that good business—whether in personal or professional spheres—should focus on exchanging positive human values such as kindness, trust, and support for mental health, ensuring both parties benefit. Conversely, 'bad business' is characterized by transactions where one side extracts value without reciprocity. The speaker challenges the audience to reframe their thinking, suggesting that investing time and effort in these human connections yields something far more powerful than money, ultimately shaping a better world through deliberate, positive actions.