Using the debate topic “Is living like most people the easier path?” as her starting point, Pang Ying examines how the singular standards of society’s value system can quietly confine us. Conforming to the mainstream may feel effortless, but it often traps us in a one-size-fits-all measure of worth—stripping away our right to define life’s meaning for ourselves. She argues that what exhausts us is not survival itself, but the mental weight of meaninglessness and self-limitation. Pang urges her audience to recognize and loosen the grip of internalized societal standards, to honor individuality and passion, and to seek careers aligned with their values. She calls for true independence—free from the constraints of parental or societal expectations—and redefines “a sense of worth” not as material comfort, but as the confidence to live the life you truly want. In her view, life’s open horizon is best traveled with steady steps, independent thought, and the freedom to grow on your own terms. Renowned Debater, Partner at an International Consulting Firm This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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