John Francis was a self-described “hippie” living near San Francisco in 1971 when a huge oil spill jarred him from his comfortable life. As he joined the volunteers who scrubbed the beaches and fought to save birds and sea creatures poisoned by petroleum, he felt the need to make a deeper commitment, so he started walking wherever he went.

When he found himself arguing with friends about whether his commitment not to use motorized vehicles would make any difference, he decided to take a vow of silence that started on his birthday and lasted for 17 years.

John walked from coast to coast for 22 years, crossed mountains and plains and, in the meantime, earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in science and environmental studies and a PhD in land resources—all without saying a single word. His speaking presentation is the story of a man who, on foot and in silence, has rediscovered rhythms in nature that most of us have forgotten. He learned to communicate kindness, understanding and empathy without speaking a word.
- Emily Long