Dr. John Francis
Dr. John Francis traveled by foot for 22 years, and spent 17 of those completely silent. When John was 26 years old, an oil tanker collision prompted him to give up motorized vehicles, a decision which spurred so many arguments that by 27, he decided to stop talking. During the two decades when he became the Planetwalker, John earned a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctorate, all while spreading a silent message of sustainability and social justice with his banjo. He founded the Planetwalk Foundation in 1982, and upon breaking his silence on Earth Day in 1990, Dr. Francis dedicated his life to creating conversation.
Here are some ways he has shared his message:
- Author of Planetwalker: 22 Years of Walking. 17 Years of Silence.
- Author of The Ragged Edge of Silence: Finding Peace in a Noisy World
- Read an article about John.
- See John’s TED Talk.
Event Appearances:
Environmental Justice and Civic Conversation | April 20, 2017
Planetwalker: Spreading a Message of Sustainability Through Silence and Action | April 10, 2014
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