How I spent 32 years in prison | George Martorano | TEDxPenn

George Martorano is a self-taught prolific writer, poet, educator, and mentor. While in prison, George became a role model and a positive influence in the Federal Bureau of Prisons to impact the lives of the inmates living alongside him. He worked with what he had and what he knew and explains how he gained the strength to push forward even in the hardest times of his life.
Released in October 2015 under the Department of Justice’s Compassionate Release program, George is the longest incarcerated non-violent offender. While in prison, he taught inmates yoga, prevented the hijacking of an aircraft by inmates, started a creative writing course, authored 31 books, pioneered a prison course called Release Preparation: Starting a Business for Under $1,000, among others. He has been featured in Philly Mag and Salem News and is now sought out to be featured by the United Nations. He resides in Philadelphia and continues to write and inspire others.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@richarddawson2268]

Solitary confinement for 5 years and he has managed to not go insane.. I'm impressed

[@4seasonsranch246]

My being impressed is a major understatement. It is very impressive that he did not go insane. It is divinely inspirational that he used a tragically hopeless situation, including the psychological torture, to better his soul and become a blessing to so very many hurting people. In fact, his strategic choice to humble himself before others, as he demonstrated in the beginning of his talk, and his choice to bless others was probably a major link to the miracle he discovered.

[@serena15221]

Of course it was a longer pencil when he first got it

[@viadharmawheel]

99.999% of folks would not have turned out his way...

[@tinopacino9400]

He probably did!! How could you not..

[@pandasandrock]

@@jackstubbington387 How did he get the pencil in the first place? That could have been used as a weapon.

[@phenozenointergalacticfede2508]

I want to Thank George for his words of encouragement and hope thru my darkest of time in my life! I did 22 yrs flat of which was 4yrs in solitary confinement at the Wall State penitentiary in Huntsville, Tx. They say most men or women lose their minds after 2yrs in solitary confinement or come out worse. A man only has time and you don't let time do you! I had the resources to forge ahead and got my 2 degrees one in Environmental and one in History. But i never wish this type of punishment on no one not even my enemies. I got released in 2010 at the age of 59yrs. Tough times dont last! Tough People in hope Do!👽👍🇺🇸

[@mohamedalgaali6878]

Pheno Zeno, Intergalactic Federation of Grey'

[@onelovemon1784]

1 hour of solitary is insane. Good luck Pheno , go for it!

[@justthatgirl-ct4jo]

Long term solitary confinement is inhumane and most developed countries don't use it the same way we do in the US anymore. It's just straight up torture.

[@marvinbirkelbach9379]

Hey, i spended three years in a german prison with 22. We have also something similiar its called isolation. The government will forbit this penalty. My situation was nothing compared with yours. Im interested how is life going on? your are still free? and is the prison in us really like how they describe it in the documentarys. That the always try to stabble each other down with every material they can find?

[@sisgp123]

I met George when he was in prison, his incarceration used to break my heart. I am so pleased to see him released. Just a dammed shame it took so long.

[@rbp365]

What the hell did he do?

[@sisgp123]

He was from a "crime family" from I think Philly, Ultimately they used tax laws to convict him. Gave him a life sentence (no parole in the federal system) so he ended up the longest serving non-violent prisoner in the Federal Prison system and kept in a max security prison to boot. I kept hoping he would get a pardon but he was only released under a program to empty the prisons of Non-violent offenders, long after some murderers and rapists had gone home.

[@b.b.4411]

Need to put him back in there!

[@trumpstroll7438]

B. B. Lmfao Troll.

[@robertmattison1282]

troll

[@VanVessemMusic]

A guy with no hope who was delivering hope through his classes. I am humbled, George.

[@col2959]

Cranni van Vessem so am I. This is a very special story. A man with a magic heart who committed a crime. The crime faded into insignificance in comparison to what was achieved through a good heart. Heart is everything

[@benjamincho4819]

His story is very admirable.

[@jeromedragon5287]

I spent time in a max security prison as a youth. Got my GED while I was there. Gave me time to cool off and think about my future, which, eventually turned out pretty good. I taught one inmate basic reading because he asked me to read letters to him, I asked him if he wanted to learn to read and he told me he couldn't. This time he had the motivation, it was difficult for him but we had nothing but time on our hands. I taught him using phonics, just as my father had taught me.

[@claireoconor7986]

jerome dragon Thank you Jerome for teaching your cellmate how to learn to read!! Now with that skill he has the ability to self-educate and be whoever he wants to be. WITH THAT GOOD DEED, YOU CHANGED HIS LIFE! BLESSINGS TO YOU! THANK YOU!!

[@manfaamarie]

What an incredible gift you gave him..

[@oliviajanzkordell4491]

well done Jerome ... respect !

[@oliviajanzkordell4491]

well done Jerome ..... respect !

[@1985Seraphim]

The one thing more metal than the cell was his will. It was made of steel. He never quit and moved forward. Very inspiring

[@LeonAllanDavis]

Martorano was a Philadelphia mobster. His father was a heavy hitter in the mob. Martorano was busted as part of a drug ring. The prosecution recommended a sentence of 40 to 54 months. Martorano's lawyer Robert Simone told him he should plead out to get the best deal. He did and the judge, Berne Hannum, gave him life without parole. Turns out, Simone and Hannum were in the pay of a rival mob, getting back at Martorano's father. They conspired to put his son away for life. Every time Martorano filed an appeal, it went to Hannum, or one of Hannum's pals, who were also juiced in with the mob. Hannum retaliated by sticking him in "the box". Why Hannum and Simone were never clipped is a mystery to me.

[@habibsspirit]

Well it's about time they get clipped now. Now that he's out that is.

[@chrisgicky2215]

Leon Allan Davis thanks for the info

[@RIPdixiecarter]

Golden Maximo The judge has been dead of old age for a decade

[@mehere9533]

He wasent inesent 😂

[@Entropy106]

Robert simone was scarfos lawyer

[@akalt7007]

He needs to mentor troubled youth. He’s amazing.

[@brandymoore7191]

bulletsholes Revenge for what?

[@dansdoves3650]

That man is incredible. To survive mentally the death sentence handed him and all those years in darkness and isolation, and then to not only come out of it intact but to help so many others is beyond any words I can come up with. God bless you, George.

[@IronWarrior4Ever]

This guy is literally the embodiment of HOPE.

[@fadwajansen8951]

What a waste of a good human being. I'm so glad he is out and enjoying the fruits of his hard work over the years. He is a mentor and an inspiration for all of us...

[@geraldinesera8915]

Amazing personal story. You are a survivor of "man's inhumanity to man". Thank you for offering truth in a world contaminated by injustice.

[@Longtack55]

So Geri, is a person who preys on another person's weakness for drugs a just person or not?

[@gbennett58]

A victim of the drug war and corruption in the legal system. Amazing he held on to hope for so long and helped so many people. A true hero.

[@gbennett58]

I don't like the Sicilian or any other mob, either. But a life sentence for a non-violent first offender is excessive. He admits he committed a crime and deserved punishment. Apparently the judge was in the pay of a rival mob and acted according to their instructions. In that way he was a victim.

[@sterlingpound217]

He s a good guy. It spoiling so man oratory talents for 32 years. He needed to come out he make sure today s youth stay s out of jail.

[@MHow-qc3ns]

@@gbennett58: Here is the story as related by a commenter here: "Leon Allan Davis 11 months ago Martorano was a Philadelphia mobster. His father was a heavy hitter in the mob. Martorano was busted as part of a drug ring. The prosecution recommended a sentence of 40 to 54 months. Martorano's lawyer Robert Simone told him he should plead out to get the best deal. He did and the judge, Berne Hannum, gave him life without parole. Turns out, Simone and Hannum were in the pay of a rival mob, getting back at Martorano's father. They conspired to put his son away for life. Every time Martorano filed an appeal, it went to Hannum, or one of Hannum's pals, who were also juiced in with the mob. Hannum retaliated by sticking him in "the box". Why Hannum and Simone were never clipped is a mystery to me. "

[@Longtack55]

He chose to be a drug dealer - a victim of his own overconfidence (nothing else.)

[@zacharymeckley3390]

This guy tapped into the beautiful principle everyone in AA knows that when we have nothing left and life is unlivable, we stay sane by helping others.

[@MHow-qc3ns]

Zachary Meckley; Good point. Thanks for reminding us.

[@caseysmith2416]

We keep what we have by giving it away..

[@michaelosullivan5433]

Suggestion only...mr aa

[@johnk3071]

Right on my brother!! Powerless..and happy!!

[@pamelaleigh4225]

yes, indeed

[@amiami5727]

YOU SIR ARE A LEGEND!!! ...And don’t ever forget it!

[@thedesertexplorer8337]

By helping other fellow inmate he helped himself - that is a great lesson in humanity!

[@stevencooper787]

Thank you so much brother human being. We all make mistakes, either voluntary or imposed. Why are we so cruel to each other ? God bless you, from France

[@oldxgoodx]

i consistently watch prison docs. etc. . it makes me grateful for what i do have. i hope this man lives a long happy life. he has paid the dues . inhumane , unjust and cruel and unusual dues. thank you my man, thank you .

[@daren7182]

Wilkey Halcon edd

[@kayokk-]

No matter what the challenges in life, the human spirit travels great distances to survive and hope. Amazing!

[@stchew49]

From Wikipedia: In 1984, on the advice of his attorney Robert Simone, Martorano pleaded guilty to 19 counts of drug possession and distribution. Martorano was subsequently advised by both the prosecution and the judge, John Berne Hannum, that this plea could result in a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. The prosecution, however, had only recommended a sentence of from 40 to 54 months. On September 20, 1984,[2] Martorano was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the longest prison term ever imposed on a first-time non-violent offender in American history. Is this not a case of utmost injustice? My heart goes out to him and every convict who wants to make good but are impeded one way or another.

[@Jonathan-bu7iv]

"America, the land of the free" The irony is striking.

[@momentumstocks3493]

it shows the judges also need to be judged and have limits as to what they dream up on a bad day.

[@pjdave27]

solomon duncan “if you have no connection to crimes, you won’t be arrested”. What a ridiculous thing to say. You don’t think innocent people are ever sent to prison?? Regardless, being given a life sentence for drug dealing is not a reasonable sentence in any society.

[@Paul-gz5dp]

@@pjdave27 The sad part is that 120 years ago what he did was not even thought of as a crime, and things like murder that is a crime in every society that exists and has ever existed usually gets people far less than life in prison or what most get for drug possession.

[@brandymoore7191]

No. It’s not the utmost injustice. I could tell you a tale of inconceivable injustice that I didn’t even know existed in this country. Only this time, the victim’s only brush with the law was a parking ticket ..not a drug dealer for the mafia.

[@baddawg028]

So basically he was put in solitary for not snitching.

[@toncuz8291]

Solitary is torture. It is un-Constitutional...period.

[@israelamaccabee9569]

The lack of light is torture. I don't know how he resisted there for so long.

[@DMGSPM]

@@israelamaccabee9569 solitary is suppose to make you go insane idk how he dealt with that for so long

[@Dayz972]

It happens honestly 😖

[@persephone2706]

@@toncuz8291 I can attest to that. I was in solitary for 3 weeks and it was terrible. My husband was in solitary for 7 years of 20 total served. I don't know how he did it.

[@Birdsfly11]

God definetly had a plan for you George. Thank you for your service to so many prisoners.

[@thomasallen4340]

Love listening to fomer prisoners talk. We can learn humility from them

[@r.c.collins6513]

The U.S. has 4% of the world's population, and 25% of the world's inmates.

[@jameswalsh2427]

R.C. Collins A profitable industry

[@timm6112]

It is 700 total inmates per 100,000 people. The world average is 100 inmates per 100,000.

[@ChallengeTheNarrative]

Wow

[@jeffreyhurst9552]

What’s your point?

[@BigMek456]

Jeffrey Hurst That the US has a prison industry that should not be profitable for corrupt politicians, judges and policemen.

[@charliechase7390]

I hope life treats you kindly Mr Martorano. Thank you for sharing your experience. Hope

[@kevinctb9243]

these public talks should be told to schools so students can understand the outside life

[@col2959]

Best TEDx talk I've seen. A man with a heart that gave hope and help to others who was given no hope himself. This is a special human being. He committed a crime and has paid hid dues many times over. The men he educated are still making differences in the world now no doubt. Talk about paying it forward. May god protect this man.

[@teethgrinder83]

It's truly amazing that this man wasn't broken by the system. It's caused so many to either become violent when previously non violent, suicidal, revert straight back to criminality, end up with PTSD, but this man after what he was put through and endured managed to make so much of himself despite his circumstances is so insperatial

[@matthewessig40]

He still suffers. His best message is.... look for the small hope. It may be all there is.

[@lifepresent3183]

look for the hope ...the Robin ....

[@teresachadwell465]

His story is incredible that he was able to keep hope alive and made a huge difference while enduring such circumstances. Hope all is good with him now.

[@kellypatterson9456]

Outstanding! Among all TED talks I've seen, this is a standout! I hope the best for your future.

[@kocojack]

I started to cry when I hear his story. This is the reason why we need compassion to serve our jobs.

[@ramanachandrasekar9531]

I’m speechless before you sir... love you

[@dannyhughes9874]

If told honestly his story would make a great Movie.

[@marcela7197]

Its 2019. And I would still listen to this over and over again. Thanks George.

[@bikinggal1]

Thank you George! What determined humans can do when they keep HOPE in their hearts!

[@auntyuber5127]

Heartbreaking, pure and simple

[@LittleOrla]

Thank you. Very inspiring. I hope your life is going well now.

[@wenshan9101]

Mr Martorano, from drug lord to educator, I salute you. Guess given the right circumstances, even the worst nightmares can inspire. God bless you.

[@swirlcrop]

This is an excellent talk. Thanks for sharing your life experiences George. You´re a great man.

[@ams3344]

You are truly an inspiration! God bless you, go out into the world and enjoy, nothing but love for you, Sir.

[@rawdog42]

"So the solitary years went away." It took 2 seconds to say that. I can't imagine the years.

[@winstonmiller9649]

Such a remarkable man. Thank you. You give hope beyond your mission.😊😊💜🙏. Blessings.

[@suzeauster2223]

Thank You God for Your Outstretched Love ❤️ of George ! His gifts continue to grow and help so many is truly humbling!

[@drinkapavlovic]

What a person! Thanks for this, amazing!

[@bitcoinski]

Wow. God Bless You Sir.

[@judydoumont8019]

You are such an inspiration!! Thank you and may God keep His hand upon you!! Thank you!

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

there was some extreme corruption going on to put him in that situation, id like to see those responsible answer for that....

[@leagueofexercise6620]

Unbelievable. Respect!

[@hereticsaint100]

I'm so glad I live in America where this doesn't hap- oh, wait, never mind. Land of the free, sure.

[@ymblm2710]

“america is a christian country” yeah sure man

[@mrrose8210]

hereticsaint100 facts

[@MortonT1958]

I’m quite happy to be living in America. Imagine how this would have turned out if Martorano has been in Russia, China, N Korea or any other prison in the Third World???

[@Longtack55]

Well - free to make a choice about whether you want to be a drug dealer or not. You are a whining confused baby.

[@Zombienumshkin]

Bless that person who gave him the pencil. Such a small gesture can mean so much and who knows how George's life would have gone if he wasn't given that little piece of hope. I will try to remember this story when I'm feeling down or I see someone else is in a tough spot.

[@ceilconstante7813]

That was inspiring and hopeful. I found he has a channel on KZbin and subscribed. George Martorano has a lot.of wisdom and resilience. Everyone can use that.

[@kathyaudreegenemorris3659]

Keep up the good work! Thank you for sharing

[@artregeous]

you are such a nice person you are complimenting aan ashole busted with 75 million dollars worth of coke and heroine his father was a mafia boss and other mob bribed judge to make him snitch against his father he should never ever be released there are I believe hundred of thousands of mothers daughters who has enough reason to hate him and could stand against his release no one can be nonviolent first time offender in a cartel running hundreds of millions drug dealing in a single years babe grow up

[@comeuphither5302]

i was amazingly inspired by your suffering and how you overcame it...thank you and blessings form god

[@beckyburkart6570]

You are a strong, amazing man. I wish I could give you a big hug. Thank you for telling us your story.❤

[@TellyBuhay]

Awesome will power George! May life treat you kind from now on.

[@ahmedny5857]

Ive been living for 16 years, i feel like 6 years ago was like 3 decades ago. This guy was in prison for twice my age. This is actually crazy.

[@Komodokhan148]

Damn I never want to go to prison ever. Being locked up sounds worse than death.

[@babiryedodo2387]

That's how I see it too.

[@Toven_WaveWatcherFi]

It is, life no parole is a much more severe punishment than death penalty

[@CHRISTIANNWO]

Yep, I would choose death over life in prison, anyday.

[@xxepicgamerxx5560]

TovenOvideoRPC if it was then people would commit suicide

[@butsirrr]

they do

[@beautyvibe]

Thank you.😇 Hope and a optimistic mind to continue life's journey.

[@johnroddy8756]

I think you deserve a second chance,you did much good for society,and deserve credit ,i hope you have a peaceful and happy life.

[@73panguinish]

George you are a hope and Colourfull life🙏🙏

[@jefmadnik6016]

Confession, Repentince, Forgiveness, Hope, Faith, Love! This man is the embodiment of what is to be Human! Thank you George for your example! God Bless You!

[@supermanudntk1771]

I felt your agony and pain, unfortunately you went the difficult route to find your Hope. Though, you have finally got your wings. I say God bless you!

[@Youngpete1212]

Your story is bring told and heard. Thank you for what you do

[@billymurph8125]

IM FROM PHILLY AND I KNEW HE WAS ALSO SOON AS HE STARTED TALKING. HE TALKS LIKE MY MOM !!!

[@mike814031]

omg I can't imagine 5 years of solitary.. I did like 2 days and was going crazy

[@jaydumon2784]

michael steven his name is Michael STEVENS with an s. Nice try though.

[@racialconsciousness7169]

Absorb Rolex Maybe his name is Michael Steven...moron

[@chaosdweller]

Yeah,... John McCain rip, (POW) and I quote his words , (maybe not verbatim)called it the worst torture a human being could experience years and years ago, but it's kinda funny when he died, and CNN did a whole big special bio on him, they "basically" talked only about the physical torture he dealt with, weird! (in long detail) I thought it was even weirder that I'm the only one who noticed wtf.

[@Waffles64]

No, you didn’t go to solitary.

[@KL-wx7sy]

In your bedroom ??

[@supreetdhillon9665]

Thank you for sharing your story

[@benkemp5786]

when he says he was never getting out but he had hope... man he clunged onto that hope so much, it changed his life

[@linds7314]

I just know that he’s going to heaven and hope that his heart is right with God. What an incredible, humble, human being.

[@sambo314]

Good can come from even the most terrible things

[@MHow-qc3ns]

Mr. Martorano, you are a very interesting and inspiring person. It is unfortunate that you had to endure so much isolation but it was the catalyst to your great inspiration and creative talent. I wish you all the good fortune for the rest of your life and beyond. Please do more talks. You have captured my attention. Thank you.

[@patsmallwood5413]

It's a shame it took so long. Glad you are out sharing your story. Good like man.

[@edelman8829]

What a crazy story from the Gulags of the Soviet Union... oh wait

[@thelevelbeyondhuman]

They were actually worse

[@hampusnyhlen2961]

@@thelevelbeyondhuman they didnt have solitary

[@Legolasicek]

Hampus Nyhlén The gulags?? Of course they had..

[@kiDkiDkiD12]

@Jarrold Bates no they arent calm yourself buddy.

[@Longtack55]

No comparison. Don't offend the experiences of those who were in the Soviet gulags.

[@kashmandir2325]

this reminds me.. of the shawshank redemption when RED was refused parole

[@marilyntape9050]

Kash Mandir I loved that movie 😃🇦🇺

[@phillipkichler1435]

I see a guy that despite facing seemingly impossible challenges changed his life for the better and made a huge impact in the life’s of some of the “worst” people in our society. Fair play to the man.

[@fatimam5484]

What a humble and beautiful human being to install hope and help people have a better future. No amount of money can do what this man has done. ❤️

[@carolking9990]

that was great george keep going the nort

[@alistorbanks5813]

The little things we take forgranted is hope.

[@Anonymous-1011]

Powerful! and inspiring. Thank you.

[@reaturree6769]

You are such an inspiration to see and to listen to. It is REALLY amazing the reliance or the human spirit and you are most amazing. Funny in the world we live, how those that are actually guilty of some of the most horrific crimes, government officials go scott free and others, no names can be punished so very harsh. You are far most a winner, thank you for hope!!!!!!!

[@QuaaludeCharlie]

Inspiring . Thank You :) QC

[@ShaunaBB]

RESPECT Sir!!

[@bloodmoon1956]

My heart goes out to this man.God bless you.x

[@akhan3682]

The best one so far!

[@olasylvia1]

Literally turning lead into gold.

[@Tamaraa2006]

You mean metaphorically.

[@JDines]

@@Tamaraa2006 ... The word you both seek is "figuratively."

[@fedorvoronovcomposer]

There is so much one could learn from this man, I am more tham certain, it is impossible to be put in one vid.

[@SuperNolaguy]

Right.. don't be a Meth kingpin or associate with known felons...

[@Koo8705]

Thanks George for your story sir

[@leroy5383]

You sir are what legends are made of.

[@Zinnie988]

Fight to bring change to the treatment of people in the prison system since you experienced how inhumane and far from correctional it can be.

[@atahulpa3584]

George, Thank you for sharing the the Self-love you discovered while being incarcerated ~ From carbon to diamonds ... /

[@happydayssunny7830]

Thank you sir 👍🏻 for bringing Hope 🙏

[@mr_mickals5657]

Just started watching Ted x. Very fascinating

[@josephlee4337]

The prisons system Mr. Martorano, described are U.S. Federal prisons a better prison condition and systems than the states. He also revealed he was taken to the box (isolation unit), no light or sunlight and your meals are served by guards push the try under the steel door with a stick. This is the norm in America and America has the gall lecturing countries for their human right violations. No shame!

[@SuperNolaguy]

Joseph Lee it's a prison where individuals are sent to serve out a term of punishment for crimes they committed. It's not supposed to be a comfortable, humane place where one has pleasent experiences, let alone a place for enlightenment haha

[@josephlee4337]

You again! :) Hopefully, you'll never wind up on the other side of the fence. And don't say "never," because no one knows where the wind will be blowing the next day.

[@jagartharn7130]

+SuperNolaguy That's not a smart principle. Most of those are going to come out, and you breed a violent place with less hope, a place that rips healthy mentality away, you are going to have folks coming out thats worse.

[@sterlingpound217]

You better not become a banker then. Or you could wind up icking u the soap bar.

[@snezanajovovoc5387]

SuperNolaguy Tell Him! Here in Europe, people purposely commit a crime so they can Go to prison as it's luxury per se, bed, food, shower, education, internet, counseling,etc. Nowadays the jail's are releasing inmates who are over 65, and you can be too old for prison too an alternative punishment is sought. It's too draining on the Tax payer...

[@jenisbetzke6228]

So good to see him so strong and well off. Many others would break after being framed so terribly. Pled guilty to drug dealing and got life without parole. With that being said: stay strong everybody. GOd bless.

[@josephsivadon8592]

I greatly appreciate your words sir.. you get it.. I am not alone.. thank you so much..

[@villagelightsmith4375]

Thank You, George M.

[@innerfire2179]

"Every time I tasted the lead I knew I could go on." Dam.

[@tedijune6759]

Inner Fire I cried hearing this.

[@doug132639]

What a man ..he needs a medal .I hope you have a healthy ..life now ..BRAVE MAN

[@harborarealifestyle6068]

' I felt like I was free, a normal prison setting ' dauum..

[@alzychoze6591]

Truly inspirational.

[@JaneDoe-ql7sc]

i loved this talk very much