Wow, I really love that you shared this. I love your videos and watching is a great reminder to strive for what you want. Thanks for this personal insight and thanks for your wonderful videos.
You’ve always been a gigantic inspiration to me. I owe a lot to you and the other Edutubers who paved a little bit of the way for us. I’m glad for your growing family too, though, because Aunt Dianna needs some test subjects...
Your path to UA-cam was very unique, but I still thought that it was eerily similar to mine. I was also stuck in that mode of following a fixed path through academia, but I always felt like it was missing the creative part that I needed. I ended up quitting my chem masters and I intended to apply to film school. However, before I was able to do that, the UA-cam channel had taken off and I was able to shift my focus to it. The first couple of years were shaky with a lot of doubts, but now I don't see how I could do anything else.
Watching this video in 2024, my eyes got teary especially the part you propose and then show us your kids and wife. Its such a beautiful thing to know that it all worked out in the end. This video makes a solid case for my intended transition from law to tech! We love you, Derek!
Suggestions to Derek:- u got the best students in you life ....ur kids. Teach them the physics, we will join you ur in the video uploads .. 😊... U are a true hero... Continue what you are doing.. God is blessing you family
SmarterEveryDay I agree. Destin, I love your channel too! In fact, you were the one who introduced me to Veritasium (thanks to UA-cam’s recommended videos). I’d love to meet yall one day if you’re ever in North Carolina! We have nerds here, too :)
This is the first ever "thank you" video that makes me tear up :') I've been following you for a long time, and seeing what you achieved and what your life has become genuinely makes me HAPPY for you. So, thank YOU Derek, for everything you've done for us. You deserve your beautiful life.
It may seem ridiculous, but in the age of teenage UA-cam megastars I've struggled with feeling like I'm already over the hill with this UA-cam thing and ought to "settle down"/"get a real job". it's really encouraging to realize that you were as old as I am now when you STARTED this venture. It makes me realize that these cut-offs I have in my head about the proper timelines and phases of life really are arbitrary.
acapellascience I really feel like they are. I had that same mentality all the way through thinking I had to accomplish the next thing. I remember when I was 25 thinking I’d be more grown up by then but I’d been in school my whole life. That time I think was the trickiest transition.
Happier than I've ever been doing youtube and finally paying the bills with it. I'm 44. There's no age limit. One of the earliest big channels was a guy in his sixties just doing vlogs. He was briefly the top channel on all of youtube.
Not to be a downer, but there is also the possibility that the whole "over the hill with this" might apply to UA-cam itself, not necessarily you, You can go on to make great things, but don't forget how UA-cam might have become... sort of "the way" to do things. In some circles. Like the way to become a filmmaker was twenty years ago.
As a 33 year old who doesnt feel he has reached his lifes purpose or dreams, a guy who lives alone without a family.... your story fills me with hope and inspiration for my future. Your reflection is so deep and your content now is better than its ever been. THanks for sharing :)
My name is Phillip .. a 39 year old War Veteran , father of 8, heroin addicted ex gang member ,divorced twice and currently a Multi Millionaire (since 2017 ). I don't drive a car or own a house and proud owner of only two pairs of shoes two sets of boots.I work far far away from everyone I love and spend my time walking on patrols through this third world slum getting ambushed by gunmen and my days off are dominated by cryptocurrency study and world markets. And I'm not happy
Thank you so much for your kind words! It really means a lot to hear that you enjoyed the more personal side of the content. Sometimes, sharing personal stories can be just as powerful as the scientific ones, don’t you think? What aspect of life do you think has the biggest impact on shaping who we are? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Wow what a wholesome video. You can see how passionate he is with everything he does, and most importantly he always had a pattern: shift to something else when deemed necessary. And now he's shifting his time to spend it with his family, which I think is the most important thing shown in the video...Seriously loved this video so much, thank you
Veritasium, I've seen so many of your videos and I just wanted to say you have a very deep understanding of how things work just by the way you explain everything. I really love the work you put in to help us gain a better understanding of how everything (our universe) works! Again thank you so much
Congratulations, Derek! I've been with you for such a long time! Since 2013 actually, which is when I started learning English, and you also contributed to that by the way. I'm very glad to know that you've found love, and I hope that your wife and kids will bring you a lot of happiness! Thank you for making Veritasium exist. I hope you'll keep the videos coming, at least every now and then. All the best, David
I can’t express how much this video touches me. I am a 19 year old who struggles whether to do art or science, as i love both, and seeing your life, your path really made me think of my own future. You truly are incredible, thank you for your kindness, thank you for your passionate teaching, thank you for the hope and wonders you make shine
On the same page a few months ago I decided to go for science . Acc to servior bias but I made a promise to myself to make my dream reality at all cost . I want to be a director or a writer I still love science though..😊
Had this guy as my Physics tutor during my High School period. Great attitude towards life and oozes charisma, made me look forward to my weekly 2 hour physics lessons. :)
I’ve been watching Veritasium videos since I was in middle school, and I’m now on my way to graduating with a Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering and moving to pursue my Master’s. This channel has helped fuel my love of learning, so thank you for all that you’ve done!!
I want to be an Aerospace engineer so badly but unfortunately we don't have much scope in this field in my Country 🙃...only a handful of top universities have AE branch here...and again unfortunately they're acceptance rate is 0.01%..it's so nice that you are an aerospace engineer...have a good day brother ❤️
@@saswatgaudu3227 don’t get disheartened! Chemical/materials engineering is also massively useful when designing fuels and fuel delivery systems, as well as most MechE classes being pretty identically comparable to an aerospace course. Choosing any field of engineering will have at least some way to get your foot in the door of your desired field. I wanted to genetic engineering insanely badly for medical applications but couldn’t find a good program so I ended up with biochemical engineering. After 3 years of working with CBD processing I finally landed a job in the medical industry! And even so I actually almost took a job with Ball Aerospace in mission assurance, just follow what you find interesting and opportunities will find you!
Getting to this video 5 years late - but this channel has awoken a sincere interesting not necessarily in the subjects you talk about, but about learning. And I really appreciate that. Thanks, Derek (and team).
If everyone realized how bad they are on camera when they first start, youtube wouldn't exist. I'm glad you stuck with it. (I'm also equally glad you got a lot better. ;) )
I agree. I've been a subscriber for ages and I remember binge watching every video and I have seen it become better and better. I think I still would have binge watched most videoa since there has always been a spark of genius but it was crude (to say the least). I'm so glad for all the progress being made foe this chanel and soooo old since I subscribed when there were so few videos uploaded. Hahaha. Thanks Veritasium!
Loved it, Derek. I'm 64, and I know what it is to go for it and to fail. But there's a deeper truth than survivor bias; those of us who have fallen flat on our face time after time experience life in a way that those who play it safe will never understand. Sure, we might not be rich and we might not be famous. But I got something better instead. I got the journey. I wouldn’t trade the life I’ve lived for all the dreams I had when I was young.
Derek, I think this video was one of your most beautiful videos so far. I just wanted to say I'm from Brazil and you were a great source of inspiration for me to start making science videos to the Brazilian community. I'm still an undergrad in physics, which I decided to pursue because of you and your work. UA-cam changed my life, I've always wanted to be a filmmaker. Making videos changed who I wanted to be in the future. It changed my career. It changed everything! I love your work and I want to tell you how much of an inspiration you were to me. How your videos changed who I wanted to be. Who knows how many other lives and people you have inspired? Your videos are definitely making a change in the way we teach. I love your work! Thanks for everything you've done and accomplished. UA-cam is a better place because of you. From a Brazilian fan.
I watch your videos, you are doing an amazing job, for real!! I'm on Chemistry college(unesp) and me and a group of friends are attempting to start a new science series to make the knowledge avaliable for more people, you inspire us just like derek does, I'd like to say a really big thank you for doing what you believe in. abraços!
Wow! Thank you so much! I'm really happy to be a part of this! :D When you and your friends create this science series, send me the link! I really appreciate your comment
Man, I knew Derek's channel before yours. And when I started watching your videos, I was so sure you were inspired by him. You're on the right path. Derek's work is inspiring and it changes the way we see and learn science, just like Vsauce and The Physics Girl... Congrats for being in this team...
Thank you so much! I am always amazed by the power of the medium and by this platform and I'm delighted if my videos have been useful to you. I wish you all the best in your pursuit of physics and filmmaking!
@@veritasium Hi you're a mega human being, regarding your question of what should/would/could you do next, what you've accomplished nurtured us all, and for sure I would like to see it in the future. I'm thinking of an idea, I hope to bring something to the table soon! Lovely video, enjoy parenthood, congratulations and thank you so much!
This had me in tears. Such a wonderful life story, I'm so happy for you. Whatever content you make from here, I'll watch it regardless because you have captured not only my attention, but my respect too. Hell, I even acknowledged you (among other science influencers) in my thesis. You keep doing you, man.
Veritassiums videos always leave me with the warm feeling that I have genuinely leaned something, rather than thinking I’m learning when I’m not. One of my favorite channels on UA-cam right now.
...and here I am, 33 years old. questioning myself why did I choose to start my engineering degree at age 30. I guess I really needed to see this video right now. I get so depressed, like what the hell am I doing, some things are so much harder than others and these other students are so much younger than me. Guess I'll never know whats at the end if I don't keep trying. Thank you! ----- update, I graduated. I'm 35 now lol but thats not holding me back. I'm an environmental engineer for an awesome firm in San antonio. I regret nothing and am so proud of myself!
I too reinvented my future at 30 years old, going through to be a teacher. 20 years later I know it was the best thing I ever did for myself, even if it was a monumental struggle. Be brave my friend. It will be worth it!
I have a family friend who was an accountant, and after a decade or two decided he really didn't like the work. Went to dental school at age 40, with 5 kids (oldest about to graduate high school). Now has been a happy and successful dentist for 25 years. You still have most of your life ahead of you at 33. Make the most of it! :)
33 ha! You’re still a youngster lol. I went into the military at 17 because I had maxed out everything they had to offer at my high school including AP and several college courses. I couldn’t afford to go to the university that I wanted so into the army I went lol After serving my tour as an Airborne Ranger and seeing enough death to last a lifetime. The only thing I was sort of qualified to do was law enforcement so I chose the toughest Leo academy there was. After the army the academy was like a vacation lol. After graduation I went to work for LAPD I’m south central and east LA. It was a freakin war zone but since I had already “been there done that” in the army I took it in stride. Finally after a few years of that nonsense and the birth of my son I quit and moved my family to an entirely different state lol. I became an electrician and made enough so my wife didn’t have to work unless she wanted to. I could have gone into physics or engineering after high school but lack of funding and the thought of being inside all the time or worse teaching lol. Now I’m in my early 50’s my wife passed a few years ago my son is all grown with his own family and I retired from doing electrical and I’m going to reinvent myself all over again lol. It’s never too late to begin a new path on your journey, I’m proof of that lol So you hang in there and get that degree but remember family always comes first. Enjoy every minute with your loved ones that you can. You never know when you might lose them. I lost my wife to a terminal illness and I chose to take care of her myself the last 2 years she was here. We were supposed to grow old together, that was the plan we made way back in high school. Yes we were sweethearts since we were 15 lol. Who knows in 20 years you might reinvent yourself again lol Cheers mate.
@@prepperjonpnw6482 are you seriously 50? it's just that saying *lol* every 5 words doesn't click with me, but then, sorry about your wife, it's the shared stories that matter; may I ask what is your plan to reinvent yourself at these times?
My opinion is that your videos have extremely high quality and educational value. I think you could be producing documentaries for Netflix, BBC, PBS more often
"I think the job you will have may not have been invented yet or you may invent it." One of the most inspirational quote to follow own passion, in my opinion! Thanks a lot Derek!!!
This is a real person. Not all those UA-camrs who are full of my "privacy life is your entertainment" and things. THIS kind of guy is what I EXPECT from UA-camrs.
Uh okay, but those UA-camrs are real people too. What you expect or not expect from them don't contradict with the fact that those people have their own ways and wishes and ideas of what content they wanna create
@@saraf5414 Yeah, of course. The same way happens with people who have honest work for honest pay AND people who assault, steal and rob others for whatever they WISHES. It happens too work hard to make a different on the world, making new medicine, research new technologies and stuff and people who dates popular people and then go to a social media to post the RELEVANT experience and intimacy story.
@@Serverclosed I get what you're saying, but the people who are making pulp content are also doing something they are passionate about. Not everything that is worth doing is a major contribution to technology or science or culture. They are doing something they want to do for an audience that wants to see it.
Thank you so much for your channel. I really do learn from you and enjoy your videos. I am 64 years old, female, BA in Accounting, love cooking, gardening, sewing and being creative. I live in Los Alamos New Mexico with so many really smart people and at times I don't feel smart. My husband is pastor of a small church, he doesn't have a formal education, which has been a challenge in a town with so many PHDs. I just finished your IQ video and LOVED it; I really, really need to hear that TODAY. I talked to an old roommate from college yesterday, we haven't talked in over 43 years. It is amazing how we haven't changed. She is a very neat person and hates messes. I am way to busy doing so many different things to worry about cleaning up! I am still a MESSY person and over my life I have been JUDEGED based on the neatness of my house. So many times for people we don't talk about IQ we look at each other a base worth on outward things. Education (PHD); where you work (LANL); where you live (old mobile home); cars you drive etc. After watching both videos I really feel blessed to know that I have worth, even though my house is a mess, even if I don't meet the standards other people set. I enjoy learning about things that don't effect my life - fireworks! That was an awesome video. Thank you for what you do! I really do enjoy your presentation and you enrich my life. Again thanks, even though you will most likely never read this...
Loved this biographical video! I related to it in so many ways, especially the double unrelated (but low-key related) passions, and moving around until youtube made everything fall into place. Keep going, Derek!
Love your vids, man! Can't wait for the next one! Btw I want to get a terrarium/aquarium/paludarium for myself (not for ants). Of the three which one do you recommend? I have no experience in this matter.
I took it that he meant that failure is a substantial part of the success bias, and so he doesn't want people to have misconceptions that a particular process, that worked for him, will necessarily work for everyone, because statistically it wont. However, If you dont do, you cant learn - fail or not. And I think, its the doing that he represents best. Get out there and do. Really love his work - its inspiring.
Thing learened On the way to failure cannot be is forbidden to ppl who are successful everytime. So, once they fail they could nvr get up. So, failure is the bst way to success.. so that you will be stronger and experienced enough to maintain a stable success..
"~ i'd rather regret things i did than things i didn't .~" is approximately how Lucille Ball put it. Thomas edison supposedly claimed not to have "failed" along his journey in inventing a practical light bulb, but to have "discovered 999 ways that did not work." obviously there are times when a major recalibration to one's strategy is not only "prudent" but very necessary . . . that said, there is more than a grain of truth to the notion that it isn't "failure" until you quit trying.
I have been with Veritasium channel since his first awkward video where he is, i think sitting on a stone wall and explaining something.I completed my whole Bachelor's and veritasium is still here.Each video is very high quality and Derek has this amazing persona which makes people stick around for the whole length of this video. We need more channel like Varitasium back in trending list than those stupid click baits of Paul potatos and buzzfeed. And I can't believe how similar I am to you, engineering - check,phd - in process,interested in animation - check, took up teaching experiments to kids job-check. You are my idol Derek, I look up to you.
Hey thanks for writing! And sticking with me through the good quality (and also lesser quality) videos. It's always my goal to make great things, but it doesn't always work out. Anyway, I wish you all the best for you PhD, experiments, and teaching experiments to kids!
I did my engineering in IT, just like most students in India and went on to work with a huge corporate MNC but slowly, I realised that this corporate madness is not for me so I quit after 4 years of job. I opened my cafe a year later in my hometown and have been more than satisfied ever since because I give my heart to it, even though I would've been making more money if I had stuck to my job. I also opened another cafe/restaurant and failed terribly at it but it also taught me a lot of valuable lessons which I'll remember for the rest of my life. My first cafe is still doing good and I will keep it running for as long as I'm alive. I might venture out to other businesses but my cafe is something which made me a truly happy guy on the inside. Success does not mean which car you're driving or what suit you're wearing. Success means that you are doing what you've always wanted to do.
liked even before hitting read more most of us indians are like THE ONLY GOD THAT KEEPS MANKIND GOING IS MONEY(i accept few of them have their reasons ) . i like the very idea that u have left a job in MNC to start a cafe(small business here) *idk about foreigners that's why only indians
7:20 "It's a blessing not to know how bad you are. Because if i had known, i probably would have quit." Veritasium has unconciously tell us the ultimate secret to success.
If he really means that, then I'm wondering if he didn't get any serious criticism or skepticism. Many succesful people describe that they experienced great opposition of them taking a risk with their dreams, but that they had a passion that was stronger than the ego and peer pressure telling them it isn't possible. Perhaps Derek is one of those who had lots of support from family or friends.
- The only thing that bothers me is that I have a sense of ridicule. - The ridiculous does not exist; those who dared to challenge him head on have conquered the world.
The thing i love about veritasium is that nothing is copied from anywayere. The topics on which you make videos on are absolutely new ,amazing and astonishing . I have seen many channels reuploading videos on the same topics with the same stuff that we all know. But I can see the thought process and work that goes in your videos. I feel lucky that we have such a great UA-camr.
Chances are you already know about it, but just in case you should check out SmarterEveryDay. P.S. DONG is the new vsauce channel for people without YT Red. :)
"You can't be anything you want, but you can be everything you are." I can't remember who said this, but the phrase still reverberates with me. And now, it's 2022 and you're at 12 million subscribers. Congratulations and keep up the great work.
It means that You cannot just decide who you are. But You are you so everything you are is already decided, it's you. Be yourself it means. @@standardLit
I'm not crying, you're crying! That supercooled water video was the first one I watched, ever since your videos have been a source of inspiration and the spark that lit my hunger for knowledge on many fields. Thank you Derek!
The reason I subscribed a while ago was because you were talking about very complex topics but you never acted like you knew it all, it felt like you were just figuring it out along with the viewer.
It brings me a few fleeting moments of joy to know that there actually are a few people out there that have their dream job, dream girl, and overall dream life. It puts a smile on my face despite that ship having sailed for me personally. This may sound strange, but I don't know how else to describe it besides that it's... the antithesis of jealousy? Cool video.
Ya... a guy I follow on insta recently posted simply: "LIFE, IS, HARD"... and my comment back was: life isn't hard for the people who liked highschool and were in extra-curricular activities." Kinda true, there's those people who always just liked trying at life and doing things and learning and working all day. Most people aren't like that naturally. Including myself.
As I see it the more people that are happy and free of suffering the closer we get to the ultimate dream and goal of humanity (which is to eliminate suffering imo; well at least the harsh kinds of suffering at least. A little bit of temporary suffering I think can be ok). Any unhappiness I may experience is separate from the happiness others may have and vice versa, so I feel like you, seeing other people being happy puts a smile on my face, it is purely a good thing and a source of joy for an observer.
@@CrazyGaming-ig6qq ehhhh.... I was raised in a pretty good home. Not wanting of anything. But I was never the guy to enjoy school, didn't look forward to college, only went to community college, dropped out. Played music and didn't take it too seriously. Fucked around with drugs. Got rid of that but now drink too much. Run into my friends who "liked highschool" every once in awhile... they're doing pretty good. Not biography worthy, but they seem to be doing ok and own a house. We are not all that... they were on school debate or the paper or the etc. They like having a job and "figuring it out".
@@urwholefamilydied i mean no offense, but I dont understand what you are trying to say with this? Can you explain? EDIT: I thought a little about what your wrote. So do you mean to say that you are comparing your situation (which *sounds* unsuccessful and unhappy(?)) with their situation (which *seems* happy and successful(?)) and therefore you feel envy and an injustice at this difference and where you are in life right now? Let me know whether I understood this correctly or not.
"Fiji water was reccomended to me by a friend. For example, The mass of The Sun..." That cut was so perfectly timed that it sounded like a completely irrelevant transition in the same clip
Almost felt like your entire channel and your entire life lead to this exact video, absolutely perfect. This is the core of what this channel stands for, and a powerful message to the world, so powerful that it feels genuinely made for each individual viewer, a message from one human to another over the internet, brilliant. Hopefully other viewers can agree when I say that I've never felt like I've been more directly addressed from any other video.
Oh yes, in case I have your attention Derek, this is what I wish for the next step for Veritasium to be: I myself am a uni-student studying physics and chemistry (which was my plan-B after bailing out on engineering) and often feel quite frustrated with grasping these mathematical theoretical "truths" of what we call equations and how they are able to so beautifully describe our reality. Perhaps you could enlighten us more on the theoretical side of what we have learned from your channel, and possibly go deeper in the subjects of physics and chemistry (I believe a significant portion of Veritasium viewer are ready for more advanced stuff, and quite possibly longing for it). Imo if anyone can create content on advanced and complex scientific topics, yet still make it fun to watch for the average person, it would be you. From my experience of sitting countless hours in the lecture hall, listening to a monotonic voice in the front, slowly deriving some function or formulating a proof on the chalkboard, I can say that it's either hell when you don't follow what's going on, or truly ecstatic as your mind connects the dots and shouts out "eureka, I get it". I wish those lecture where more compact, and made for our generation with the attention span of a goldfish. Greetings from Germany.
This is so great man, hearing your story makes me love this channel even more...your work is very appreciated and meaningful so please continue sharing your thoughts via UA-cam!
I'm in this dude's exact shoes right now. I really want to pursue Maths and Quantum Mechanics but I also love making songs more than anything no matter how bad I am. This video has helped take so much load off my shoulders and I really want to thank you for all of this.
I didn’t feel stifled at all after four years of engineering school. I couldn’t wait to do more engineering in the real world, I’m not trying to sound gung ho, I actually was gung ho and I loved it, I loved designing new things that had never been done before because I was so lucky I got to work in R&D with a lot of young, bright engineers just out of college just like me, and we got to surf at lunchtime, so what can be better than that?
Derek this is such a lovely video! I would love to see Raquel and your kids on your channel more - experiments you try at home filmed in a really cool way, like everyday physics phenomena with drones and slow mo cameras and so on.
Maybe be careful about the kids. Knowing that my father had uploaded too many videos to this many people when I was too young to make an active decision probably wouldn't feel great today.
Philip Johansson Oh zip it. He as a parent can, should and will teach and try to make his kids interested in things he thinks are the best for them. It's up to them, when they grow up, to decide what they will do with all that knowledge.
Thank you for making science so accessible … I am 44 years old engineer/MBA and started following your channel since two years ago. Thanks to your contents, I mastered so many topic that first I studied back in my undergrad 🙏🏼🙏🏼
I cannot tell you how much you have impacted my work, Derek. I am not a physics expert nor a maths one but I watch each one of your videos because anyone can tell they are pure distilled passion and unbridled enthusiasm that makes such complex topics seem so effortless. Even when I didn't know what I wanted, I would tell myself I would want to be like that Veritasium guy. Watching your life story almost wells me up to know how the struggles I face as a 26 year old are things you went through too and it gives me hope to still keep going no matter how blurry the goal looks like. Thank you, thank you so much for being you and creating such magic in the world.
I watched this video when it came out, 5 months ago. It inspired me to finally stop finding excuses to not study what I actually wanted to study so that I could work with what I wanted to work. So I did that, and the course I signed up for inspired me to actually send out my cv to listings I was interested in. I did that too and yesterday I signed my new contract to my new job in a new town. So thank you!
Been watching Veritasium for a very long time, and only now the algorithm offered this; your life story - which I find inspired & inspirational. As for Veritasium - being an engineer of both chemistry and nuclear science, I was never in doubt and I parsed the word right away and understood your passion for the truth, a passion we share. Thank you for your candour and your very good work.
Veritasium is one of the most amazing and innovative channel related to scientific research on Physics and outstanding experiments on UA-cam... Really Incredible channel Hat's off to you Sir...
A wonderful video on many different levels. You show everyone watching this video that there isn't always a clear-cut path to getting where you want to go, especially when you have a dream outside of the normal. And that sometimes the indirect path can really lead to some great changes in our lives, including gaining a family. As for the Survivor Bias...I think there's also the fact that many people ultimately stop trying as well. It's the same thing as "your keys are always in the last place you look" because then you stop looking. Those who make it partially do so because they kept trying until they did. And that was a brilliant proposal!
This video put me in tears in a good way I mean that picture with your family after all the time you spent explaining how you ended up there with them I want that i really do , and i wont stop until I actually reach that point and that happiness with people i love and doing the thing i love Thank you for this video really thank you
Hi Derek! Just watched this video (it is 2025) I discovered you few years back when I was teaching physics. I don't do it now and still I watch your videos. Your work of making 'truth' accessible to masses is commendable. Appreaciate how you make complex concepts into digestable and relevant ones. Your work, your path, your courage, specially your TRUTH inspires me Godspeed
Hey, I started by painting, fell in love with biology, graduated as a vet, gave it up for photography, and now im graduating as a graphic designer. kill me. :D
You have made such a great positive impact in so many people's life... We feel really grateful for all the knowledge that you have shared and all inspiration that has emerged from watching these videos... Thank you Derek and the whole team for making this wonderful channels happen.
Wow. Three years later this still holds up and continues to inspire. I'm about to start a college degree in mechanical engineering, and this video has given me so much more insight into what I want to do with my life. I would really love to see that somewhat autobiographical final project of yours. Your life story and this video is just so inspiring I cannot express. Thank you so much for your contributions to my life through all your videos, especially this one ♥
No, thank you. You have made educational videos and have helped so many people learn for years now. You are an inspiration and I love watching you. Good luck with your family and I will always watch your videos.
Think Derek should do a video on the chances of that happening, given the reach of YT and Veritasium and that "outside my house" might be anywhere within 1km (arbitrary measure), maybe the chances aren't as low as we think.
I'm a self taught software engineer. I came from a rough upbringing that ended in both of my parents passing right after high school, so it wasn't really possible for me to follow the traditional path. It took many long hard years (12 professionally, 25 total to be exact) to get from where I began to where I am now, and some of those years include a very near run in with homelessness when I was dependent upon food banks to survive. I think survivor bias is biased towards paying attention to the many people who have put in half-hearted attempts, which aren't even close to the amount of effort, try, and retry that's necessary to achieve your dreams. I do think that you have 100% chance of succeeding at anything you try given you don't stop trying and enough time. There's no such thing as failing what you have yet to stop trying.
Derek, thank you for all your efforts. You are a true blessing and inspiration. Your story reminded me of a great saying: Whoever seeks something might not find it, but whoever finds what they were looking for is among those who were seeking it.
This is by far the best "Life story" video on UA-cam, it shows your ups and downs and you making rational thinking. Great work bud. -A proud Vancouverite
I've been watching your videos for a long while now. They've encouraged and enlightened me more than you'll ever know. I come from meager beginnings and I would watch your videos late at night on midnight lunch breaks while working double triple shifts. Your livelihood and confidence was conveyed through the screen of my discount smart phone and has given me a lift in my pursuit of knowledge. Unfortunately I was severely injured while working so much and for the past two years of healing people like you have been my companion. You help me leave the confines of my situation and explore both the world and deep in my mind. For this I am forever grateful. Keep up the good work! And thanks.
3rror200 thank you! Yes, things are looking up these days. I had an insurance policy that has helped over this time. The nerve damage is slowly repairing and I'll be starting back to school this autumn. Have a lovely day! And I appreciated your thoughtfulness!
I usually don't comment on youtube videos, but that one got me in the feels. I am following a path which is kind of the opposite of yours. I'm almost graduating in Filmmaking, but I'm really interested in Science. You'll probably not read my comment, as it will be far down the comment section, but I wanted to leave this here anyway. I wish you the best.
Hey man, I love science (and I have my undergrad degree with a minor in chemistry and physics) and my interest has recently grown into the escoteric and the mystical things in the universe. I have been focusing on learning about that aspect of existence and trying to quantify it scientifically or at least experiencially (experience it for my self). I should actually be focusing on getting into medical school but I am not as passionate about that. So I am actually a little lost right now. Anyways, if you do want to learn science and need some help, let me know. I have been tutoring people for 6 years. I really good at explaining concepts like Derek. :) good luck mate.
You are a brilliant communicator of science and I learn a great deal from you. Please do not stop making science real and exciting - and relevant to the world we live in. Thank you for making it worthwhile to open UA-cam and get something meaty yet also entertaining to watch every time one visits Veritasium
I grew up in Khartoum, Sudan, I graduated in a degree in Medicine and Surgery last year, although I love medicine, but surprisingly I love art too, and I wanted to be a photographer/filmmaker, so guess what? I started to be make videos about interesting topics in medicine and science on UA-cam (in Arabic language with English subtitles for now), and I'm kinda loving it, having a job as a doctor definitely makes it harder to make videos, but I will never stop. Watching a story of a ''survival'' is always inspiring! Keep up doing what you love Derek! Thanks for sharing your journey with us! It’s so relatable, I love you! ❤
Ahmed Siddig Muhammed I suggest you keep doing it in Arabic. There are plenty of English science educators, but I haven't seen as many in other languages, and they deserve great science education too.
There are english subtitles, as long as you have those in my opinion it doesn't really matter it is spoken in arabic. (most of western europe will agree)
I am now retired ... I spent my career as a computer programmer, which did not exist when I was a kid. Many of my friends also worked in fields that did not exist when they were kids. We live in an amazing world. Thanks for your youtubes.
You seem genuine. Like a kid still wondering and being happy just to experience science. Other science channels have this too, at some level, but the way that you cover a topic is just as important as the topic itself. :)
It's a very old and true belief that the most successful way to live is to approach the world like a child, with a child's open, inquisitive mind. Too many people followed the advice to put childish things away to become an adult.
I love this so much! I geek out in my classes with Veritasium. As a teacher who pursued dance, music, theatre, and film most of my life (with teaching as my back up plan), yet studied in the sciences too (another passion) and love to teach STEAM more than anything, I can relate 100%. Weirdly, your life story came through in all the videos I've watched of you Derek - not directly, but in that recognizable manner between two sympatico minds. Thanks for this lovely memoir!
Your “non-science” videos are just as wonderful as the rest. Thanks for the peek into the personal.
I think the first Veritassium video I've watched was the supercooled water one and got me hooked up ever since.
Wow, I really love that you shared this. I love your videos and watching is a great reminder to strive for what you want. Thanks for this personal insight and thanks for your wonderful videos.
Did you still getting the notification?
ua-cam.com/channels/KPPE2NTGU3OgdKe6qUMCEw.html
@@mikosz666 Wish to see his children grow and have at least a small part in videos
You’ve always been a gigantic inspiration to me. I owe a lot to you and the other Edutubers who paved a little bit of the way for us. I’m glad for your growing family too, though, because Aunt Dianna needs some test subjects...
More like Evil Physics Girl
The enitre science community is an inspiration to me. Thank you 💙
Yepper, and I watch YOU too!
Diana I follow your channel even before following Derek's. You two are inspiration for many, many in the whole world. Cheers from Brazil 🇧🇷
Physics Girl OMG. It's physics girl.
Your path to UA-cam was very unique, but I still thought that it was eerily similar to mine. I was also stuck in that mode of following a fixed path through academia, but I always felt like it was missing the creative part that I needed. I ended up quitting my chem masters and I intended to apply to film school. However, before I was able to do that, the UA-cam channel had taken off and I was able to shift my focus to it. The first couple of years were shaky with a lot of doubts, but now I don't see how I could do anything else.
Love you and your content mate! i've learnt a lot from you, thank you so much!
Dude that's literally me. I'm doing an Astrophysics degree, and while I love it, my true passion lies in film.
and thanks to your videos, I get nothing done since your channel sucks me into a time black hole :P
Thank you for your videos. They are appreciated. Love your content
Omg 2 of my most favorite youtubers😍😍😍😍😍
Watching this video in 2024, my eyes got teary especially the part you propose and then show us your kids and wife. Its such a beautiful thing to know that it all worked out in the end. This video makes a solid case for my intended transition from law to tech! We love you, Derek!
Same
With you 100%!
Just watched your videos, I believe in you bro!
I think it's wise to focus on family. Love you bro, great video.
SmarterEveryDay Happy Father's Day to you too!
Suggestions to Derek:- u got the best students in you life ....ur kids. Teach them the physics, we will join you ur in the video uploads .. 😊...
U are a true hero...
Continue what you are doing..
God is blessing you family
SmarterEveryDay I agree. Destin, I love your channel too! In fact, you were the one who introduced me to Veritasium (thanks to UA-cam’s recommended videos). I’d love to meet yall one day if you’re ever in North Carolina! We have nerds here, too :)
We can wait. Family can't.
Thanks Destin! See you soon!!
This is the first ever "thank you" video that makes me tear up :') I've been following you for a long time, and seeing what you achieved and what your life has become genuinely makes me HAPPY for you.
So, thank YOU Derek, for everything you've done for us. You deserve your beautiful life.
MCinemaGamer thank you for all your support!
Well said!!!
MCinemaGamer! Da quanto tempo!
MCinemaGamer, I agree with everything thing you said. I so appreciate this man.
Nobody starts at the end. You're supposed to be bad on camera in the beginning! It's been fun watching your journey.
Peter Brown omg mr brown is here
Well said!
Yeah we all start somewhere ♥
Thank you for that thoughtful comment 👍
That is wise words! *bow*
Thanks!
Your persona is so genuine in front of the camera it feels like listening to a close friend, keep motivating us and keeping us informed.
All The best
It may seem ridiculous, but in the age of teenage UA-cam megastars I've struggled with feeling like I'm already over the hill with this UA-cam thing and ought to "settle down"/"get a real job". it's really encouraging to realize that you were as old as I am now when you STARTED this venture. It makes me realize that these cut-offs I have in my head about the proper timelines and phases of life really are arbitrary.
acapellascience good stuff
acapellascience I really feel like they are. I had that same mentality all the way through thinking I had to accomplish the next thing. I remember when I was 25 thinking I’d be more grown up by then but I’d been in school my whole life. That time I think was the trickiest transition.
Happier than I've ever been doing youtube and finally paying the bills with it. I'm 44. There's no age limit.
One of the earliest big channels was a guy in his sixties just doing vlogs. He was briefly the top channel on all of youtube.
@acapellascience, Never seen your channel before this comment but i checked you out and im now a subscriber!! love your work
Not to be a downer, but there is also the possibility that the whole "over the hill with this" might apply to UA-cam itself, not necessarily you, You can go on to make great things, but don't forget how UA-cam might have become... sort of "the way" to do things. In some circles. Like the way to become a filmmaker was twenty years ago.
As a 33 year old who doesnt feel he has reached his lifes purpose or dreams, a guy who lives alone without a family.... your story fills me with hope and inspiration for my future. Your reflection is so deep and your content now is better than its ever been. THanks for sharing :)
My name is Phillip .. a 39 year old War Veteran , father of 8, heroin addicted ex gang member ,divorced twice and currently a Multi Millionaire (since 2017 ). I don't drive a car or own a house and proud owner of only two pairs of shoes two sets of boots.I work far far away from everyone I love and spend my time walking on patrols through this third world slum getting ambushed by gunmen and my days off are dominated by cryptocurrency study and world markets. And I'm not happy
@Devang Shekhawat " Do all things correctly and by the very best of your abilities, only pursue what is born from kind intent and logic
U can do any thing u want. start now... DO IT...
"the job that you may have might not have been invented yet"
- Veritasium
Same 😭
Thank you so much! This video has been truly inspiring.
Thank you so much for your kind words! It really means a lot to hear that you enjoyed the more personal side of the content. Sometimes, sharing personal stories can be just as powerful as the scientific ones, don’t you think? What aspect of life do you think has the biggest impact on shaping who we are? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Wow what a wholesome video. You can see how passionate he is with everything he does, and
most importantly he always had a pattern: shift to something else when deemed necessary.
And now he's shifting his time to spend it with his family, which I think is the most important
thing shown in the video...Seriously loved this video so much, thank you
Thank you for understanding!
Veritasium, I've seen so many of your videos and I just wanted to say
you have a very deep understanding of how things work just by the
way you explain everything. I really love the work you put in to help us
gain a better understanding of how everything (our universe) works!
Again thank you so much
Congratulations, Derek! I've been with you for such a long time! Since 2013 actually, which is when I started learning English, and you also contributed to that by the way.
I'm very glad to know that you've found love, and I hope that your wife and kids will bring you a lot of happiness!
Thank you for making Veritasium exist. I hope you'll keep the videos coming, at least every now and then.
All the best,
David
@@Peibolia Link to the channel?
Well this was really sweet, you're the coolest Derek
I also also love your channel, you will make it too soon I am sure!
thank you for sharing!!
Thank you for saying - I really appreciate your support!
His intelligence stats are pretty great
Just was watching ur vid 😁
I can’t express how much this video touches me.
I am a 19 year old who struggles whether to do art or science, as i love both, and seeing your life, your path really made me think of my own future.
You truly are incredible, thank you for your kindness, thank you for your passionate teaching, thank you for the hope and wonders you make shine
On the same page a few months ago
I decided to go for science .
Acc to servior bias but I made a promise to myself to make my dream reality at all cost .
I want to be a director or a writer
I still love science though..😊
Had this guy as my Physics tutor during my High School period. Great attitude towards life and oozes charisma, made me look forward to my weekly 2 hour physics lessons. :)
WoW now this is a blessing
OG fan
Is that you, Jimmy?
First time I've ever heard a youtuber say "Thank you guys" and actually felt that it was genuine
"actually"
right.. really got me in tears :")
Yep, same
you should watch other youtubers i thinks
So true
I’ve been watching Veritasium videos since I was in middle school, and I’m now on my way to graduating with a Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering and moving to pursue my Master’s. This channel has helped fuel my love of learning, so thank you for all that you’ve done!!
I want to be an Aerospace engineer so badly but unfortunately we don't have much scope in this field in my Country 🙃...only a handful of top universities have AE branch here...and again unfortunately they're acceptance rate is 0.01%..it's so nice that you are an aerospace engineer...have a good day brother ❤️
@@matissbrants2625 hmm thanks brother
Genuinely the coolest comment on here so far.
@@saswatgaudu3227 don’t get disheartened! Chemical/materials engineering is also massively useful when designing fuels and fuel delivery systems, as well as most MechE classes being pretty identically comparable to an aerospace course. Choosing any field of engineering will have at least some way to get your foot in the door of your desired field. I wanted to genetic engineering insanely badly for medical applications but couldn’t find a good program so I ended up with biochemical engineering. After 3 years of working with CBD processing I finally landed a job in the medical industry! And even so I actually almost took a job with Ball Aerospace in mission assurance, just follow what you find interesting and opportunities will find you!
@Space Bird 01 good luck to you too bro ❤️
Getting to this video 5 years late - but this channel has awoken a sincere interesting not necessarily in the subjects you talk about, but about learning. And I really appreciate that. Thanks, Derek (and team).
7:16
"Sometimes its a blessing not to know how bad you are, if you knew, you would have quit"
Akshay Aradhya
-Veritasium
And you won't have commented
And sometimes you fool yourself thinking you are too bad, when others are not much better.
@@augustoluis6888 or not better at all
But it is also great to know how your abilities scale and to know when to forge your skills ahead of you and when to seek advice.
I never thought a veritasium video would make me cry! Congrats on everything Derek, you deserve it all
When I read this comment I thought there was no way this video could make me cry. I was wrong.
I just wanted to put out there that I shed a tear as well, along with you all. A small voice, but support. Thanks Veritasium.
If everyone realized how bad they are on camera when they first start, youtube wouldn't exist. I'm glad you stuck with it. (I'm also equally glad you got a lot better. ;) )
lol me too!
I agree. I've been a subscriber for ages and I remember binge watching every video and I have seen it become better and better. I think I still would have binge watched most videoa since there has always been a spark of genius but it was crude (to say the least). I'm so glad for all the progress being made foe this chanel and soooo old since I subscribed when there were so few videos uploaded. Hahaha. Thanks Veritasium!
Loved it, Derek. I'm 64, and I know what it is to go for it and to fail. But there's a deeper truth than survivor bias; those of us who have fallen flat on our face time after time experience life in a way that those who play it safe will never understand. Sure, we might not be rich and we might not be famous. But I got something better instead. I got the journey. I wouldn’t trade the life I’ve lived for all the dreams I had when I was young.
"I wouldn’t trade the life I’ve lived for all the dreams I had when I was young."
1 year later, but... wow
Without those experiences, you would not have been able to deliver that awesome quote. Cheers.
Derek, I think this video was one of your most beautiful videos so far.
I just wanted to say I'm from Brazil and you were a great source of inspiration for me to start making science videos to the Brazilian community. I'm still an undergrad in physics, which I decided to pursue because of you and your work.
UA-cam changed my life, I've always wanted to be a filmmaker. Making videos changed who I wanted to be in the future. It changed my career. It changed everything!
I love your work and I want to tell you how much of an inspiration you were to me. How your videos changed who I wanted to be. Who knows how many other lives and people you have inspired? Your videos are definitely making a change in the way we teach.
I love your work! Thanks for everything you've done and accomplished. UA-cam is a better place because of you.
From a Brazilian fan.
I watch your videos, you are doing an amazing job, for real!! I'm on Chemistry college(unesp) and me and a group of friends are attempting to start a new science series to make the knowledge avaliable for more people, you inspire us just like derek does, I'd like to say a really big thank you for doing what you believe in.
abraços!
Wow! Thank you so much! I'm really happy to be a part of this! :D When you and your friends create this science series, send me the link!
I really appreciate your comment
Man, I knew Derek's channel before yours. And when I started watching your videos, I was so sure you were inspired by him. You're on the right path. Derek's work is inspiring and it changes the way we see and learn science, just like Vsauce and The Physics Girl... Congrats for being in this team...
Thank you so much! I am always amazed by the power of the medium and by this platform and I'm delighted if my videos have been useful to you. I wish you all the best in your pursuit of physics and filmmaking!
Pedro Loos from Ciência todo Ideia is really cute as well.
The world is a better place with your science videos in it. Keep amazing us Derek - Kyle
Coming this from the thor of science must be amazing
Thanks man - you rock!
Kanwar Jakhar *discount thor of science
@@veritasium Hi you're a mega human being, regarding your question of what should/would/could you do next, what you've accomplished nurtured us all, and for sure I would like to see it in the future. I'm thinking of an idea, I hope to bring something to the table soon! Lovely video, enjoy parenthood, congratulations and thank you so much!
Verify your channel
This had me in tears. Such a wonderful life story, I'm so happy for you. Whatever content you make from here, I'll watch it regardless because you have captured not only my attention, but my respect too. Hell, I even acknowledged you (among other science influencers) in my thesis. You keep doing you, man.
what was your thesis on?
@@saraf5414 Navigation and Event-Handling of a Vector in a 3D Coordinate System in Real-Time Embedded Java Systems.
@@fontayne314 I didn't understand a thing but good job.
Well we need more veratasiums! The Ultra honesty!
☺️
Veritassiums videos always leave me with the warm feeling that I have genuinely leaned something, rather than thinking I’m learning when I’m not. One of my favorite channels on UA-cam right now.
...and here I am, 33 years old. questioning myself why did I choose to start my engineering degree at age 30. I guess I really needed to see this video right now. I get so depressed, like what the hell am I doing, some things are so much harder than others and these other students are so much younger than me. Guess I'll never know whats at the end if I don't keep trying. Thank you! ----- update, I graduated. I'm 35 now lol but thats not holding me back. I'm an environmental engineer for an awesome firm in San antonio. I regret nothing and am so proud of myself!
I too reinvented my future at 30 years old, going through to be a teacher. 20 years later I know it was the best thing I ever did for myself, even if it was a monumental struggle. Be brave my friend. It will be worth it!
@@laurasinkins6981 Thanks for the kind words!
I have a family friend who was an accountant, and after a decade or two decided he really didn't like the work. Went to dental school at age 40, with 5 kids (oldest about to graduate high school). Now has been a happy and successful dentist for 25 years. You still have most of your life ahead of you at 33. Make the most of it! :)
33 ha! You’re still a youngster lol. I went into the military at 17 because I had maxed out everything they had to offer at my high school including AP and several college courses. I couldn’t afford to go to the university that I wanted so into the army I went lol After serving my tour as an Airborne Ranger and seeing enough death to last a lifetime. The only thing I was sort of qualified to do was law enforcement so I chose the toughest Leo academy there was. After the army the academy was like a vacation lol. After graduation I went to work for LAPD I’m south central and east LA. It was a freakin war zone but since I had already “been there done that” in the army I took it in stride. Finally after a few years of that nonsense and the birth of my son I quit and moved my family to an entirely different state lol. I became an electrician and made enough so my wife didn’t have to work unless she wanted to. I could have gone into physics or engineering after high school but lack of funding and the thought of being inside all the time or worse teaching lol. Now I’m in my early 50’s my wife passed a few years ago my son is all grown with his own family and I retired from doing electrical and I’m going to reinvent myself all over again lol. It’s never too late to begin a new path on your journey, I’m proof of that lol
So you hang in there and get that degree but remember family always comes first. Enjoy every minute with your loved ones that you can. You never know when you might lose them. I lost my wife to a terminal illness and I chose to take care of her myself the last 2 years she was here. We were supposed to grow old together, that was the plan we made way back in high school. Yes we were sweethearts since we were 15 lol. Who knows in 20 years you might reinvent yourself again lol
Cheers mate.
@@prepperjonpnw6482 are you seriously 50? it's just that saying *lol* every 5 words doesn't click with me,
but then, sorry about your wife, it's the shared stories that matter; may I ask what is your plan to reinvent yourself at these times?
I've been living under a rock and only now discovered your channel, to which I subscribed today. All the best!
It’s a wide world. I live under multiple rocks.
He made this video a year ago and still hearted and commented on your comment wOw
He is truly amazing.
Veritasium i love you man
Timothy O'Malley samedd🙄🙄
My opinion is that your videos have extremely high quality and educational value. I think you could be producing documentaries for Netflix, BBC, PBS more often
TheFvpss He works with Bill Nye on Bill Nye saves the world
What about CBC
Even his earliest videos that he says are bad are so great at explaining things
Totally agree
I would watch episodes on Netflix
"I think the job you will have may not have been invented yet or you may invent it."
One of the most inspirational quote to follow own passion, in my opinion!
Thanks a lot Derek!!!
09:06
This is a real person. Not all those UA-camrs who are full of my "privacy life is your entertainment" and things. THIS kind of guy is what I EXPECT from UA-camrs.
Uh okay, but those UA-camrs are real people too. What you expect or not expect from them don't contradict with the fact that those people have their own ways and wishes and ideas of what content they wanna create
@@saraf5414 Yeah, of course. The same way happens with people who have honest work for honest pay AND people who assault, steal and rob others for whatever they WISHES. It happens too work hard to make a different on the world, making new medicine, research new technologies and stuff and people who dates popular people and then go to a social media to post the RELEVANT experience and intimacy story.
@@Serverclosed I get what you're saying, but the people who are making pulp content are also doing something they are passionate about. Not everything that is worth doing is a major contribution to technology or science or culture. They are doing something they want to do for an audience that wants to see it.
very true, well said
thats is it
Thank you so much for your channel. I really do learn from you and enjoy your videos. I am 64 years old, female, BA in Accounting, love cooking, gardening, sewing and being creative. I live in Los Alamos New Mexico with so many really smart people and at times I don't feel smart. My husband is pastor of a small church, he doesn't have a formal education, which has been a challenge in a town with so many PHDs. I just finished your IQ video and LOVED it; I really, really need to hear that TODAY. I talked to an old roommate from college yesterday, we haven't talked in over 43 years. It is amazing how we haven't changed. She is a very neat person and hates messes. I am way to busy doing so many different things to worry about cleaning up! I am still a MESSY person and over my life I have been JUDEGED based on the neatness of my house. So many times for people we don't talk about IQ we look at each other a base worth on outward things. Education (PHD); where you work (LANL); where you live (old mobile home); cars you drive etc. After watching both videos I really feel blessed to know that I have worth, even though my house is a mess, even if I don't meet the standards other people set. I enjoy learning about things that don't effect my life - fireworks! That was an awesome video. Thank you for what you do! I really do enjoy your presentation and you enrich my life. Again thanks, even though you will most likely never read this...
Loved this biographical video! I related to it in so many ways, especially the double unrelated (but low-key related) passions, and moving around until youtube made everything fall into place. Keep going, Derek!
Thanks man! Still need to do our ants collab. Let me know when you're in town!
both of you guys made me fall in love with science and nature, i appreciate and admire your work and your existence in my life. thank you. sincerely
Love your vids, man! Can't wait for the next one! Btw I want to get a terrarium/aquarium/paludarium for myself (not for ants). Of the three which one do you recommend? I have no experience in this matter.
Oooooo....AntsCanada and Veritasium!! What is this, a cross-over episode?
AntsCanada antssssss
So basically what he is trying to convey is :failure is better than the regret of not trying
I took it that he meant that failure is a substantial part of the success bias, and so he doesn't want people to have misconceptions that a particular process, that worked for him, will necessarily work for everyone, because statistically it wont.
However, If you dont do, you cant learn - fail or not. And I think, its the doing that he represents best. Get out there and do.
Really love his work - its inspiring.
Not really: If you'll never try, you can be sure you'll never succeed but if you try, you never know
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.”
― Henry Ford
Thing learened On the way to failure cannot be is forbidden to ppl who are successful everytime. So, once they fail they could nvr get up. So, failure is the bst way to success.. so that you will be stronger and experienced enough to maintain a stable success..
"~ i'd rather regret things i did than things i didn't .~" is approximately how Lucille Ball put it. Thomas edison supposedly claimed not to have "failed" along his journey in inventing a practical light bulb, but to have "discovered 999 ways that did not work." obviously there are times when a major recalibration to one's strategy is not only "prudent" but very necessary . . . that said, there is more than a grain of truth to the notion that it isn't "failure" until you quit trying.
I have been with Veritasium channel since his first awkward video where he is, i think sitting on a stone wall and explaining something.I completed my whole Bachelor's and veritasium is still here.Each video is very high quality and Derek has this amazing persona which makes people stick around for the whole length of this video.
We need more channel like Varitasium back in trending list than those stupid click baits of Paul potatos and buzzfeed.
And I can't believe how similar I am to you, engineering - check,phd - in process,interested in animation - check, took up teaching experiments to kids job-check. You are my idol Derek, I look up to you.
Hey thanks for writing! And sticking with me through the good quality (and also lesser quality) videos. It's always my goal to make great things, but it doesn't always work out. Anyway, I wish you all the best for you PhD, experiments, and teaching experiments to kids!
Quahntasy - Animating Universe i hope you succeed in your endeavors..
bruh... I never noticed how I have been watching veritasium since his first year making videos! Good Job veritasium bro and good luck!
I dont know man but you making me feel love for science and the beauty of the world. I am so thankful for your videos!!
I did my engineering in IT, just like most students in India and went on to work with a huge corporate MNC but slowly, I realised that this corporate madness is not for me so I quit after 4 years of job.
I opened my cafe a year later in my hometown and have been more than satisfied ever since because I give my heart to it, even though I would've been making more money if I had stuck to my job. I also opened another cafe/restaurant and failed terribly at it but it also taught me a lot of valuable lessons which I'll remember for the rest of my life. My first cafe is still doing good and I will keep it running for as long as I'm alive. I might venture out to other businesses but my cafe is something which made me a truly happy guy on the inside.
Success does not mean which car you're driving or what suit you're wearing. Success means that you are doing what you've always wanted to do.
liked even before hitting read more
most of us indians are like THE ONLY GOD THAT KEEPS MANKIND GOING IS MONEY(i accept few of them have their reasons ) . i like the very idea that u have left a job in MNC to start a cafe(small business here)
*idk about foreigners that's why only indians
Chai wala 😭😂😁
@@shark_house do me a favor, shut the hell up
@ kash aapko aisa hi pati mile jo chai ki thadi lagata ho 😊
Be proud of your courage
7:20
"It's a blessing not to know how bad you are. Because if i had known, i probably would have quit."
Veritasium has unconciously tell us the ultimate secret to success.
That's a nice quote!
If he really means that, then I'm wondering if he didn't get any serious criticism or skepticism. Many succesful people describe that they experienced great opposition of them taking a risk with their dreams, but that they had a passion that was stronger than the ego and peer pressure telling them it isn't possible. Perhaps Derek is one of those who had lots of support from family or friends.
absolutely
It is something like a deaf frog winning the race. Sorry if my illustration has offended anyone
If at first you suck, try, try again.
“Sometimes I think it's a blessing not to know how bad you are because if I had known I probably would have quit”
Wow, amazing
I am saving this for my future
- The only thing that bothers me is that I have a sense of ridicule.
- The ridiculous does not exist; those who dared to challenge him head on have conquered the world.
Your videos are so creative, captivating, and inspiring. Thank you for educating and inspiring everyday!
Thank you so much!
Came here expecting to learn a little more about Derek. Left questioning my whole life.
Same
😂😂
Sounds like a vsauce video to me.
same here :'(
@@someguyontheinternet5448 nahi yaar
Mujhe toh nahi laga
absolutely looooved this video!!
I struggle to understand what part of this video made some people to unlike the video? Seriously
but only 10% sub saw it
Valio keys Maybe because it was full of clichés without any workable info.
But I liked it anyways.
Valio keys same here
I didnt thought i would see any thai(?) youtuber in this comment section xd
The thing i love about veritasium is that nothing is copied from anywayere. The topics on which you make videos on are absolutely new ,amazing and astonishing . I have seen many channels reuploading videos on the same topics with the same stuff that we all know. But I can see the thought process and work that goes in your videos. I feel lucky that we have such a great UA-camr.
Chances are you already know about it, but just in case you should check out SmarterEveryDay.
P.S. DONG is the new vsauce channel for people without YT Red.
:)
"You can't be anything you want, but you can be everything you are." I can't remember who said this, but the phrase still reverberates with me.
And now, it's 2022 and you're at 12 million subscribers. Congratulations and keep up the great work.
What does this means?
It means that You cannot just decide who you are. But You are you so everything you are is already decided, it's you. Be yourself it means. @@standardLit
I'm not crying, you're crying!
That supercooled water video was the first one I watched, ever since your videos have been a source of inspiration and the spark that lit my hunger for knowledge on many fields. Thank you Derek!
Also seen the supercooled water video and liked it a lot. Been subscribed ever since. Keep up the good work
Today i was pouring supercold water in a bowl but it froze. Thanks to derek i knew the phenomenon.
That supercooled water was also the first video i watched.
The reason I subscribed a while ago was because you were talking about very complex topics but you never acted like you knew it all, it felt like you were just figuring it out along with the viewer.
Same
K
Love your work man. Inspiring stuff.
agreed.
@@deeznutzzzzzzzz tunde
Verified dude hi
Most def
yes
It brings me a few fleeting moments of joy to know that there actually are a few people out there that have their dream job, dream girl, and overall dream life. It puts a smile on my face despite that ship having sailed for me personally. This may sound strange, but I don't know how else to describe it besides that it's... the antithesis of jealousy? Cool video.
this comment is bang on
Ya... a guy I follow on insta recently posted simply: "LIFE, IS, HARD"... and my comment back was: life isn't hard for the people who liked highschool and were in extra-curricular activities." Kinda true, there's those people who always just liked trying at life and doing things and learning and working all day. Most people aren't like that naturally. Including myself.
As I see it the more people that are happy and free of suffering the closer we get to the ultimate dream and goal of humanity (which is to eliminate suffering imo; well at least the harsh kinds of suffering at least. A little bit of temporary suffering I think can be ok). Any unhappiness I may experience is separate from the happiness others may have and vice versa, so I feel like you, seeing other people being happy puts a smile on my face, it is purely a good thing and a source of joy for an observer.
@@CrazyGaming-ig6qq ehhhh.... I was raised in a pretty good home. Not wanting of anything. But I was never the guy to enjoy school, didn't look forward to college, only went to community college, dropped out. Played music and didn't take it too seriously. Fucked around with drugs. Got rid of that but now drink too much. Run into my friends who "liked highschool" every once in awhile... they're doing pretty good. Not biography worthy, but they seem to be doing ok and own a house. We are not all that... they were on school debate or the paper or the etc. They like having a job and "figuring it out".
@@urwholefamilydied i mean no offense, but I dont understand what you are trying to say with this? Can you explain?
EDIT: I thought a little about what your wrote. So do you mean to say that you are comparing your situation (which *sounds* unsuccessful and unhappy(?)) with their situation (which *seems* happy and successful(?)) and therefore you feel envy and an injustice at this difference and where you are in life right now? Let me know whether I understood this correctly or not.
"Fiji water was reccomended to me by a friend. For example, The mass of The Sun..."
That cut was so perfectly timed that it sounded like a completely irrelevant transition in the same clip
"fiji water was recommended by....fiji water" ;)
Almost felt like your entire channel and your entire life lead to this exact video, absolutely perfect. This is the core of what this channel stands for, and a powerful message to the world, so powerful that it feels genuinely made for each individual viewer, a message from one human to another over the internet, brilliant. Hopefully other viewers can agree when I say that I've never felt like I've been more directly addressed from any other video.
beautifully said!
Bro I feel you
Oh yes, in case I have your attention Derek, this is what I wish for the next step for Veritasium to be:
I myself am a uni-student studying physics and chemistry (which was my plan-B after bailing out on engineering) and often feel quite frustrated with grasping these mathematical theoretical "truths" of what we call equations and how they are able to so beautifully describe our reality. Perhaps you could enlighten us more on the theoretical side of what we have learned from your channel, and possibly go deeper in the subjects of physics and chemistry (I believe a significant portion of Veritasium viewer are ready for more advanced stuff, and quite possibly longing for it). Imo if anyone can create content on advanced and complex scientific topics, yet still make it fun to watch for the average person, it would be you.
From my experience of sitting countless hours in the lecture hall, listening to a monotonic voice in the front, slowly deriving some function or formulating a proof on the chalkboard, I can say that it's either hell when you don't follow what's going on, or truly ecstatic as your mind connects the dots and shouts out "eureka, I get it". I wish those lecture where more compact, and made for our generation with the attention span of a goldfish.
Greetings from Germany.
Wow, you took the words out of my mouth!
Beautifully said. I totally agree!
a slightly awkward confession and gratefulness.
but full of honesty.
such a great guy.
He's smart, he loves physics but it's only after this video I realised that he's so frikin handsome
hahaha he really is
😁😂
@@ВладЧерников-щ8л doesn't interest him may be?
ngl guys a stud
when he was in college, woah
This is so great man, hearing your story makes me love this channel even more...your work is very appreciated and meaningful so please continue sharing your thoughts via UA-cam!
I'm in this dude's exact shoes right now. I really want to pursue Maths and Quantum Mechanics but I also love making songs more than anything no matter how bad I am. This video has helped take so much load off my shoulders and I really want to thank you for all of this.
"i feel like I've been stifled by 4 years of engineering"
-every engineering graduate ever
It was like that for me after I finished but at some point in the career you realize the beatings were worth it :)
Most entrepreneurs big n small are engineers...
Wish i had pursue engineering too because the scope is endless
Two of the hardest challenges in academia are undergraduate engineering and a PhD.
I didn’t feel stifled at all after four years of engineering school. I couldn’t wait to do more engineering in the real world, I’m not trying to sound gung ho, I actually was gung ho and I loved it, I loved designing new things that had never been done before because I was so lucky I got to work in R&D with a lot of young, bright engineers just out of college just like me, and we got to surf at lunchtime, so what can be better than that?
Not me. I don't feel like it.
no .... thank YOU! Thank you for sharing, lovely family, you done great Derek
Derek this is such a lovely video! I would love to see Raquel and your kids on your channel more - experiments you try at home filmed in a really cool way, like everyday physics phenomena with drones and slow mo cameras and so on.
^ LIsten to Vanessa, she's also awesome! :)
I'd love to have some videos in which you see what your kids think of physics!
Maybe be careful about the kids. Knowing that my father had uploaded too many videos to this many people when I was too young to make an active decision probably wouldn't feel great today.
BrainCraft No kids. Thanks.
Philip Johansson Oh zip it. He as a parent can, should and will teach and try to make his kids interested in things he thinks are the best for them. It's up to them, when they grow up, to decide what they will do with all that knowledge.
Derek, I found your videos when I was in a brink of ending it all. I can't thank you enough for giving me hope.
keep strong, jalapeno.
as a wise man once said, (Ken Katagiri)
Genji, FLY !
*Mostly Canadian™*
You missed the point... part south african!
Bando Bandit and part Australian
VANNIVEZ this made me laugh more than it should
Mostly Human, more than anything else.
since he lived in south africe he could claim to be a waCanadian
(wakanda black panther movie... ;) )
So you are Canadian, South African and Australian.
*Perfectly balanced as all things should be.*
He also lives in the US. He only misses New Zealand and UK to become supersaian
@@Slashplite UK is not really Europe though... :DD
With American children :)
@@robpiy91 They are in Europe, just not in the EU, two different things
Yeah because Asia and Europe don't exist amirite fellas
"Sometimes its a blessing to not know how bad you are". Thank you Derek. You've made my day!
Thank you for making science so accessible … I am 44 years old engineer/MBA and started following your channel since two years ago. Thanks to your contents, I mastered so many topic that first I studied back in my undergrad 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Personality, character and sheer hardwork. Great work man - a fan from Singapore.
chee hiong Yeo hi I’m frm sg too
@@asherang7 aYy same!
Same
huh im from malaysia
I cannot tell you how much you have impacted my work, Derek. I am not a physics expert nor a maths one but I watch each one of your videos because anyone can tell they are pure distilled passion and unbridled enthusiasm that makes such complex topics seem so effortless. Even when I didn't know what I wanted, I would tell myself I would want to be like that Veritasium guy. Watching your life story almost wells me up to know how the struggles I face as a 26 year old are things you went through too and it gives me hope to still keep going no matter how blurry the goal looks like.
Thank you, thank you so much for being you and creating such magic in the world.
Your video of *Indians at 20 * was great! I shared with my college friends and they all really liked it.
Hey India In Pixel. I wish you grow exponentially and one day collaborate with derek to give us a fantasting video on something!!!
i love your videos and really happy you got appretaion by the prime minister of india
What ever you do India in pixel will surely be recognised sooner and I know at that time you will be, all over the place...
your writing is beautiful
I watched this video when it came out, 5 months ago. It inspired me to finally stop finding excuses to not study what I actually wanted to study so that I could work with what I wanted to work.
So I did that, and the course I signed up for inspired me to actually send out my cv to listings I was interested in. I did that too and yesterday I signed my new contract to my new job in a new town. So thank you!
Been watching Veritasium for a very long time, and only now the algorithm offered this; your life story - which I find inspired & inspirational.
As for Veritasium - being an engineer of both chemistry and nuclear science, I was never in doubt and I parsed the word right away and understood your passion for the truth, a passion we share.
Thank you for your candour and your very good work.
Veritasium is one of the most amazing and innovative channel related to scientific research on Physics and outstanding experiments on UA-cam...
Really Incredible channel
Hat's off to you Sir...
"The job that you will have may not be invented yet", these lines just got me deep
A wonderful video on many different levels. You show everyone watching this video that there isn't always a clear-cut path to getting where you want to go, especially when you have a dream outside of the normal. And that sometimes the indirect path can really lead to some great changes in our lives, including gaining a family.
As for the Survivor Bias...I think there's also the fact that many people ultimately stop trying as well. It's the same thing as "your keys are always in the last place you look" because then you stop looking. Those who make it partially do so because they kept trying until they did.
And that was a brilliant proposal!
Köszönjük!
Köszönjük!
My brain likes your narration so much that when i was reading a book ,subconscious mind started reading in your voice. 🤯
Wow, that is so sweet
True. His voice is really calming in a way
Wow thats a real big compliment.
@@theharshchhari p
Me too
This video put me in tears in a good way
I mean that picture with your family after all the time you spent explaining how you ended up there with them
I want that i really do , and i wont stop until I actually reach that point and that happiness with people i love and doing the thing i love
Thank you for this video really thank you
This is the best 'My Life Story' I have ever heard, read or watched!
Story telling at its zenith.
Hi Derek!
Just watched this video (it is 2025)
I discovered you few years back when I was teaching physics. I don't do it now and still I watch your videos.
Your work of making 'truth' accessible to masses is commendable. Appreaciate how you make complex concepts into digestable and relevant ones.
Your work, your path, your courage, specially your TRUTH inspires me
Godspeed
Man, Veritasium helped to kindle a love for science in me. Thanks Derek!!
WHY AM I CRYING ON A SCIENCE CHANNEL???
Because you are a good human being.
@@shif06 O.M.G. thank you, I was not expecting to get a compliment, at all...
@@shif06 you are a good human being .
The reason I'm crying on a science channel is you. Thank you
because U would like to do the same...just not brave enough ...just like me
Hey, I started by painting, fell in love with biology, graduated as a vet, gave it up for photography, and now im graduating as a graphic designer. kill me. :D
Lmfao
you can't be american
You should not be killed.
You still are an asset.
Glad to hear. Having a bad phase now and somehow need a reson to keep going...
Literally me. I change my mind so much. I hate it when people say stop changing your mind and stick to one thing.
You have made such a great positive impact in so many people's life... We feel really grateful for all the knowledge that you have shared and all inspiration that has emerged from watching these videos... Thank you Derek and the whole team for making this wonderful channels happen.
Wow. Three years later this still holds up and continues to inspire. I'm about to start a college degree in mechanical engineering, and this video has given me so much more insight into what I want to do with my life. I would really love to see that somewhat autobiographical final project of yours. Your life story and this video is just so inspiring I cannot express. Thank you so much for your contributions to my life through all your videos, especially this one ♥
Good luck with fluid mechanics. Don’t give up.
Godspeed to you getting through that
mechanical engineering degree.
ehhh, me too!, hope you will be awesome in the career, I'm kind of afraid, but I think that we should never give up until we reach our dreams!
@@jydoran4643 Even then, don't give up aspiring to new dreams and new hight's. Knowledge is the only frontier beyond space that has no limits.
For lack of a better word, this video is very "Human." Thanks for sharing these slices your life Derek.
faytaliti humane
You are a super storyteller.
No, thank you. You have made educational videos and have helped so many people learn for years now. You are an inspiration and I love watching you. Good luck with your family and I will always watch your videos.
this guy talks about getting a phd like it’s nothing
Truth
😂😂
because it is
@@rohanm4214 K dude 😆
Well, to him I suppose it isn’t a big deal compared to youtube
Shits ez to him
WAIT A MINUTE
Did you propose to your wife outside my goddamn house in Oslo!!??
How did I not know of this, omg, minor heart attack, okay I´m fine.
+Macerly The chances of that happening and you being here are very low. Please explain :D.
Ye please do explain
Bor du på Stortinget?!
Think Derek should do a video on the chances of that happening, given the reach of YT and Veritasium and that "outside my house" might be anywhere within 1km (arbitrary measure), maybe the chances aren't as low as we think.
Yup! Oslo for the proposal
I'm a self taught software engineer. I came from a rough upbringing that ended in both of my parents passing right after high school, so it wasn't really possible for me to follow the traditional path. It took many long hard years (12 professionally, 25 total to be exact) to get from where I began to where I am now, and some of those years include a very near run in with homelessness when I was dependent upon food banks to survive. I think survivor bias is biased towards paying attention to the many people who have put in half-hearted attempts, which aren't even close to the amount of effort, try, and retry that's necessary to achieve your dreams. I do think that you have 100% chance of succeeding at anything you try given you don't stop trying and enough time. There's no such thing as failing what you have yet to stop trying.
wowww
I like that "There's no such thing as failing what you have yet to stop trying"
Underrated comment!
Awesome. 💯
@@511aboy true
Derek, thank you for all your efforts. You are a true blessing and inspiration. Your story reminded me of a great saying: Whoever seeks something might not find it, but whoever finds what they were looking for is among those who were seeking it.
This is by far the best "Life story" video on UA-cam, it shows your ups and downs and you making rational thinking. Great work bud.
-A proud Vancouverite
I've been watching your videos for a long while now. They've encouraged and enlightened me more than you'll ever know. I come from meager beginnings and I would watch your videos late at night on midnight lunch breaks while working double triple shifts. Your livelihood and confidence was conveyed through the screen of my discount smart phone and has given me a lift in my pursuit of knowledge. Unfortunately I was severely injured while working so much and for the past two years of healing people like you have been my companion. You help me leave the confines of my situation and explore both the world and deep in my mind. For this I am forever grateful. Keep up the good work! And thanks.
:c
hope it’s slightly better now
3rror200 thank you! Yes, things are looking up these days. I had an insurance policy that has helped over this time. The nerve damage is slowly repairing and I'll be starting back to school this autumn.
Have a lovely day! And I appreciated your thoughtfulness!
I usually don't comment on youtube videos, but that one got me in the feels. I am following a path which is kind of the opposite of yours. I'm almost graduating in Filmmaking, but I'm really interested in Science. You'll probably not read my comment, as it will be far down the comment section, but I wanted to leave this here anyway. I wish you the best.
pseudomino3 I reckon he’ll read this.
Hey man, I love science (and I have my undergrad degree with a minor in chemistry and physics) and my interest has recently grown into the escoteric and the mystical things in the universe. I have been focusing on learning about that aspect of existence and trying to quantify it scientifically or at least experiencially (experience it for my self). I should actually be focusing on getting into medical school but I am not as passionate about that. So I am actually a little lost right now.
Anyways, if you do want to learn science and need some help, let me know. I have been tutoring people for 6 years. I really good at explaining concepts like Derek. :) good luck mate.
hahaha I know, but I came up with it when I was in middle school. I was so proud of it, I can't let go of that sentiment XDD
I read it - and I wish you luck!
5 months later, he did read your comment! Cheers, mate!
You are a brilliant communicator of science and I learn a great deal from you. Please do not stop making science real and exciting - and relevant to the world we live in. Thank you for making it worthwhile to open UA-cam and get something meaty yet also entertaining to watch every time one visits Veritasium
I grew up in Khartoum, Sudan, I graduated in a degree in Medicine and Surgery last year, although I love medicine, but surprisingly I love art too, and I wanted to be a photographer/filmmaker, so guess what? I started to be make videos about interesting topics in medicine and science on UA-cam (in Arabic language with English subtitles for now), and I'm kinda loving it, having a job as a doctor definitely makes it harder to make videos, but I will never stop.
Watching a story of a ''survival'' is always inspiring! Keep up doing what you love Derek! Thanks for sharing your journey with us! It’s so relatable, I love you! ❤
Your story is incredible too. Keep up your good work
Awesome! I'm studying medicine in Khartoum currently
Ahmed Siddig Muhammed I suggest you keep doing it in Arabic. There are plenty of English science educators, but I haven't seen as many in other languages, and they deserve great science education too.
There are english subtitles, as long as you have those in my opinion it doesn't really matter it is spoken in arabic. (most of western europe will agree)
South African, Canadian and Australian... Sun never sets in your homeland!
Your ability to do what you love is really, really. inspirational.
Thank you so much for sharing this.
I am now retired ... I spent my career as a computer programmer, which did not exist when I was a kid. Many of my friends also worked in fields that did not exist when they were kids. We live in an amazing world. Thanks for your youtubes.
Veritasium = Element of Truth .. Genius!
Faraz A It is in the Veritas ium,
Veritas=truth/honesty
@@shaheerthekhan yep... it's Latin ! Genius
earthnote green you had to reply while I was watching Suits on Netflix
I had a bit of water welling in my eyes when you proposed to your wife. A great insight into your life 👍
why were they filming she must have been thinking
Nah it's just raining in my bedroom.
yeah me too, was this damn fly I think went in both my eyes ..
You seem genuine. Like a kid still wondering and being happy just to experience science. Other science channels have this too, at some level, but the way that you cover a topic is just as important as the topic itself. :)
Like a curious kid, yeah
Very true
It's a very old and true belief that the most successful way to live is to approach the world like a child, with a child's open, inquisitive mind. Too many people followed the advice to put childish things away to become an adult.
@@IndependentBear Right, and continue playing games with toys for the rest of your life. Just that the games and toys get more complex.
I love this so much! I geek out in my classes with Veritasium. As a teacher who pursued dance, music, theatre, and film most of my life (with teaching as my back up plan), yet studied in the sciences too (another passion) and love to teach STEAM more than anything, I can relate 100%. Weirdly, your life story came through in all the videos I've watched of you Derek - not directly, but in that recognizable manner between two sympatico minds. Thanks for this lovely memoir!