Question Tuesday: TFIOS Movie, Existential Crises, and Symbolism
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- Опубліковано 10 бер 2014
- In which John Green answers real questions from real nerdfighters on a range of issues from why writers use symbols to whether there are more stars or grains of sand on earth.
The Art Assignment: / theartassignment
More stars than grains of sand: www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wild...
John Green, you are a walking novel. As Hazel had said to Van Houten, "frankly I'd read your grocery lists"
I would also like to read his grocery lists
Amazing
Inside the camera? But... but... you're inside my computer...
That question,"are there more grains of sand on earth or stars in the sky" was very clever because it relates to one of the quotes in your book, "some infinities are simply larger than other infinities"
Well...not really, because neither the number of stars nor the number of grains of sand is infinite...whereas your life is, wheter or not it is a "long" life. Or at least, that's John's point in the book. I don't know if it's true. Okay, actually I don't even know if the number of stars really isn't infinite...
+Tigermond1 The Law of Conservation of Matter states that there is a set and unchanging amount of matter/energy within our universe, so yes, the number of stars is finite.
First of all there aren't an infinite amount of grains of sand on earth. But second of all I agree, it was a good question. Not because it was hard to answer (the infinite will always be larger than the finite) but because it's hard to think about. Every time you walk on a beach (which in my case is rarely, I hate beaches) you are walking past numbers that are huge... but still infinitely smaller than the number of stars, the number of things so important you could spend an entire PhD studying and admiring them and still not know all there is to know. That's awesome, but also invalidating in a very nihilistic way.
I vote for John and Hank to be the next Doctor Who companions.
I can see the TARDIS in space, the Doctor opens the doors, and the two look out to the universe.
And then Hank would say,
"DUDE, NO EDGE."
That is perfect! I completely agree. Only, I think they should take turns being the Doctor.
The description of symbolism was outstanding.
I'm most excited that one of my favorite movie directors, Wes Craven, just watched a short I did and said that I should be a professional. It's just made me unbelievably elated. I am not looking forward to the pendulum swing on this one.
Dear John: Since An Imperial Afflection doesn't actually exist; YOU SHOULD WRITE IT. That would be like the best thing ever.
Sincerely, everyone who has read The Fault In Our Stars.
YES WHY DOES THIS NOT HAVE MORE LIKES
I literally cannot express how much I love John and Hank Green. John, you have made my love for books ever more strong, and made me want to reread the great Gatsby with a better and more passionate fervor than I had before. Hank, you have made my mind wonder about all the amazing wonders that the Earth could possibly have in store for my life, and I could not be more grateful for the two of you.
Only John Green could turn a Question Tuesday video into an existential crisis.
In which John Green answers real questions from real nerdfighters on a range of issues from why writers use symbols to whether there are more stars or grains of sand on earth.
Question Tuesday: TFIOS Movie, Existential Crises, and Symbolism
Real question from real nerd fighters for John - Are there any plans for a TFIOS event in Indy? My daughters, their friends, and I are big fans.
Nice Gatsby reference ;)
Please talk about Venezuela like you talked about Ukraine!!!! please help me!
Talk about Venezuela!
John would you discuss the quote about light being the visible sign of the invisible light? It rather confuses me and i would appricate some clarification.
That must've been the shortest existential crisis in the history of mankind.
Maybe he edited some of it out?
I'm probably most exited about participating in the maine state science fair on friday. I used algae to create a biofuel that's more efficient than wood.
That's so cool
This is the first video iv actually fully watched of yours but even the wording in this is as beautiful as in TFIOS. You have made me cry and laugh and question EVERYTHING. In away I feel like I just ruined my life by reading your books but I'm so glad I did because they are the best thing I have ever read in my life.
Hey John,
My name is Jose and I’m currently a senior at my high school. As prom approaches, I’ve done some thinking and finally decided to ask my friend. She is a really great person but most of all, she’s loves your books, with The Fault in Our Starts being one of her favorites. So to surprise her, I thought it would be a nice idea to have you make a quick video and ask her to prom for me. I understand you have a busy schedule with UA-cam and other things, so I completely understand if you are unable to.
Thank you for taking your time in reading this,
Jose
THIS IS THE CUTEST IDEA ANYONE HAS EVER HAD ON THIS WHOLE ENTIRE PLANET
Olivia C I liked when he helped propose for a gentleman a few years ago.
I love this idea too, but when did asking a girl to prom become the new marriage proposel?
I'm referring to when John actually helped a gentleman propose to his girlfriend a few years back.
Does john ever answer fake questions from real nerdfighters, or even real questions from fake nerdfighters? That would make an entertaining video sometime
*mindblown*
This sounds like a perfectly reasonable and interesting question that you should have asked for Question Tuesday.
What about fake questions from fake nerdfighters
I KNEW, SOMEHOW, YOU WOULD TALK ABOUT THAT DARN GREEN LIGHT, JOHN GREEN.
T
My friend just went to your conference in Indianapolis and he got my copy of TFIOS signed for me. I can't even begin to explain the joy I felt when I saw your signature in my book. You are such an amazing author and I love your work more than I imagined I could. Thank you for making the world a better place through your literature!
Wow. I should think more about what exciting things are on the horizon. ALSO, you've mastered the art of half-blinking to not-blinking. I felt like we were having a staring contest and you won like 20 times.
I am getting butterflies just by reading a comment from my new favourite vlogger to another new favourite vlogger. excuse my enthusiasm.
Ashley Rollorata
Uhm - sure, he can cut things out of his video - like the parts when he blinks... Am I being a party pooper ?
Roberto Fontiglia Not party pooping, just making John seem less magical.
JOHN GREEN JUST SAID "IT'S A METAPHOR"
The problem I find with symbolism is too often when it's revealed it becomes obvious but when it's hidden it is useless.
I'm excited for summer break!
Oh, wait, it's still March?
*goes back to bed
Building a backyard fish farm has got me on the up & up at the moment Mr John..
Cheers to all :)
John, I'm not entirely sure why...but this is one of my favorite videos that you've done recently! It feels very relaxed and comfortable but still exciting and happy! Also, I like that you took more time to talk about certain questions rather than just buzzing through many questions.
Also, that is a great shirt!
Generally, I'm truly excited of the book-turned-movie The Fault In Our Stars. Just the fact that it's premiering in a few months is enough to get me overwhelmed.
Every time I see a new Vlogbrothers video in my subscriptions my heart does a little leap for joy
I just got offered my first job as a paid dance photographer! =D I am the most excited of all the excited in excitementtown. I never thought this would happen and it is and it's like that stupid little fantasy I had isn't that stupid. And isn't really a fantasy any more.
So, this is an older video, but I had to stop by to say a) TFIOS made me ugly cry and I loved every minute of reading it, and I am now a fan of your videos. Basically you're both wonderful.
John Green, I am in utterly in love with your books. You just have a writing style that I'm in love with. The fault in our stars, looking for Alaska, all of these books you have written have given me a different perspective on everything. I could not thank you enough for these books. Although, I'm not entirely happy with how you ended tfios I am still in love with it. You are easily my favorite author of all time. Keep writing because your books are beyond perfection. Thanks again.
yrs, Kiara
I'm excited about giving a presentation in class, which is odd as presentations normally make me want to cry with nerves. But the subject is something I care and am really enthusiastic about ! :)
What is it about?
I have a bay standing in the way of my dreams, but the problem there isn't the bay but that there are many green lights and I'm pretty sure I will never get to all of them.
***** Good question, but I appreciate your effort! :)
Dftba in French is nopêi, which stands for ne oubliez pas être impressiont, and is pronounced en oh pey euh accen circumflex ee. The letters dftba are pronounced day ef tay bey ah.
J'ai toujours pensé "N'oubliez pas d’être magnifique!"
I'm most excited about deciding to watch your videos for the first time today, and instantly becoming a huge fan
I'm most excited about balloon animals. Can you tell?
I'm most excited about my first computer build! And also finishing TFiOS. I'm actively trying not to binge read it so that it gets drawn out and more dramatic. Like being really hungry and then deciding to make a pot roast, which may take a few hours to finish but is going to be UH-MAZING when it is. (Whoa, did I just use an analogy?)
I LOVE the Great Gatsby!! It's one of my favorite books, so the fact that you referenced it made me happy. In fact, I love the book so much that I read my first copy so many times that the binding came undone and I had to get a new one. I just love Fitzgerald's writing so much, but to be honest your writing is right up there tied with him for how much I love it. I love all of your books, and I can't decide which I like better, Looking for Alaska, TFiOS, or Paper Towns. As a matter of fact, the three of them are right up there with Great Gatsby for me. Love you and your work, I wish you the best.
Right now I'm most excited that I, at age twenty, finally got the white, male, long haired Syrian hamster named Frito that I've wanted since I was six (yes at age six I specifically wanted a white, male, long haired Syrian hamster named Frito I was a very specific child, and I cried when my parents said I couldn't get one because I was allergic to them).
But now that I have him my cats won't leave him alone and they even pushed his cage off the bedside table I had it on. Luckily he didn't get out but I still can't get them to leave him alone.
If you're staring into the void, and I'm watching this video, that means I am the void.
I am currently staring at you as you speak.
Nietzsche, eat your heart out.
But what if the void is simply a space created by the mind that does not truly exist?
Kelly Beck Then isn't your mind the void.
Emcee Bleach Is something that creates a creation the creation itself?
Raizada R Emcee Bleach If this is then stated, could it also be said that the mind is a creation arising from a state of entropy to order and there by not a void?
I'm most excited about two things at the same time: I am about to become a father, and I'm finally nearly finished with the novel I've poured hundreds of hours of work into - the culmination of two dreams I've had for a long time.
...I don't know whether to feel creepy or happy in that I recognise you from tumblr/minecraft. Good luck with the baby and novel!
CinnriStreusel Hmmm.... I don't have a tumblr or play minecraft, so unfortunately, I think you have me mistaken for someone else. I'll happily take your well-wishes, though! Minecraft is on my list of things to try out sometime, but I fear that between writing and a baby on the way, I won't have much time. ;)
Starvingwriter82
Oh, my bad! Well, the well wishes are still intended, and if you do happen to have the spare time somehow, I do suggest Minecraft! The Nerdfighter server is great, and the fella that I thought you were, actually has a Minecraft University where he used to hold lectures sometimes c:
That was perhaps my favorite question Tuesday video. There were both simple and complex questions. Plus, John seems happy (like, particularly happy) which makes me happy. :)
It's taken me just over a month but I am finally up to date with all of these videos.
Also, the thing I'm most excited about right now is a holiday me and my friends are planning for the summer in the west of Ireland and I AM SO EXCITED ERMEGERD
I'm currently most excited to hear my baby daughter's first word.
You made me cry for the first time in two years. Needless to say, looking for alaska is a fantastic book.
Right now, I'm most excited about the show I'm currently in! My school is doing Into the Woods and I'm so lucky to have a part. I basically spend every second I'm not in rehearsal counting down until the next rehearsal. I know they say to never wish your life away, but rehearsal is always the best part of my day.
Staring into the void is OK ... but the void staring back is scary ...
I'm super excited to be performing in my school's production of Fiddler on the Roof in a few weeks!
Existential crisis? It's okay John, danisnotonfire has plenty of experience, he can help you out with that.
Hannah Crull I feel like if they were in the same room for too long the universe would implode
Alexandra McCombs +
John Green, I hope you know that you have changed my life and that I love your outlook on life and I think I almost worship you. You're so intelligent and kind and caring about others, which some people are not in this world and I would like to thank you for being you. Question: what is your zodiac sign and do you believe in that sort of stuff?
You do not look into the void John Green . . . .
THE VOID LOOKS INTO YOU. ' _ '
The universe (not just the observable one) probably has infinite stars. Not sure if they are infinitely faulty though.
I'm very happy to have seen you on the React show a few days ago. I'm not sure why your videos weren't in my life before now!
I am most excited about the sudden deluge of young adult novels that I read and love! I'm doing a PhD in literature, so I run the risk of starting to become bored by reading (because, like, it's all I do all day every day. you know. as a full-time job, and anything you do as a job is occasionally boring). But a few weeks ago I impulse took out a few young adult books from the library and i FEEL LIKE MY BRAIN IS ON FIRE ALL THE TIME NOW. they were very good. very good. books are so exciting. I am having a lot of excitement about being excited about these books.
I am most excited about the job offer I got from an animation studio on a new feature film.
I'm excited about that sneaky Gatsby reference! I feel smart when I pick up on little things!
I'm excited that I just rewatched this after 3 years (during the last of which I have read The Great Gatsby) and have discovered that this video is even more awesome.
I am so super excited about going back to visit my friends at uni, and watching the play they have all worked so hard on. And going to a camp fire. And squeeing over all the stuff. And just being able to share the same space/time with my favourite people!
I am most excited about taking the next big step in life, buying a house and having kids. Scared as hell but can't hardly wait.
Im most excited to see the fault in our stars movie
You seeing the fault in our stars movie is definitely pretty high on my list of excitements as well. -John
I'm most excited about the "Gatsby" reference you made in this video and obviously the TFIOS live stream on Wednesday!!! :D
Dear John Green,
Hi from a 14 year old fairly nerdy teenager, nerdfighter, and devoted reader!!! I'm in eighth grade. Before I ask my question… I'm not sure if this is fan mail, but I think you are a genius! Apart from being my favorite author, (along with F. Scott Fitzgerald, because the Great Gatsby was just awesome) your (and Hank's) ability to convey such a plethora of information on the vlogbrothers is spectacular! Thanks so much for explaining, one video at a time, the world, from North Korea's horrifying regime to the current conflict in Ukraine. You can explain something in 4 minutes better than my Social Studies teacher can in a semester! Maybe it's because that class is at 7:50 in the morning and my teacher only wears horrendous brown sweaters, or maybe it's because I'm busy listening to Simon and Garfunkel or Queen and illegally chewing gum.
I'm sure you get this a lot, but I think that the Fault in Our Stars is one of the best books ever written for young adults. I love the fact that it portrays Hazel as not just a Cancer patient to feel bad for, but someone who can have her own adventures and loves, and be loved so beautifully by another human being. If you count the number of hours your readers cried at the end, you will realize that this is yet another symbol of your success! And that's because people only feel like their hearts are being ripped out at the end of a book when they are fully invested. I usually only cry when a fictional character dies, so I can't remember the last time I was as upset as when Augustus Waters died. Awesome name, by the way, but you are responsible for me being suspiciously introverted and sad the day after finishing the book, not to mention how depressed I was when you killed Alaska Young in a different awesome novel.
Do you ever go visit schools? Because you should totally come to Glen Rock Middle School in Glen Rock, New Jersey.
I think that you possess the gift to convey the entire range of human emotions, from rage to love to regret, with a pen and paper, and that is of enormous magnitude. So thank you for that! I am a huge fan, and I keep convincing my English teacher to play your crash course videos. Getting some kind of reply would make my day, but I promised myself I wouldn't get mad if you didn't respond. I love writing and I have been told that I am a vivacious reader, so my question to you is:
What's your favorite book? I'm pretty sure you have a video talking about some great reads, but what is your favorite book of all time?
yours truly,
Nicole Rothstein
P.S.: DFTBA
I'm moving out soon so I'm really excited about that new place close to work and in the city. I don't know how the universe conspired to make this affordable but it did.
DFTBA in French would be: NOPDEG or NOPDES as in N'Oubliez Pas D'Être Géniaux/Super!
Génial can mean awesome, brilliant or intelligent.
Super is closer to great rather than awesome. Choose wisely!
I'm most excited to start getting ready for studying abroad. With the help of you and Hank inspiring me to do more to and to be more, I was able to open so many amazing opportunities and have a bright look on the future.
Right now I'm most excited about the first session of my own original tabletop game! I've been working on it for ages and I'm very pleased that it's done. We're starting on international tabletop day, April 5th.
i think they were looking for something more like: "N'oubliez pas d'être impressionnant." but i don't know french, that was a random translation. translated back it worked: "Do not forget to be awesome".
But saying the English letters with an (arguably) French accent was funnier!
Duh, Eff, Teh, Beh, Ah. (That's how DFTBA is pronounced in french, as opposed to dee eff tee bee aay) :)
I'm most excited about that Gatsby reference!
I'm excited about being back from spring break, finishing teaching The Great Gatsby, moving on to the Harlem Renaissance, a quick Mississippi Writers unit (which will culminate with A Streetcar Named Desire") and the melancholy joy of graduation.
Thanks for asking, John.
This is the only channel I watch where I don't skip ads. Making the world suck a little less.
I watched this for the 'existential crises' explanation hoping it would somehow help me unravel the web of confusion that is my future.
Nope. Just John having an existential crisis. Although I do enjoy where his mind goes when he gets all "existential" on us.
Eh, it happens to all of us. You'll figure it out!
I'm most excited about moving to a new city in two months!
Some of these questions bring back some of the earlier videos to mind, with the mention of projects and stuff. I went back to watch the older videos once I found this channel, and I have to admit that it was kind of funny, watching John on Twitter and Tumblr, while trying to get this video to post.
Bay...green light.... I smell Gatsby! I'm probably most excited about the Divergent movie as of late. But TFioS is always there too!
I'm most excited about being reunited with my Fiance I haven't seen in 8 months and finally being able to marry her.
Visa's are a pain in the butt o,0.
Visa are the most annoying things ever :3 Good luck and I really hope you'll be happy!! I'm waiting to see my girlfriend in 3 months :D
*****
I know I'll be happy: She's been part of my life for the past four years. Met her online of all places (I'm from USA, she is from Dubai,) around seven years ago. After talking for like three years, we finally decided to meet and I went to Dubai. And back and forth we have been for three years, then I asked her to marry me before she left back home last time and the K-1 visa is processed, and she'll be here in about 20 days :D.
All this because I decided to talk with a random stranger on a writing website seven years ago :D.
Given an infinite universe, there are infinite stars. But since there are a finite number of ways the universe can be arranged, there are multiple exact copies of everything (an infinite number of them in fact). And so if you define the object like the Earth based on finite characteristics, there are an infinite number of those Earths. And so the number of grains of sand on Earth is technically also infinite. It all comes down to if some infinities really are bigger than others.......
Yeah but, some infinities are bigger than others.
Tristan Warneke Did you not read my last sentence, or just felt like quoting John directly?
I am most excited about finally emerging from the cold, endless dark of winter and propelling into sunshine and the happiness brought by the seasons that are not winter.
What am I most excited about? Cosmos. Great show, simply explained, and the arguments it will both transcend and reform.
I'm excited for a lot of things! The Maze Runner trailer being released next week and Captain America: The Winter Soldier coming out in less than a month are the two I'm most excited for right now.
I'm excited about the job I just got :D
I originally had a few things come to mind when I thought about what I was most excited about, however after reading the many comments about it I think I'm actually most excited about the idea that good things happen in general and that even though things may go bad a lot of the time there will always be something good happening to someone somewhere in the world.
Im so excited for lowlands! It's a big, dutch festival and i have to wait till augustus but im already so happy and excited waaah
2:36-2:54... The Great Gatsby, anyone? :P
Was scrolling through the comments just to see if I was the only one
Your videos are such a pick-me-up. Thanx.. :)
First of all John, I think it's fabulous that you want to know what we are most excited about. And I personally am most excited to take my first step into the world of adult theatre. I find that theatre has such an effect on people. It can do anything from change lives to something seemingly insignificant like putting a smile on someone's face. This is why I'm excited to progress in my theatrical career. It's what I want to do. I want to give people something to smile about, and even if they don't have a clue who I was, I gave them something to be happy about for a moment.
I'm really excited for my music trip to Atlanta that is in two days. I've never actually stopped in Atlanta before just passed through, so I'm excited to discover a new city.
I am excited about quitting my job to pursue art! :D
I am excited about the new Veronica Mars movie. How could it possibly be as great as the show? Can't wait!!
I just discovered vlogbrothers. And so, I'm excited about seeing all of these amazing videos. How have I not seen this channel before.. Well, my cluelessness aside, you and Hank and totally magical. :)
I only found out about your various channels thanks to the Fine Brothers and Upworthy but in order to answer your question, what will have me excited more than anything for quite some time is the fact in May I'll be getting engaged! Normally this is a surprise to the recipient of the romantic gesture but my boyfriend and I live across the Atlantic from each other and what with work schedules, jewellery size conversion and legal ramifications on visa applications we have lost some of the mystery but I think the sheer giddy excitement I still feel in anticipation of the event is a testament to how much we care for each other. He's still terrified even though he knows I'll say yes!
Though now I think about it, if we are like this now we are going to be a hot mess on our wedding day!!
At what point does a small rock become sand
2 mm
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grain_size
What am I excited about? Um... Er... My birthday, which is in a few months... But it's my 18th so I'm having a party! And I'll get to hang with an old friend whom I haven't seen in over 2 years! Also, TFiOS movie, new episodes of Doctor Who (coming out in August) and a couple other things...
I'm most excited for seeing one of my favorite bands in concert (again) with my best friend in April or meeting an internet friend for the first time in Chicago then going to my first ever Warped tour with her in July! :D
Ok. Just read TFIOS. It is both one of my favourite books, and pretty much the only book to have successfully ripped my soul out of my body. Just so you know. Thank you so so so so so so very very much.
Spring break in a week and a half. College has taken it out of me.
Also, did anyone else think about Troy's fear of being turned into a doughnut on Community when John talked about being a pizza?
OH! And I also got a job offer at my university to be a writing consultant!
I'm pretty excited about this ring on my finger and what it may mean about my not-too-distant future ;)
Those are the kind of questions to ask John about. Yes!
TFIOS comes out on my birthday. I don't usually get to many birthday gifts coming from my situation, but I definitely consider this a special one. I can't wait to see it.
I can no longer hear the phrase 'tide goes in, tide goes out' without completing it with 'you can't explain that'.
Help!!!
What do you need help with? I wish that could happen to me!
I'm excited for the Divergent movie!!
Currently I am most excited about finishing the book Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell! It's so good! And when I finish it I can read The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom.
I never really leave comments, but I love the question "What are you most excited about right now?" almost as much as I love the answer. Almost. Right now, I am excited by new content-- the creations of artists I love and adore.
Well what excites me makes me sound like an awful person but I am excited to see my family, that has been visiting for 3 weeks, go home in a few days. Its not that I don't love them but I am a introvert who needs a little alone time to decompress.