Choose One of Five | Andrew Scott | Figures of Speech

Andrew Scott reads Edith Sampson's speech Choose One of Five.
We believe what changes opinion, changes narrative, changes momentum, are words. Words crafted from genuinely big ideas, delivered through deft structure by inspirational women and men, wherever a meaningful audience can be found. By exploring some of the world’s most vital speeches we want to remember what leadership sounds like, through speeches which have carved a path through our history by changing hearts and minds.
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TRANSCRIPT:
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[@spysalem135]

Seeing Moriarty performing poetry is disconcerting

[@on_stand_bi]

My thoughts every single second

[@ScottMcDaniel]

I'd say Moriarty was portrayed as quite poetic!

[@VaishakhiB]

This is so true!

[@NicholasJeffery]

Exactly. His performance is amazing!

[@unknownAspirations]

Lol that's exactly what I was thinking XD

[@sinisterinspace]

It's so weird he has that way of speaking that make me instantly believe everything he says

[@starcrunchaly732]

He could literally tell me to throw myself off a bridge and I would instantly - for him :)❤️

[@Ace_Up_My_Sleeve]

@@starcrunchaly732 So did Sherlock from the roof...

[@eviloverlordsean]

He's Irish... this is our shield from the world

[@starcrunchaly732]

@@Ace_Up_My_Sleeve haha true👌

[@patrickjarvis3834]

@@eviloverlordsean lucky. I got a Scottish accent, which just makes people hide their valuables.

[@nanagaga2001]

Absolutely brilliant. He speaks as though the words were his own, the mark of a great actor.

[@Mr11kankan]

You must watch him as hamlet

[@patriziatofani72]

Agree

[@louise221b]

@@Mr11kankan amazing performance

[@lm4646]

@@louise221b What is this? Enlighten me!

[@louise221b]

@@lm4646 he is performing this prose as if it were his own words, very convincing isnt it? The first time i watched this, i got up and though i should do aomething worthwhile haha

[@seth-hh3ci]

I live for Andrew Scott reciting speeches, poems, letters etc

[@fatimadehak5779]

Me too I've watched thousands vidéos of him, he an amazing actor, his is so calming and he is beautiful. He is PERFECT

[@TaiChiKnees]

What strikes me, and I think is the point, is that in 2019 this reading (beautifully done, by the way, very compelling) the words of a legendary black woman spoken in 1965 are as immediately true as they were then. I'm so glad you dramatized this speech for younger viewers. Thank you and bravo.

[@samaraisnt]

wow I did not realize it was in 65!!

[@jojojorisjhjosef]

Choice 4.

[@rahulchaudhary5257]

So true Wisdome never dies

[@ErenMortel]

It's so weird Andrew has really kind eyes but then his eyebrows are literally like the epitome of evil

[@pia8302]

I had some kind of feeling about his eyes and didn't know what it was, thank you for putting it in words!

[@rebeccagreen7241]

SO TRUE. It's like the devil and the angel (on the shoulders) came together and made a whole/complete person

[@HB-xf2xl]

They look plucked and shaped, tbh.

[@rebeccagreen7241]

@@HB-xf2xl Yes but you can't make hairs grow from a NEW place. Look at the shape of them in relation to his eyes and the rest of his face...it's GENETIC artistry

[@joshuahicks7798]

Thats probably how he got picked to be Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes.

[@rigilchrist]

I cannot think of a better naturalistic actor than Scott. He is mesmerising.

[@BRLambert4]

About 30 minutes ago, an extremely random TIKTOK (of all things) showed a short clip of this man's "to be or not to be" that immediately affected me in a way I have never experienced before. Those words are some of the most famous in history and for the very first time, I understood -even empathized -with a character I didn't even realize I had almost NO REAL understanding of, until RIGHT THEN. In the 30 minutes since I have devoured a few clips and realized this; This man could read a journal entry of mine, one side of text convos I have been in, maybe even my inner dialogue.... And he would be able to help me understand MY OWN THOUGHT by doing so. I am a mom in my 40's, no serious critic of anything at all, I have no way to back up my claims with any kind of specialty, but this person is the greatest actor I have ever seen. I didn't realize how much I listen to of dialogue that is almost ignored bc EVERY word he says makes me feel like he only thought of it just a moment ago.

[@carriepauken1284]

this

[@amandabrophy2869]

"It calls for a contradictory thing - a mind that is constantly open to new facts that dictate change but at the same time is resolutely committed to what seems best at any given point of time." This is the heart of it. Not whether or not you went to college, not getting hung up on which number you are, not slamming everyone who thinks they're actively a 5, that whole thing is just a tool to get us here: Continuously edit yourself. Challenge your own thoughts, aspire to grow, always. Aspire to be good, always.

[@ruthpallett8218]

So true, I feel that I intermittently choose 5, before reverting to choice 1 in between because as said - 5 is the hardest and most exhausting choice.

[@chaydichter9041]

I love listening to the way he speaks. When he ends a word that ends with a "t" or a "d" he does it so softly. I live for that. That musical pattern of speech is my sexuality.

[@juliealexis7438]

My gosh...yes 😂🤣

[@user-vd3fr8nq2p]

He always speaks with the lineup like a real speaker . For example, he says something very lively, and then stops and says the last word loudly and clearly. he has a very rumpled voice ( I’m not sure that I stated my point correctly)

[@amanitaeater4376]

@@user-vd3fr8nq2p would multifaceted be a good word for it? Complex? Or maybe just musical? All apply, he is a wonder.

[@patriziatofani72]

Same. I have chills every time I hear him saying "t" or "d" At the end of a word. So sensual.

[@chaydichter9041]

@Heloise O'Byrne hell yes I do, I won't lie.

[@fannyhabacht6487]

the sentence "hang loose, but stay vibrantly alive" always moves something in me so that I immediately start to tear up a bit. But in a good way though. I keep watching it over and over again.

[@nandanapalchowdhury4588]

Same, I felt a tremor in my heart…

[@EroticBananaz]

@@nandanapalchowdhury4588 Frisson my friend, frisson.

[@maazshaikh2953]

I thought this was a lesson on the figures of speech. I was not expecting my life to be changed

[@romy3582]

Ahah same here!!....

[@balbs724]

“It isn't that they’re particularly talented at blending into the background. They are the background.”

[@kevinlayne8129]

Fabulous performance, but just remember, this man learned over 13mins of text and delivered it as though he was saying his own words. Mate!

[@TiffYG2133]

Andrew Scott could be reading aloud a instruction manual on how to assemble a lawn mower and I would be enthralled and hanging on his every word!

[@m.a.3322]

For a second I was like "Wait, is he just speaking normally or is this a script? I can't tell..." Andrew does a great job of blurring the line between acting and regular conversation. Edit: I choose choice 5

[@LovesMyGlass]

I always feel like he's talking directly to me and me alone and is so utterly convincing - if the room was on fire and he looked me in the eyes and told me everything was going to be okay, I'd believe him. What an amazing talent. This brought tears to my eyes.

[@Tekkerue]

0:50 _"...and present you with a multiple choice test."_ Watch out for *The Final Problem* ...it's a real doozy! 😂

[@annalisewilson1680]

When motivational stuff makes u just feel like a failure rather than motivating you

[@TaiChiKnees]

It isn't meant to be motivational, I don't think. It's meant to ask you to re-evaluate your outlook on life. Don't feel like a failure! Life is long and there is always hope and time for change!

[@empath69]

@@TaiChiKnees Exactly; just because 'you already chose a different number' doesn't mean that everything's over - remember what Edith said at the start: this test gives you "a lifetime at your disposal to *complete* it" - it's not complete if you don't want it to be. Never was it said "what you choose RIGHT NOW (or _chose_ before you ever heard this speech) is 'Your Final Answer'" There's ALWAYS time to scribble in a change of mind or heart!

[@gavman8]

Recognizing failure is the first step in figuring out how to succeed.

[@joeltheowl3299]

Yes, this video isn't exacly motivational, but instead reminds you of the choices that are available to you so you can reevaluate your life and maybe realize you want another choice for yours. Remember, the text sees choice 5 as the "best" choice but at the same time discourages you from taking it. I've been trying to go with choice 5 during the last year (started waking up really early, started going to the gym, changed my diet routines completely, started pursuing other projects and interests outside university) and believe me, it's hard. The world around you doesn't understand choice 5. People will question why you're doing it, in a confused way, they'll tell you to not do it for whatever reasons . Like the text says, it's a lonely path. You'll meet maybe 2-3 people in a hundred that understand it. The rest is stuck in choice 2, choice 4 and the others because it's so very easy to stay there. I've been slowly floating back to choice 2 because of how easy it is to relax and slack off. The choice is there, and you'll find motivation in other videos, it comes to you to decide if you want to go down that path or not. You have a lifetime to decide.

[@samosullivan1744]

This world desperately needs more Choice 5 People!

[@SebastienT]

Choice number 5 is demanding, but the most rewarding path. And you never get bored.

[@-_jr_-903]

As a French people learning English, I find this beautiful, and wonderfully told His accent is incredibly pleasant :)

[@pansyn4738]

C'est vrai que la diction est si belle., et si compréhensible.

[@arctichangover]

Your English is really good!

[@-_jr_-903]

@@arctichangover omg that's so nice ^^ I'm working really hard about it :)

[@md61211]

That's why French, Spanish, and Italian students used to (maybe still do) spend summers in Ireland, Dublin in particular. Well spoken English, easy to understand. The best in the world, they said.

[@dylantierney9362]

It’s an Irish accent

[@nebulonicc]

his accent gives me life

[@starcrunchaly732]

I wish I spoke like him He's literally an angel and is way underrated. I love him ❤️✨

[@Brickcellent]

That's a posh Irish accent.

[@scyllacw]

Edith Sampson was an amazing woman, I encourage anyone who enjoys this to look into her and her life.

[@deanmauricedonesa7999]

He looks like he was thinking that it really comes from his mind and thought and not from a poem. What a great man and a beautiful speech

[@elmsie7]

why is Andrew Scott so absolutely brilliant in everything ? I can't even right now with just how much I love this and want to listen to it on repeat for the rest of my days ...

[@hirat9730]

I don't know if anyone else out there made the fifth choice, yet I have for years without realizing. Only today after watching this, I realized that I actually made a choice. It made me a bit teary eyed hearing everything I go through put in such clear words, since I myself have never been able to do that. This gave me so much courage, and I am so very thankful for this!

[@inilashremot1058]

this made me cry. it's so strange that the past few weeks i've been tormented by the realisation of the fact that the way i think and act is bound for a path that's only meant for one. i've never been keen on accepting it but lately i've tried to be brutally honest in life. i've been artistic in areas of poetry, composing music, writing and so much more from such a young and rogue age. but i never saw it. and as Scott was describing all these categories i was so sure that i won't be able to fit in anyone... but then when he came to the fifth one i literally found myself finishing his sentences. yes it's true, comfort has never been a need or an aim or a question and certainly the affirmation of the truth i was trying to accept isn't comforting at all. but it's more than that. it's real. it's me. man, what a beautiful 13 mins.

[@kiwicorner1647]

wonderfully put into words!

[@Em-qh5ft]

I felt the same way. It was like being seen for the first time.

[@robschebel4775]

Yes, but poetry, music and writing are just drops in the pond. What about quantum physics, evolutionary psychology, culinary arts, coding, multivariate calculus, and comparative religion? There is a LOT more to choice five than just the arts.

[@inilashremot1058]

@@robschebel4775 yes of course, the universe is vast. For the creative mind, there are no fixed boxes. In the education system and human society, there are distinct lines drawn between science and the arts, but in truth the lines don't exist in the universe. Especially with the coming of knowledge about quantum physics and emerging fields of groundbreaking theories, the world begins to seem more undefinable as we discover more of it in a lifetime.

[@somebodynow9849]

@@inilashremot1058 you I'd like to know better

[@jamesmoran1878]

A really amazing, thought provoking speech and also, Andrew did a really good job

[@iamlethibe]

I remember listening to this in my first year of undergraduate studies. Today, a week into my honors program, I still get the same chills and goosebumps from this speech. Thank you, Andrew Scott! ♥

[@skyliewijesekara5521]

I just thought that Andrew Scott is just an actor, but he used to give a very profound speech that talks to our selves.

[@nonfungibles]

Choosing 5 simply means for some reason you've embarked into a journey of knowledge knowing it is impossible for humans to reach the end goal; ultimate knowledge. Your motivations may vary: maybe you're afraid of the unknown, maybe your curiosity gets the better of you, maybe you just feel you want to be different. If it's the latter, you probably are option 5 along with other option. Choosing 5, means understanding that this is a game, that your ego is an artificial creation of your experiences, that your reality and that of others is molded everyday. Choosing 5 is a choice of realizing that you're not your past, nor your future, but the process of finding the truth to improve your life and that of other, or not. Choosing 5 is realizing that you're capable of being as evil as someone like Hitler and capable of being as empathic as Mother Teresa at the same time. Choosing 5 is being able to choose option1, 2, 3, 4 and realize they all hold as much meaning. Choosing 5 is hell and heaven.

[@emilyrowbottom9821]

I love how he discovers every word. It feels so genuine and earnest :)

[@butchersmiles9418]

this hits different when you've been an andrew scott fan since 6th grade and you're graduating in two months with no clue what you want to do with your life... thank you.

[@Leiflvr]

The pacing in this is amazing.

[@HiekerMJ]

Yes - and 4 years later when KZbin is full of AI written content (ChatGPT summaries spouted by AI voice synthesizers), no doubt as to the humanity it conveys.

[@tinawalker8174]

Fabulous, Andrew Scott is superb. Brilliantly delivered.

[@VulpeculaJoy]

"Be your best self." "There are no simple answers, because there are no simple questions." - great speech! Also, I think I chose five the day I had my first thought. I haven't even graduated and yet I have no idea what to do in the future because there is just too much to do and I feel hopeless.

[@siy4545]

Choice five isn't feeling hopeless and not knowing what to do. Choice five is being open and searching for something to do that truly makes you expand your current consciousness. It should not come with hopelessness but rather frustration because you never know if what you're doing is right for you while at the same time open to the possibility that maybe it is.

[@jonldn]

He is an actor bringing to life the words of another with the skill that he applies to each role. He is not any one character.

[@artmoloch777]

The man cannot miss

[@readingturtle9036]

I now teach this as an example of oral rhetoric to my students. What a brilliant piece. Thank you!

[@crypticwestwind876]

I can't help but feel an overwhelming fear looming over me when I hear Andrew Scott speaking.

[@malieck4005]

such a great speech & awesome performance of Andrew.

[@luckygirlanonyme]

It made me cry... i already loved him but now even more

[@gloriaklassen1887]

Not a recitation, but beautifully natural. His pacing, his expressions... Very enjoyable to watch and listen to.

[@gcahbm]

Me, mid exams: KZbin: You might wanna see this

[@johnbrownlee5419]

I opened the door to my mind, and everything spilled out and was lost.

[@jennistevenson796]

Oh my the wisdom, so eloquently expressed with such humanity, hard not to be distracted by the masterful performance, this will live long in my memory

[@lauramudazken]

Andrew is soooo talented! Even my son (he's just 6 years old) loves him, how he talks, how he moves... and sure he will be amazed when discovers him in Sherlock!

[@Zabright]

I watch this every week.

[@user-hr2di1eu2t]

God,it's such a good time for me to hear this,when I'm in front of a certain choice in my life.And the fact it is read by a most intelligent,deep thinking,creative and inspiring human who I got to know only a week (!) ago and grew so fond of just made...no,not my day,it made my life!Andrew,thank you soo much for everything you do,it's such a pleasure to observe you being yourself and your best self,definitely)👏

[@sangeethasri9471]

This brought tears to my eyes! Cannot distinguish if it was read or spoken from heart. People who choose option 5 know it is difficult, but also know that it is certainly impossible to think and behave in other ways.

[@jrhaunted]

great speech, very nuanced brilliant performance, interesting and creative camera work - Almeida really shows how to push boundaries of stage art

[@the1tigglet]

OMG His eyes are burning embers deep like the brown of mountain forests! Gorgeous!

[@swrml7375]

but his eyebrows are just pure evil haha hes the perfect evil enemy

[@amybaker3551]

His beautiful arms.

[@WalkerOfTheMyriadDao]

Every graduate needs to hear and see this video. It is inspiring.

[@LeonardoLopez-bu7sv]

I can see myself telling this to high school students in their last year.

[@itsnlee]

His voice is really calming

[@AnnaMariaD520]

Wonderful, brilliant cadance. Methodically spoken, with ease.

[@starcrunchaly732]

I. LOVE. ANDREW. SCOTT. 👌

[@unsaletype1106]

If you reached the end of this video you are either: -on your way to starting your journey to choice 5. or -having mixed feeling on your relatioship with Andrew Scott's eyes.

[@Singsonggirl]

Haha, my feelings aren't that mixed, they're GORGEOUS!

[@JanetBeebe-nh9re]

I tried everything to conform and it brought me heartache, misery, and loss. I am retired and reading James Joyce's Ulysses and learning to speak Russian. It's time consuming.

[@jomac841]

Brilliant performance of a wonderful, thought provoking speech. Andrew Scott is so underrated!

[@nelks1284]

His expressions are not over done, it just adds to the depth of the character.

[@starchild2299]

I was like "yeah i'm definitely 1, but let's hear the rest", then he read 5 and i just laughed from surprise. No one ever recognised AND described my personality so well. Like, i don't believe in horoscope but i now know how people feel when they read it and somehow it describes them so accurately. And the fact that someone like Edith Sampson is interested in my mind gives me a lot of confidence. It's true that you are never confortable as 5. Everyone is your enemy AND your ally. I myself am a very calm person, i am incapable of hate because all i want is to understand people's thoughts behind their actions, and try to convince them to change if their actions are harmful to others (i'd say the only time i feel sad or dissapointed is when i fail to do that, but even then i just need to do better). It's true this makes life very exciting, so much as i truely believe i could live forever and never get tired of it. But i also never truly rest, my mind is constantly running, replaying past scenarios and conversations to try and understand people better (i even dream about them usually). Though that might just be ADD or something idk i'm watching this video on new year's eve and i'm slightly drunk, happy 2021 everyone!

[@maeva5257]

Thank you Moriarty you just made my day.

[@deannkelley5134]

Chills. 🌹

[@sociopathangel8642]

When you haven't even graduated yet and you're already doing choice five ever since you can remember. On the other hand, Andrew is so brilliant at this, and his eyes speaks so much more that it captures you more than his words.

[@Finthefish-hr8ky]

What a beautiful eloquent young Irishman and a fine actor. He makes me proud to be Irish.

[@shneancy220]

Amazing speech I hope to stay true to my choice, because I just realised I have a tendency to drift away and not be faithful to it, to seek comfort instead of trying to understand the chaos

[@tomoyo.b]

my god this man is such a brilliant actor

[@starcrunchaly732]

I couldn't even tell you what any of the choices are bc I was too busy listening to his voice ❤️

[@tiuir6652]

I feel like the person behind the camera totally had the hots for Andrew, not that anyone could blame them. A beautiful speech though, and beautifully delivered, with such intent and clarity.

[@Surajagraharivns]

I came here just for Andrew but now I think it was my destiny that made me watch this... definitely I'll try to make choice 5...let's see what would happen..

[@weareallbornmad410]

So, what happened so far?

[@Angela-nd2ub]

yeah tell us 😊

[@stephenward7856]

He's just magically gifted that guy. There's no better actor in the world.

[@thesyndicate3859]

I already chose number 5 since a long time back 😅 I chose number 5 not knowing what it is until I saw this. 2 years back I came across some great speaker, he taught me many things. I just fell in love with the entire concept of it. I began to shift and I started becoming less comfortable with certain things I used to do. I just felt this agitation when I got into something. Whenever someone contradicted some concept I thought of, I accepted the fact of it. I didn’t deny it.

[@steveparker2938]

Ignoring my man crush, this was a brilliant rendering of the speech.

[@tommygun9069]

At first I was confused and weirded out, then it started hitting... I love this.

[@gigimc]

can you imagine Edith meeting Andrew! this was brilliant

[@hanna-marisoikkeli3698]

I've watched this multiple times, and every time it is absolutely brilliant!

[@misscatearcher]

Just amazing! Thank you for this wonderful speech Edith Sampson and Andrew Scott

[@lexilou9119]

Love the words, love the delivery. Love the man.

[@NOONE-cd4gu]

This was Well Andrew your Moriarty is showing and DAMN not only did he work that camera with his stare but also loved the close up and his calmness sometimes creeped me out

[@katiesutton7396]

This speech is so perfectly worded and so moving. :)

[@Nolaris3]

I feel like the biggest struggles and sources of discomfort for people who picked Choice 5 is that they’re never really sure that they did

[@BrettHeth]

Brilliant point.

[@za3144]

Choice five made me smile and nod in agreement. Been living it ever since

[@joeym6658]

This is beautiful!! I love Andrew Scott and he did this very well!! Who wouldn't choose choice five?

[@Kilroyan]

such a great speech, I love it!

[@noplanik]

he has such a calming and beautiful voice

[@lizziemaxwell]

Andrew, you rock. This is the best thing I've seen in a long time.

[@miracleh1508]

Just needed to listen to this again...

[@candelariapombo5384]

Im gonna write an article about this for college just because I can. I guess speeches like this one will remain in my memory forever. Thanks

[@jkartemis5448]

Andrew Scott is simply amazing

[@noraliza4918]

Awesome speech! Amazing job, Andrew Scott!

[@ernestdrozdz1889]

What a piece of art! Thank you! :)

[@JB-pl8ce]

One of my favourite videos and speeches

[@renadsadig7171]

This is absolutely hypnotic...

[@matejamanzato]

Oh, I really needed this. I just wish I could one day thank him for everything he does, he's such an incredibly human artist.

[@elefant213]

Awesome speech and performing. I like the little pauses he often does and that he is doing something with his hands. It seems like he would come up with the thoughts and words in right that moments, helping a listener to get throughhis way of argumentation

[@claudiamariapereira6098]

Extraordinary,strong and thought provoking!

[@anapereiraatriz]

what a marvelous piece of writing... in such a brilliant performance!