An Evening with Ray Bradbury 2001

Legendary science fiction author Ray Bradbury regales his audience with stories about his life and love of writing in "Telling the Truth," the keynote address of The Sixth Annual Writer's Symposium by the Sea, sponsored by Point Loma Nazarene University. [4/2001] [Show ID: 5533]
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[@l.w.paradis2108]

12:09 "Get rid of those friends who make fun of you and don't believe in you." The value of this alone is immeasurable.

[@PearsAreOkay]

It's absolutely true. Don't waste a minute on those people that put you down or laugh at your expense to make themselves look better, or try to look "cool" forget them. Don't ever look back. They're no good for you. Forget them.

[@treasuretroves5497]

Thank you very much!

[@morningglorify]

"I graduated from the library when I was 28. Live in the library for Christ's sake!" Beautiful Ray Bradbury.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Considering he never went to college, and didn't do very well in high school, quite incredible.

[@83thechaz]

Ray Bradbury is saving me as a young writer, teaching me to embrace myself. God bless this man, a true angel.

[@grvd.]

How are you?

[@l.w.paradis2108]

So happy for you. How is it going?

[@B.Pilgrim]

I hope that all worked out for you

[@sarnav94]

Hey! any heads up?

[@GuernicaByPicasso]

You can tell this man is a master storyteller. He is able to lecture for an hour, without notes, without losing any momentum, and remain consistently fascinating.

[@Bluegoo]

Here is a list of authors he brought up in this talk. Roald Dahl Short Stories Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant John Cheever Short Stories Richard Matheson Short Stories Nigel Kneale Short Stories John Collier Short Stories Catherine Anne Porter Short Stories/Novella Edith Wharton Short Stories (Save her novels till later) A Curtain of Green by Eudora Welty Washington Irving Herman Melville Short Stories Edgar Allen Poe Nathaniel Hawthorne Short Story Fantasy Shakespeare Poems Alexander Pope Poems Robert Frost Poems Aldous Huxley Essays Loren Eiseley Essays (The Fire Apes (to start)) George Bernard Shaw (Collected Essays of) G.K Chesterton George Bernard Shaw vs G.K Chesterton Debates

[@inadjurhuus3529]

Bluegoo thank you

[@jeffreyc.mcandrew8911]

Bluegoo thanks!

[@volta2aire]

Thank you!

[@vignesh0208]

You are the Savior, the chosen one.

[@writing.shorts]

Thank you so much I was trying to take notes but he was really firing them off! Thanks again

[@gracedentremont291]

Ray Bardbury's philosophy on writing translates to every artistic medium. I'm a visual artist and I still feel like he is speaking directly to me. What an incredible person.

[@joshpotts619]

Whenever I feel demotivated as an author, I watch this and I get excited again

[@em23]

ray autographed my martian chronicles when he visited the local library here in LA. i had tears of joy when he did that. he is my hero.

[@inthevault9603]

I met him as a high school senior in 1991-1992 because my English teacher Timothy Finney knew him to some extent. I was in Mr. Finney’s sci-fi class. It was one of the most inspirational and memorable moments of my life. He autographed my copy of The Martian Chronicles and a photograph was taken of the two of us. I still have both of them. This week I will be sharing my love of Ray Bradbury with my high school seniors. ❤

[@UncannyValleyVideos]

I could listen to Mr. Bradbury talk for hours, and hours, and hours.

[@edcatt9196]

I had a chance to go hear Ray Bradbury sometime in 2001 at the University of Kansas. His age had no effect on his enthusiasm and energy. I'll never forget that---that exuberance and energy he radiated from the stage. What a model for anyone to emulate, writer or not a writer, but as a way of seeing and living one's life, fully.

[@EpicSatellite]

Fahrenheit 451 has the most beautiful ending to any book I've ever read. Whenever I feel bad about humanity, I always think of Granger's speech at the end of the novel. R.I.P. Braddbury

[@InfiniteText]

He's the grandfather I've always wanted. The one who talks forever about random stuff but they are inspirational and it works and then you remember him fondly and can't wait until your next visit

[@finnmccool684]

Did anyone else weep as he discussed precious things from your own childhood?

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

What an incredible parting gift he left us here.

[@Superfuntimejazz]

his opening advice for budding new writers is some of the best most thoughtful advice I've ever heard in my life.

[@UnionKid15]

Ray Bradbury.... my writing hero.

[@barrydouglasbutler8794]

I used to speak to Ray Bradbury on the phone, even to wish him Happy Birthday three weeks before his final birthday. He said “ God Bless You !” And I replied , “ no ray - God bless You ! I know its a couple weeks from now, but have a Happy Birthday!” He died several months later . I was sad. But once at a speech at the Royce Hall at UCLA during the Book Fair in 2002, he said while seated on stage (retelling the tale of Mr. Electico - *look it up* ) “I am going to Live Forever !” And Thanks to KZbin and other video channels, Ray is living Forever.

[@Rikku147]

I first read Fahrenheit 451 in 8th grade, and it was the first book to ever have such a profound impact in me. Rest in peace, Ray Bradbury.

[@finnmccool684]

This is perhaps the best video I've seen on KZbin.

[@JeffersonDinedAlone]

In a world where there are seemingly endless barriers, walls, fences, divisions, separations, not only in the physical world, but also between people, Bradbury's great gift is offering you a place to go where you know you will always be welcome.

[@eleeyagrace5364]

The ending brought tears to my eyes...what a sensation, what a GENIUS. Oh Ray when i was a teenager and read your extraordinary works, why didn't I write to you??? Ill regret that til my dying day!!!!!! Actually we think alike. He couldve been my adopted Grandfather. The beauty of his wisdom and words and watercolored prose could've steered me to become the awesome writer i should've been. We honestly would've become kindred spirits. What a waste of foolish years gone by. There'll never be another legendary writer like him

[@benjaminseng4271]

Wow. This is an Artist, a Man. Ray did it for Ray and we all found ourselves in his artistic indulgence.

[@Baskerville1000]

I am a late visitor here, actually ChatGTP recommended one of Bradbury‘s short stories (the sound of thunder) to me after mentioning my preference for short stories about time travel. Upon reading it I was fascinated and eager to dig deeper. I must admit I was drawn into his fascinating speech right when he started talking with such an ease, eloquence any fondness after watching him slowly and arduously stepping up to the podium. Each anecdote exemplifies how he truly loved his profession and life even though it wasn’t always a piece of cake. Words of wisdom about sticking to a profession that you love seem a bit like a corny truism, but presented in the genuinely credible way Mr. Bradbury did here, they transform into invaluable gifts to everybody who listens with ears, eyes and heart.

[@GerbertzNachriya]

What a genius. Please stick around on Earth for a little while longer, Ray. Some of us kids were just getting to know you.

[@VanNorden13]

I learned to love life because of Ray Bradbury's love for life. R.I.P

[@Sumit-wo8pq]

I come back every 5 years ❤❤❤

[@EvanQuade1]

His mission to live forever is complete. Ray Bradbury forever.

[@troykurz9615]

What a wonderful man. The world may never see another like him. My first published short story was influenced by Mr. Bradbury and the blues. Thank you for all your works and wisdom.

[@l.w.paradis2108]

Thank you for writing. :)

[@badsexofficialthingy2026]

The best fiction writer to have ever lived in my opinion. Pity there will be no more words from that wonderful soul.

[@marikstongue5663]

The seriousness with which this delightful man speaks about writing and the fact that you should only do it when it's fun... It brings a tear to my eye, and is exactly what I needed to hear again.

[@VisiblyJacked]

this man was full of joy

[@Aaronandliv]

Thank god this was recorded

[@monisiti]

the fact that so many people have access to this lecture,in itself,shows the benefit of the internet.the library was as close to the internet as it could get at the time.love ray bradbury,a great storyteller here in action.

[@GhostmanDBP]

What an incredibly common man with an uncommon talent. The simplest of moments in his life were the acorns that grew into mighty oaks. A fleeting experience, even as simple as seeing new sneakers, brings back a flood of memories that sprout an idea in a fertile mind. This man, so unpretentious, happy and humble are rarely equaled.

[@bettyquillen9856]

always return to this video for motivation and hope.

[@davidwardrop9214]

+Betty Quillen Very true and I think this is the greatest video for anybody who reads, anybody who uses the library, anybody who dreams.

[@jflsdknf]

Me too

[@davidschmidt5507]

Me too

[@FriedEggsWithChips]

Yup, for years! Still hopeful.

[@codyshi4743]

Hope for what?

[@scarlettbond]

Bradbury is my soulmate writer. He brings joy to my heart and I really feel like I've found a friend in him. His life's work is irreplacable. Thank you, Mr Bradbury!

[@Nyarlathotep1960]

Ray Bradbury and Andre Norton saved my life growing up. They gave me hope when there was none to be had.

[@tristanblackwolf2043]

This is the man who set me on the trail to be a writer. I found "The Illustrated Man" when I was 10; his words reached inside my mind, touched the synapses, triggered the ancient memories, opened doors to wonder and windows to amazement. We shared a very few letters over the years, and I treasure each like I would those of a lover, a mentor, a tablet of divine fire. In terms of money, I'm poor. What have is Ray Douglas' bequest of minting myself new each day, hearing my characters tell me stories, feeling the passion of each moment, the breath of each word. For 50 years, I have run through long green-dappled grass, and I will continue to love each moment, as I love you, my dear Ray Douglas. Thank you, senpai. Thank you, beloved mentor.

[@eatingfatty]

52:04 - 52:15 hit me like nothing in my life has before. I could feel the love Ray has for others and writing itself. That's some real powerful stuff.

[@SamuelDaram]

Ray Bradbury is not just a great writer, but he is also a compelling speaker. This is a sublime performance: so funny, instructive and inspiring. This video should stay here on KZbin forever to remind the uninitiated to the joy of Ray Bradbury. Thank you so much for uploading this video.

[@noahreid7862]

I just realized that I was watching this 16 years to the day of the original lecture.

[@elizabethcreely]

Thank you Ray...thank you for your beautiful prose and your warmth.

[@davidwardrop9214]

In my opinion the greatest video on KZbin.

[@lfcrafts]

was going to write the exact same thing-

[@JevaisaNY]

David Wardrop I agree. The lecture flew by.

[@meowrkerd4rker_]

Totally underrated.

[@bestet4349]

This makes me cry, full of life in his words

[@nasar8480]

Wow. I have just been inspired. Thank you, Mr Bradbury. You've been a gift to this world.

[@constancewalsh3646]

Never liked his writing, couldn't read his books. Spent a day with my all-time favorite philosopher Ray Bradbury in Palm Springs in 1985. Not a word about books, everything but, We had a ball together, same page, lots of humor. Now that I'm writing again, his maverick take on the art and craft of writing echoes my own. He's the only one to say what he says. Completely trustworthy and honest. I love you, Mr Bradbury!

[@sylverbright]

I love you Ray Bradbury...thank you

[@curiomagine1960]

A best friend and I never even met him! 😊❤🌾🌄🍯🌱🐝🌎☀️🍃🌼🥧☕🌍🦋🎶❤

[@JoaoOliveiraPT]

Ray was one of the first writers I really cared about.

[@simona6299]

I needed some inspiration. Now I have it in buckets!!! More people need to see this but I'm happy I have. He's just so damn real!

[@fredlifsitz7411]

Amazing. You teach yourself by reading exactly what you need. And you take charge of your work. Self driven. Short stories, essays, real poetry. Hits the nail on the head. Fill up!

[@davidschmidt5507]

This is still my favorite video on KZbin

[@l.w.paradis2108]

You're right.

[@SamuelDaram]

If you have this attitude, you'll certainly become a very successful writer. Ray Bradbury is an amazing mentor.

[@elaine31347]

49 years ago, while a freshman in college, a friend gave me a book of Bradbury's short stories. From it he wanted me to read the story "Fire and Ice", a harrowing tale of life on the planet Mars, where a human's life span was a mere 3 days. The story literally left me breathless and a life long Bradbury fan. I loved his science fiction-there was a realism about his stories that went beyond space creatures and alien space ships, his Martian Chronicles is the example that comes to mind.

[@DMK195601]

The literary hero of my youth. He is with me still.

[@pilotstyle123]

Biggest name drop in the history of literature :D I love this man

[@Unosareen]

And God speaks....RIP Ray Bradbury.

[@SeerOfTime577]

I wish I could have met this man~

[@ApolinarPerdomo1]

Thank you, Ray, wherever and whenever you happen to be.

[@tibbar1000]

What a wonderful way to live your life...the older he got the more interesting he became.

[@VictorFoote01]

The reason I looked up Ray Bradbury is because I am reading "Zen In The Art of Writing". I am trying to improve my writing skills because I want to make better quality videos. I have never been the best writer but I will do my best to improve. Watching this video has made me wish I read more short stories instead of reading lots of self improvement and buisness books. All I know is that it is never too late to start anything. Going to write as much as I possible can to improve my skills. "If you did not write every day, the poisons would accumulate and you would begin to die, or act crazy, or both. You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you."

[@rebeccagray986]

You must feel the passion. Have it edited for spelling, punctuation, grammar and sequential.

[@l.w.paradis2108]

How is it going? You wrote this comment in a different time . . . :/

[@VictorFoote01]

@@l.w.paradis2108 Life is going very well! I am truly blessed to be living the life I have. A lot of ups and downs have happened in the past five years and I wouldn't change a thing. From getting married to starting a business. Next month my wife is leaving nursing to come work with me on the business full time and we plan on doing a lot of traveling together. What a beautiful journey I am on! I wish you happiness!

[@l.w.paradis2108]

@@VictorFoote01 That is SUPER. Thank you for taking the time to tell us! Truly great news.

[@stephenrosenthal271]

My favorite sci-fi writer. Read him in the 50's and shaped my believe in science.

[@frankandstern8803]

Inspiration is good. Mentors are valuable. And this clip had me in both joy and tears. Tears for a lost understanding. But while everyone is busy trying to idolize and get inspired THEY SHOULD BE WRITING. WRITE. WRITE GOD DAMMIT!

[@KatesFree]

Love him. I've loved his stories, now I love him.

[@longball300]

really? who dislikes videos like this? An interview from one of the most brilliant writers to ever live, whats to dislike?

[@UnionKid15]

Ray Bradbury is my favorite author of all-time, he is such a great. Thanks for posting this.

[@UnionKid15]

I was only 12 years old when I first read your short story "All Summer In A Day" and I was hooked from the start. Your books are some of the best EVER written. Thank you so much, Ray Bradbury. May you rest in peace, entertaining the Angels.

[@CelticSaint]

I used to write a lot when I was younger. My head was full of ideas, and I saw metaphors everywhere from the moment I woke up, to when I went to bed. Suddenly, however, it all stopped and I haven't written for ages :-(

[@arelman]

And now you only whisper?

[@PearsAreOkay]

What caused the change?

[@fucheduck]

makes me think of my high school days. I didn't "take" literature in high school, I was to young and stupid(like most people yesterday and today are) in high school to even appreciate it. I was appointed to the class by my school's big wigs. probably the consulars, possibly the principal seeing I didn't need to be in crap career classes and frivolity. I am glad I "forced" into lit , at least I am now, as I know the authors. Ray Bradbury can't even help you if you know nothing about Literature or great authors in the first place, you'd not know beans about it, be lost entirely! I know what Ray is talking about only because I was given this knowledge in that class. I wouldn't have known to even look for ,Henry David Thoreau or Robert Frost, if I had not taken the class to get the finger pointed in that direction. I already knew who Edgar Allen Poe was from some tapes I listened to in my mom's school supplies(She was a teacher in other classes I did not take/wasn't allowed to she was family) but I did not know who Mary Shelly was, nor Bram Stoker, only of Dracula and Frankenstein as "movie monsters" (like most idiots do), I wouldn't have thought to read them had I not been appointed my Lit class in '88-89 fiscal .

[@makikihustle]

My favorite writer. His stories drip with wonder and magic. And his technical abilities are so well practiced that some readers aren't even aware of all the subtle metaphors swimming beneath the surface. Sheer brilliance.

[@147Matsapha]

I remember those new tennis shoes of summer, of youth. Such a wonderful talk from this national treasure.

[@Unosareen]

This should have been titled " An evening with God." Thanks for the upload, UCTV.

[@aga9618]

I love him.

[@tycoontackle]

Now I'm ready to get back to writing. And to get some of his books and read them. And write more short stories. And to be glad for the poverty that keeps me focused on what matters. Like he says, "Jesus GOD!" It's not a curse but from his lips, a prayer of thanks.

[@kashmirvlogs9217]

Holy molly, What a treasure trove! How lucky for me that I found this talk. Thanks heavens!

[@eiforget]

One of my very favorite authors. A treasure.

[@Arian5ECA]

R.I.P. I love your works...

[@rjdentdotcom]

Thank you uctelevision for uploading this wonderful video. This is truly superb, a marvellous insight into the mind of one of our greatest writers. You have done the world a service by providing access to this. Thanks again.

[@SusanCourtright]

Such wonderful memories...such an amazing mentor:)

[@santiagocal4306]

A great writter with a great heart. Thank you, Ray

[@Maytenus32]

Ray Bradbury makes me come to tears.

[@axiomist1076]

And I, too, have loved you my whole life, since I was a teenager in a small town full of old wooden houses and white picket fences, when I read Something Wicked This Way Comes. I took that story inside of me for years, although I never read another by you. Until I was about 30 years old, in New York and I remembered again that story although I didnt know the title or who had written it, but somehow I managed to find out again and looking for it in a bookstore I found The Martian Chronicles and I read that and it was my start into reading Sci-Fi. This has been the most fascinating talk I have ever listened to. I was riveted, waiting for the next and the next story about your life and hoping this would never end. And though it had to come to a stop, it will never end for me, for I have those wonderful experiences of having read your stories, which changed me every time I read one and will always remain buried in my soul. Thank you, Ray Bradbury, thank you . . .

[@vishweshwermangalapalli3137]

I run a story reading club for children between 9 -14 years in my apartment complex and till date read 24 of Ray's stories. Children love his stories.... Mind you... I am talking of Indian Children whose mother tongue is not English.... Ray is UNIVERSAL....

[@reginaclarke52]

Fabulous...joyous...

[@Andypandieful]

Just stumbled on this. What I needed to hear. Wonderful gift. Listen up folks. You won't be disappointed.

[@mangalapalliv]

Grateful to him for his stories.....

[@k.mturgon9593]

This is one of the powerful and passionate interview that i have ever seen.Thank you for sharing.Mr.Bradbury is one the biggest influence to me.

[@commsculture]

i came here via ray bradbury: story of a writer, and i must say i found this magical and inspirational. thank you for uploading this.

[@rahmama2]

This is one of the best hours I've spent in a long time. Thank you Ray Bradbury for sharing your imagination and your writing life. You're the best!

[@IncredibleFulk1]

I remember first hearing about Ray Bradbury when I was young from the credits of "Beast from 20,000 Fathoms" which in itself was based off his story "Fog Horn." Since then, I began my long journey of reading as many of Mr. Bradbury's stories I as I could. He was such a major influence on me and I wanted to become a writer thanks to him. I was shocked to hear of his passing today. This video was very informal for writers. RIP Mr. Bradbury!!!!!

[@Amyphist]

That was wonderful. What a great man.

[@morningglorify]

If you are in Toronto in April/May, check out the Toronto Public Library focus on Ray Bradbury: The Legacy. An exhibit of rare archival memorabilia, panel discussions and a city-wide book club invitation. Such a brilliant man in every way.

[@Drycreeksilva]

So inspiring, this man lived, really lived

[@KRLai]

"The best hygiene for beginning writers or intermediate writers is to write a hell of a lot of short stories. If you can write one short story a week-it doesn't matter what the quality is to start, but at least you're practicing, and at the end of the year you have 52 short stories, and I defy you to write 52 bad ones." - 3:08

[@2010fumi]

Bradbury has enhanced my life in immeasurable ways. Thanks for the interview. Simply amazing.

[@bluemountain555]

RIP Ray Bradbury. You are the best in Science Fiction!

[@OdesaFilmStudio]

SUPER!!!!

[@danmcdaid]

This is absolutely phenomenal

[@eliotmccann2589]

He says, I always dreamt I'd grow up and write an Oz book. :-)

[@wjarnock44]

Absolutely beautiful.