Big Think Interview With Stephen Fry | Big Think

Big Think Interview With Stephen Fry
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A conversation with the British comedian, author, actor and filmmaker.
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STEPHEN FRY:
Comedian, actor and writer Stephen Fry was born in 1957 in London and brought up in Norfolk. He attended Queen’s College Cambridge from 1979, joining the Cambridge Footlights Dramatic Club where he met Hugh Laurie, with whom he forged a highly successful writing partnership. His first play, Latin! or Tobacco and Boys, written for Footlights, won a Fringe First at Edinburgh Festival in 1980. He wrote again for theatre in 1984 when he rewrote Noel Gay’s musical Me and My Girl (1990). This was nominated for a Tony Award in 1987.
He has written for television and screen, and as a newspaper columnist - for the Literary Review, Daily Telegraph and The Listener. Stephen Fry's four novels are The Liar (1991), The Hippopotamus (1994), Making History (1996) and The Stars' Tennis Balls (2000). He has also published a collection of work entitled Paperweight (1992); Moab is My Washpot (1997) - an autobiography; and Rescuing the Spectacled Bear: A Peruvian Journey (2002) - his diary of the making of a documentary on the plight of the spectacled bears of Peru.
His book, Stephen Fry's Incomplete History of Classical Music (2004), written with Tim Lihoreau, is based on his award-winning series on Classic FM and is an irreverent romp through the history of classical music. The Ode Less Travelled - a book about poetry - was published in 2005. His latest book is Stephen Fry in America (Harper Collins 2008).
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TRANSCRIPT:
Question: Who are your main influences?
Stephen Fry: Probably in terms of writing and linguistic awareness there were a combination, firstly of W’s, P.G. Woodhouse, Oscar Wilde and Evelyn Waugh, the British novelist. That’s a male Evelyn by the way. And I would add to that Arthur Chonan Doyle, the author of Sherlock Holmes. When I was between the ages of about seven and twelve I was obsessed with Sherlock Holmes and I would read and reread and re, re, reread all those, so the rhythms and tones of the English language as exemplified by that kind of grand perfect Victorian manner and then Dickens, but it was really Oscar Wilde who awoke language in my head in a way like nobody else and I think also discovering the kind of man Oscar Wilde was, was an enormous influence as well. The fact that you could be such a towering intellect, such a lord of language and be charming and graceful, kind, good natured, but also unhappy and unlucky was a great discovery for an adolescent because one of the traps of adolescence is the sort of paranoid resentment that somehow you’re never going to match up and that everybody else’s life is going to be better and finer and fuller. That everyone else attended some secret lesson in which how to live was taught and you had a dental appointment that day or you were somehow not invited and the point of great writers like Wilde is that they make that invitation to you. They welcome it. Perhaps the greatest definition I think of character and quality is people who when they’re truly great rather than making you feel that tall they make you feel that tall, that they’re greatness as it were improves you. They used to say of Oscar Wilde that when you got done from a dinner table you felt funnier and wittier and cleverer. Now a lot of Brilliant people make you feel less funny, less clever, less witty because they’re so clever, witty and funny, but he had the opposite effect. A bit like what Shakespeare said about Falstaff, not just a wit, but a cause of wit in others.
Question: What philosophers influenced you?
Stephen Fry: Philosophy is an odd thing. When we use the word in everyday speech you know you sometimes hear it hilariously. They say, “Oh, it’s never good to be late.” “That’s my philosophy.” You think that’s a generous description of that rather dull precept to call it a philosophy, but it’s odd how philosophers generally speaking, at least the ones I’ve read or the ones I you know value, don’t have in that sense a philosophy. There is no particular Socratic or Dimechian or Kantian way to live your life. They don’t offer...
Read the full transcript at bigthink.com/videos/big-think...

[@bigthink]

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[@jordangreen9201]

Was in a dark part of KZbin. Stephen Fry restored my faith in humanity.

[@Fred-uf7bl]

HAH! My thoughts exactly! :)

[@paultaylor8553]

Defford restored mine

[@remarcablesd9758]

+Jordan Green this is such a simply excellent comment. I often explore You Tube with the part of my mind that is interested in sociology to end up in a "dark part" of YT. This discussion (regardless of the validity of Stephen's arguments) exercises my brain and shows a world aside form the usual narcissism of YT. Stephen is a champion of not dumbing down the planet and this contributes to that cause.

[@MrSammotube]

+Jordan Green He often does. He often does. :)

[@sitemountain]

Why would you even want to have any faith at all when evidence is far more justified?

[@kiely4561]

one of the very few people that you can listen to for an hour and still want more from his very inspiring mind

[@britdude74]

I couldn't agree more. Even though he is quite wordy, each word is deliberate and meaningful and I just love his thought processes and manner of analysis.

[@gobrad]

inspiring mind!? are you for real? I could say the same about hitler!

[@logangomez1209]

@@gobrad why hitler?

[@gobrad]

Logan Gomez There are many inspiring people but not all are good! Hitler for instance inspired hatred and many were maimed and killed , leaving an aftermath of dispair with an affect still carry’s on from one evil man... but it doesn’t take hitler alone to inspire horrible things... Their are many influential people who others look to for a source of inspiration and help them understand whatever it is they are trying to cope with in daily life... I just find this man somewhat obnoxious and in many ways abused his influential position to add his negativity which also has an impact on others listening to him! We live in a time of mass suicide and sadly much of this come from those who hold influential positions not thinking of their audience or who may be listening to them and their lack of faith... Stephen Has said many horrible and negative things regarding people’s faith but in such a way as to profane against... His negatively came across from the many texts I’ve seen here online by the obvious impact it had in people many of which were joyful praising his intelligence after his tv rants on shouting these profanities... intelegent indeed! His so called intelegece would be floored had their been some to challenge him! His opinion is just that! An opinion! So why hitler you asked!.. Hitler destroyed many lives, Fry destroys the human spirit! He is an influence that can cause many to despair!! He ought to be mindful of his audience as everyone of influence has that obligation!!

[@MerkhVision]

@@DavidMartin-eo7dk I’m shocked at your assessment of him, I think you’ve entirely misjudged Stephen Fry. You may have had knee-jerk responses to things without understanding his real intent. But what do I know, that’s just my opinion.

[@johnferguson4089]

In my humble opinion, Stephan Fry has one of the best minds alive today. He is witty, in touch with his own feelings and so eloquent. I always gain by hearing some of his personal experience. Thank you Stephen.

[@leif1075]

Sometimes I think he is showing off his vocabulary by using fancy words like abnegated..nothing wrong with that I'm just saying..why use those words instead of others that fit just as well..but if it makes him happy

[@deepakram8421]

Why hasn't he written a nice broad-based book yet?!

[@cloudincloudout]

What a wonderful man... It is so true: "Great people lift you up, not put you down." I have to say I don't understand the 62 people who disliked this. Thank you for your wisdom, kindness and laughter Mr. Fry. He is as wonderful to me as Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde ever were.

[@johnbell6114]

Haters are likely anti intellectual and/or anti homosexual, possibly right wing religious nut bags, who knows or cares. Stephen Fry is extremely interesting and a joy to listen to, but I know people (sadly), who might describe him as a pompous gay windbag. The world is full of losers.

[@OoOoOlornaOoOoO]

Having watched this video in its entirety, I think there's probably no greater compliment I can give Stephen Fry than to say, as he says of Wilde, that he makes me feel tall and funny and intelligent and witty. I feel such genuine joy when he's talking about even the most mundane things, that I am inspired to go and read something wonderful or learn about something interesting.

[@DodderingOldMan]

"A suppurating, boiling sea of acid where if you just so much as dip a toe you've lost your limbs"... That may be the best description of Internet comment sections that I've ever heard.

[@RNS_Aurelius]

I could imagine that actually being David Mitchell's username lol

[@SiliconBong]

Polyphony 13:25 NYMPH()MANIAC :D

[@lonelybanana1]

SiliconBong 9gag.com/gag/aXE5pEV u alone??

[@SiliconBong]

lonelybanana1 Oh please !! How could you not love those glazed eyes, that distinctive nose and the joyous countenance?

[@Hjelmsveis123]

"Would you be in any way offended if I say that you seem to me to be in every way the visual personification of absolute perfection?"

[@akito7025]

You absolute gem

[@ruialmeida818]

Beautifull, eloquent and brilliant mind...

[@mikefuller6959]

No! Look up Jonathan Miller instead! Now he really is clever! And doesn't shout it from the roof tops either, like Fry does! I am as clever as Stephen Fry!

[@ruialmeida818]

Mike Fuller "I am as clever as Stephen Fry!" - but a lot less humble, obviously

[@mikefuller6959]

Hi Rui! Thanks for the reply! What does 'Humble' mean? Does it mean modest? I think it does. I am up and down in my opinion of myself! With Best Wishes! Cheers - Mike.

[@mikefuller6959]

Hi Rui! I've just called my parents on the telephone, my mother says, humble, is the opposite to pride, not showing off. Well that is modest isn't it, so I understood what the word humble meant! I am Very Humble! "Mastery is often taken for egotism!" Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ( 1749 - 1832 ) German Poet and Polymath. Most of the time I am Very Modest! I am a POET and DREAMER!!!

[@ruialmeida818]

Mike Fuller You preach modesty while being egotist and arrogant

[@Christophe_L]

I could listen to this man all day.

[@frankhaugen]

I narrated the British Harry Potter audio books, (you might be referring to the contents of his mouth-noises; then I can't help you :P )

[@Christophe_L]

Haha, yes, though his accent does help, hehe.

[@patking5816]

Was in a dark part of KZbin. Stephen Fry restored my faith in humanity.

[@PhilipMcAdam]

What a wonderful attitude to life. I would concur with all of his views. I would love to meet this guy for a coffee what a wonderful conversation there would be. I wish more people had this view on life. would it not be a wonderful world. And as he says let us not waste time now because this is our only life.

[@jethrowegener]

As an author, to discover that what influenced Stephen Fry also influenced you is a great thing indeed. And then to be influenced by him in turn. What a marvelous man.

[@sarahwolfmayr2116]

He is one of the very few people of our modern age I deeply admire. Thank you Stephen Fry for being you.

[@veganbuildinfidel9426]

I'm 29 and I find Stephen Fry to be incredibly charming, witty, intelligent and attractive on every level. I can't get enough of his thoughts. I respect him for being open and honest with who he is. He's my Oscar Wilde! :D

[@persephone6896]

With his use of language, Sephen Fry provides us aesthetic and phonetic pleasure. He’s so lovely to listen to.

[@alanlawrence5398]

I always make a point of watching all Stephen's documentaries and shows. He's articulate in a way that few people are these days, and seems perfectly at ease on safari, hosting a QI episode, talking about the history of printing, linguistics, the composer, Wagner. Then we have the books, the plays, the movies... Is there anything this amazing man hasn't done successfully?

[@darkridr25]

When I first turned this on, I thought to myself: "Wow, an hour of Stephen Fry. This should be fascinating." After the hour finished, I found myself thinking: "Such a short interview. I wish it could have gone on longer...."

[@mattwardpictures]

Stephen Fry: *Comedian* Just a comedian? What a sacrilege... C'mon, Big Think.

[@dgh469]

another of the anti-theist saints :)

[@RNS_Aurelius]

daryl H He is an atheist not and anti-theist. Anti-theists are bad people no one should try to control another's beliefs.

[@dgh469]

Reece Swaby theists, of every flavour, have tried to control other's beliefs, and their free, inherent, right to enquire !!! wake up !!! or tomorrow you have a wealthy theocracy, and oligarchs, beating you for not counting the sheep correctly >>>

[@RNS_Aurelius]

daryl H Not all theists are bad people or try to force their views on others.

[@mattwardpictures]

He damn well _is_ an anti-theist. He kinda goes out of his way to unpack the importance of non-belief for several minutes in this particular video, and can also be seen debating alongside his old friend Christopher Hitchens in other videos. That being said, *he is only voicing his opinion*, and whether that can be considered "controlling" the beliefs of those within earshot really opens the door to bringing anyone who's used the pulpit to make an argument within indictment.

[@DMC-qw5lj]

It's amazing how listening to Stephen Fry can make you feel smarter and dumber at the same time.

[@rebeccatanner2740]

Agnt Helboy lol 😂

[@CJ-ft9yo]

God yes

[@rebekahwillis9336]

Nah just you

[@jeanash9502]

What a gent he is. Loved him with Hugh Laurie in anything ❤

[@joansmith3296]

i am such a fan of this man. can anybody hold a candle to him intellectually? i am a christian and reasonably bright enough but i can appreciate this man, i'd love to meet him. don't care about the non-believer thing, that's up to him i'd listen to him talk all day

[@scaulderz]

It's quite refreshing to see someone like you, I may sound ignorant for saying that all Christians are hate filled when it comes to questioning, which I obviously am, but I can somewhat be forgiven when it seems the hate filled believers are more vocal, But those who are not hate filled or defensive do not find the need to be vocal I suppose. I'm rambling, but it is very refreshing non the less!

[@Keurosaur]

Liam Blood There's a big problem with the internet and social media at large, which is that it allows extremists to voice their hate and zeal everywhere and anywhere they wish. These people are, ninety percent of the time, the only ones who feel self-orientated and prideful enough to shout their opinions & beliefs to all others. The majority of believers, certainly every single one I've ever encountered in the real world - which is a lot - are reasonable, rational and just as kind and accommodating as anyone else, they are, after all, human as well. I personally am agnostic, having been brought up by (but not as) christians. Hopefully you won't take this the wrong way - I'm not arguing, I just feel like people should know that the vast, overwhelming majority of theists are good people. It's just a shame that it has become something 'refreshing'.

[@g.j.338]

Liam Blood Not on the internet my friend. The religious majority have the upper hand due to their majority in the world, and bad comes from that in abundance. Though, as an atheist I must admit, there is no shortage of idiocy and ignorance from all fronts. If a Christian comes up to me and says what he believes, I'll want to know how he came to that belief. If I find he came to it via reason (unlikely), than I'll say he is flawed in his logic. If he comes to his belief via faith (which is most common), I will argue with his lack of reason. If he comes to me, however, spouting beliefs he blindly accepts without thought, I will not respect him. At least with faith, they acknowledge their refusal of logic. Thus, anyone who calls themselves an atheist on the internet without having thought about it is not my friend. I have no kinship with them, and nothing in common with those people. I will befriend an intelligent, reasonable or unreasonable religious person, before I bother with an atheist who blindly follows atheism because they think it's cool. Damn, I hate to sound like an atheist hipster, but fuck reddit atheists and people who wear atheism like a hip badge. These are the exact same mindless idiots who would be leading witch hunts. I don't want them on my side, thanks.

[@Fred-uf7bl]

Joan, you are the kind of human that I can respect even in religious beliefs. I am atheist but first, and foremost, human. Stephen contributes to education and a big part is letting people believe whatever they want as long as they have your attitude and don't push it onto others. Cheers

[@elgar104]

the only one I think came close was Christopher Hitchens.

[@Azure888]

What he said about first loves was so profound, and a very good thing to think on while you're going through it. I think his way of thinking is very clear and calm. So many people are so quick to react with anger or hate instead of holding off on judgement for a second and taking time to observe and learn about things....listening to this was so refreshing.

[@debyte]

If this interview encourages one person to read and experience the genius of Oscar Wilde it will have been worth it. Stephen Fry is an admirable, intelligent and generous of spirit man.

[@PEGGLORE]

And to listen to Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart.. And to This Heat - Deceit as well..

[@MiceHellHillPips]

'Love educates your soul' - just beautiful. 'Mood is the equivalent of weather' - fabulous statement. ...And the whole interview is just brilliant - Fry his usual witty, eloquent and wonderful self. I feel like this video really made me think about some fundamentally important things. Thanks for posting!

[@ukanthandlethetruthh]

[@lanestovall1715]

Stephen Fry truly lives up to the idea of great people make you feel like a better person too. His work always makes me feel like I've come out of it a better person for having read/watched his works.

[@sooneatyOrchids]

Such a treat to hear his thoughts, lucid and simple and yet so kind...... ! Thank you Big Think....

[@ivannair2201]

I believe the laundry gods require a ritual sacrifice of socks

[@hugatree10]

I have had the biggest intellectual crush on Stephen Fry for years. I adore this man.

[@basssschie]

Such a shame that the questions are not spoken out loud so you can reasonably follow this as an audio-only event (don't think the video adds that much anyway)

[@halfhigh]

+Bastiaan Huisman Good point

[@evhwolfgang2003]

Same. I'm at work so I can't just stare at a video. The gist of the questions can be inferred from the context of his response, but it would be nice to know what he's talking about before you figure out what he must have been asked.

[@ezzong]

Totally agree, otherwise this would be such a great podcast.

[@FrokenBorce]

"You have to account for bone cancer in children..." -Stephen Fry Now that is a great out of context quote.

[@CherriesJubilee]

I know that Stephen never reads comments, so this isn't for him. I adore this man. I can honestly say that he has given me permission to be complicated and funny, optimistic and deeply scholastic and kind.

[@mareksnopek9474]

"Schopenhauer on a cloud" would be a splendid name for a band.

[@peetgreek9682]

I find myself strangely fond of Stephen Fry. His thoughtfulness, his candor......even his voice!!!

[@lilyhur2671]

Stephen Fry is the most interesting person alive!!! Listening to him is one of the most enjoyable experiences.

[@DeZariuX]

This man has such a beautifull mind, he is really a smart person. He can really see beauty in all different aspects of life. He makes me really feel the warmth about the good and dark sides of life. further he make me see all the collors in our world. :)

[@trab49]

This man could blather on about absolutely ANYTHING in the world and still I would listen, spellbound. His optimism on life is refreshing and beautiful to behold.

[@Marscow]

Stephen Fry is a beautiful man. I'm not trying to kiss his backside because I know he'll never hear what I have to say about him, but I believe he is a bit of a modern day Oscar Wilde.

[@anouman9883]

Flick +1! I've always thought the same thing. I love both Wilde and Stephen and, in fact, Stephen was the reason I decided to study linguistics. Stephen also looks a lot like Oscar, have you noticed? He was a perfect choice to play him in the movie.

[@craigharris2731]

Keelan Watlington Cambridge, ffs.

[@Brigidz]

Good grief I was just thinking that. Given that Stephen most often shuns praise and compliments he is to me what Oscar Wilde was to him. A great and wonderful person.

[@nerfherder4284]

To take all this a step further...as a straight man I find Stephen Fry attractive as a man. He literally shines from within and is wonderfully brilliant, and funny as hell when he wants to be.

[@jameswilliams3241]

@@anouman9883 he did play him in a movie about his visit to the United States, sorry I don't know it's name.

[@MrRevoltOfficial]

If you have not seen Stephen Fry In America, you should. It taught me things about my country I would of never known, and all from this amusing and charming man, Stephen Fry. It's a fantastic documentary.

[@Jonadam23ify]

What a beautiful mind and amazing person! Stephen's words have given me so much comfort and hope in life. I shall forever be in his debt.

[@willrr4835]

So grateful of having come across with this man. Besides, his Harry Potter's reading in an audiobook format is an absolutely piece of art!

[@wetyewruyrtsutrdhjfg]

Finally!! I was hoping a full interview would come out (instead of little snippets).

[@r4gg3dt1g3r]

Thank you so much for uploading this. An absolute treasure.

[@filled_soda]

"We wonder ALL the way." Great line.

[@Christophe_L]

"Disposed to the adipose" was brilliant too.

[@4DsProductions]

An hour interview with Stephen Fry? Who needs to look for a job today, anyway? :D

[@litteringGlitter]

"all first love in unrequited, ultimately, because it's so huge..." ~ "all the energy of who you are and who you want to be and what you love and what you hope to be explodes, and it is impossible for a single human being to offer that back to you in a mutual way"~ "it's sort of almost important that what you do is worship and yearn and long"... what an excellent way to put it

[@JAYDUBYAH29]

wonderful clarity.

[@jaymancity10]

Stephen Fry is simply a poet and a genius, how can a interview capture so many beautiful and personal anecdotes which expressing mundane thoughts and views, he turned adolescent desires or lusts for love into a poem which struck im sure not only me. Absolutely beautiful!

[@TheScrewOnHead]

I just realized that Stephen Fry is one of the few celebrities to GET IT TOGETHER. Too often tabloids want a train wreck, but this guy prevailed. God bless him.

[@AltarenGalil]

This interview made me a better person

[@pidginmac]

What a wonderful man!

[@shannonm22]

I think you could quote every line he said there. What an amazing man and an excellent way to pass an hour of my time.

[@loboestepario2424]

I cannot express how much I love Stephen Fry, he must be the most articulate person in the whole English speaking world! I can just stay still & listen him for hours!

[@jasondonald9830]

It's a shame one cannot ask a simple, non antagonizing question on KZbin without being endlessly trolled by people who apparently have nothing better to do with their time.

[@anitarussum4590]

Jason Donald .. what brought that on? I didn't notice any miserable comments.

[@lukeknopp4267]

Time to read Wilde, I guess.

[@Anna-loves-you]

I love Stephen Fry so much ❤️

[@GormlyKeep]

The weather analogy is brilliant.

[@mrheisenberg83]

Thank you for finding words to express how depression feels to people who don't have it. Weather is the perfect metaphor. Stephen Fry: word genius! :)

[@michaelmattice4986]

Mr. Fry, no worries about the comment here:)...wasn't planning on watching the whole interview...but what can I say...you sure know how to hold an audience...I appreciate your humor and candor...wisdom and experience...plus I really enjoyed Peter's Friends, so many years ago...best to you and yours

[@Rhobyn]

All through this interview I was thinking the same thing. A beautiful human. Someone you want to break bread with. Someone you can truly regard as a friend of yours even though they have never seen your face. It's strange but these people are out there.

[@otterhappy5554]

Such a good and clear pronunciation, I can listen to that kind of English for hours.

[@lalamunns]

His description of love brought tears to my eyes. This man is just wonderful.

[@SardiPax]

What a shame the sound recording is so poor. Keep turning it up and still missing some of what is said. I wish YT would offer a 'normalization' option.

[@johncraske]

Is it possible that you are deaf?

[@Codex7777]

I noticed the same thing. Most parts are fine but certain sections are ridiculously quiet.

[@anitarussum4590]

Sardi Pax ... I did not experience any sound problems. It was all perfectly balanced.

[@kaybecker2199]

troll

[@ketihrendrag9489]

It's perfect. Periods where you can't hear him.

[@kmiballerina]

I LOVE Stephen Fry so much, his wit its just like classical music or a good dessert, simply delightful!

[@kirilhadjiev1765]

This is just wonderful. Thanks!

[@MMasterDE]

Great interview, but maybe try to invest in a new and better microphone?

[@anitarussum4590]

MMDE ... someone else mentioned that, but I found the sound to be perfect.

[@FreddysFrets]

I am currently working with Stephen as his recording engineer...I can assure you that this mic sound is not very good. The noise floor is incredibly high, the resolution grainy, just not high quality.

[@chippysteve4524]

and maybe a camera from the 21st century? The last time I saw a gently angled lines appear as rows of coloured bricks e.g. his shoulders was on my Commodore 64! To turn up to an interview with a living legend like Stephen Fry with that level of equipment? Somebody needs a slap Have a word :-)

[@darkangelzephyron]

The only man that can speak about cocaine and make it sound intellectual. ''Cocaine powder.'

[@benliv93]

his description of adolescence makes me feel so happy that I am not alone with my feelings, I fucking love that man

[@1965LAM]

Brilliant and kind.

[@lingonberrysquirrel]

Stephen I love you!

[@Hordebloow]

i too am very fond of stephen :)

[@YugeYun]

I just met a rootles guy, having been lived in many countries, has taken the best out of every culture living with the minimum, enjoying people, living for what he loves the most, arts... He was the most inspiring man I've met! He said listen to Stephen Fry. I see why!

[@GoodMusictoListen]

What a great interview! Such a smart and interesting man. I am really amazed at the way he talks about his personal life to all of us. Just wow.

[@verynotsuspicious]

I love you, you beautiful, beautiful man. Thank you so much for everything you taught me and helped me discover!

[@Beevenhouse]

I like to think Stephen Fry is the reincarnation of Oscar Wilde. They have so many points in common.

[@Christrulesall2]

That idea really started to impress upon me when i realized his fascination with oscar and not only that, the uncanny resemblance. It may very well be.

[@Treviscoe]

That's occurred to me too.

[@teodoramechea197]

they even look the same

[@churchofsighandthology]

I think I got 25% of the words but 100% of the emotion!

[@claireread2401]

Beautiful mind. Beautiful gentleman.

[@guyunger]

I hate that they put the question in text, means I can't listen to it while working

[@Beevenhouse]

It's not stopping me. Try it out. Even if you don't know what the question is, the answer remains fascinating to hear.

[@rajens1]

is it just me, or is the sound quality not great?

[@LaffertyChristina]

How could anybody not like this man? He is genius on so many levels

[@MKECBS1]

I could listen to this guy talk all day. a delight of mankind and a true roll model

[@linororen]

Mozart believed in God, Verdi did not. Their respective requiems were both "divine" because they were both musical geniuses, that's all...

[@RayasNegroOvejas]

It's a divinity in the sublime. There can be the power of god in nature, or something alike.

[@ohforthelove74]

"America has more mad people" hey now. There's no need.... Ah hell, he's right.

[@RuthShultz47]

What a lovely, dear, and brilliant man. Stephen Fry is not only a very intelligent man, he is an absolute gift to the world around him. Bless him and I am glad he found his one and only.

[@marymagerr6488]

I could listen to this man for a lifetime x

[@jude4021]

Stephen Fry is brilliant, sincere, learned and enlightened polymath. I would so love to have this man as a friend, but whenever I imagine that, I fall with a thud realising what could I possibly offer in return. :(

[@filippoieraci]

Just a genuine joy to listen to... Such an intelligent and knowledgeable man

[@eddominates]

for those who have trouble hearing him when he speaks quietly, and find his voice too loud when he's speaking up ( problem I was having with my shit speakers) .. turn on the "bass management" and "loudness equalization" enhancements in your speaker properties, it really helps to level out his voice hear so you don't have to keep turning it up and down to hear him and not wake people up at the same time :) right-click the volume icon in the task bar, select "playback devices", select "speakers" or whatever device is currently playing sound, hit the "properties" button on the lower right. from there in the "enhancements" tab un-check "disable all enhancements" and check both "bass management" and "loudness equalization" .. set bass mgmt settings room type to "office" and in the loudness settings, set the release time to one click from the left (short). hope that helps a few ppl who had the same problem I did. OH, you'll have to close this window and re-load the video after clicking "apply" and "OK" as the audio playback will stop if the video is playing while you do this. no worries, it just has to stop playback to apply the enhancements. re-load the page and your sound will be back. I LOVE Stephen Fry. with Hitch gone, I'm very happy to still have Mr. Fry around to deliver the occasional hitch-slap in a posh british accent. Great interview, and GREAT answers from Fry.

[@litteringGlitter]

love what he says about truly great people evoking greatness in others and causing them to feel better about themselves rather than worse. even the most brilliant minds fail to reach their potential if they're not fueled by the loving kindness that indicates true intelligence

[@picturesofsuccess]

"Stephen Fry - Comedian" doesn't quite seem sufficient, haha. They could have had the entire bottom of the screen filled with all his professions and possible titles..

[@michaelstamper5875]

Luckily, for us in the UK anyway, Stephen Fry has been part of the fabric of society for so long now that all we need to hear now is "Ladies and gentlemen, Stephen Fry" and we know exactly what we're about to get.😄

[@Ascketism]

Oscar Wilde, yes!

[@magnarocka]

When all hope is lost, there is Stephen Fry. And I highly doubt there is anyone who can justifiably speak against him.He is ,to me , the height of all reasonability & true logic. Most of all ,I respect his absolute truthfulness and honesty and he is rightfully unapologetic for it all too :)

[@nottiification]

I wish i could explain my thoughts as eloquently as Stephen Fry explains them.

[@artmankind]

Decrease the gain on your mic. Your audio is distorted. :(

[@prospectcoaches9017]

twat.

[@pvrhye]

It's shocking that a man can talk so well and fast at the same time. Dude's processor speed is off the chart.

[@Adetv1616]

Absolute fracking genius, great learned communicator. The world would a hugely better place with more Stephen Fry’s in it. God bless Stephen Fry (only joking)....imagine if everybody had a chance to have a best friend like Stephen ❤️

[@allison01ful]

What a Great Man! ,i watch everything he does, but must disagree on his knocking of afterlife(and Dawkins)for that matter, for this reason , i was abroad for a while and had a stressfull time in the states, and coming back to ireland my dad commited suicide, and not too long after i got a job laboring in the movie business , and thier was a row and i was threatened, so i picked up a bar from the effects gizmos and went for the foreman(im not violent or anything just wasnt in good place) anyway my point is , as i was taking a run for the foreman , my father appeared to me (and guess what he was -glowing white(like obi one or something) and said NO!, i immediately dropped the bar and started balling, anyway i can remember it distintly, glowing white, Sorry im not that educated but thought id have my say to the athiest crew, but besides that , fry is my hero man!

[@crazysnake9552]

Seeing glowing white images of dead loved ones isn't proof of God. It's indicative that under extreme stress we are capable of seeing and doing extraordinary things. That's all.

[@tyvolemusic]

I love you, Stephen.

[@Zero1030able]

Cannot unsee...

[@MartinsaMadman]

The most honest thing I've read in this conversation string is what you've just said. You have that other person, who is watching a Stephen Fry video and obviously trying to imitate that delivery, style, and put on the character of 'an educated authority' type. But then there's you, just being yourself, and it's actually really refreshing. So, thanks. You've made me laugh : D

[@lucilledelorme]

I get so angry when religious people claim to be the only ones with a moral compass, guided by the 10 commandments. I'm an atheist and a vegan and if I wanted to I could legally take a gun and with the correct permits shoot an animal and morally with God's blessing eat that animal yet I never would as my core values, a conscience if you will would never allow me to. So where does that innate sense of right and wrong come from then? Also how come the not killing part of the commandments doesn't apply to animals? Because with a God given arrogance humans believe that we were put on this planet and given dominion over all of its flora and fauna. Outrageous! One only needs to see the pernicious and negative effects we have had upon the world and all the poor creatures who suffer because of us to realise that we are actually vermin. Without us this world and all within it would sigh in relief to be rid of such a species but lose the pollinators or bacteria and the eco-system would collapse. Denial and arrogant delusion are all that separates us from the animals-oh and the capacity if not the compunction to evil.

[@lucilledelorme]

If only.....