Stephen Fry and Richard Dawkins in Conversation

Stephen Fry and Richard Dawkins, two of the most respected minds in their respective fields, sit together on the CSICon stage to discuss science, religion, politics, and more.
The Center for Inquiry is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization. CFI’s vision is a world in which evidence, science, and compassion-rather than superstition, pseudoscience, or prejudice-guide public policy.
You can join CFI and find out what we do to protect critical thinking and science by visiting: centerforinqui...
Stephen Fry is an English actor, screenwriter, author, playwright, journalist, poet, comedian, television presenter, film director and all round national treasure. Stephen’s new book, Mythos, his unique retelling of the Greek myths, was published in November 2017 and he is currently working on a one man stage show of the book for a first run at the Shaw Festival in Niagara.
Richard Dawkins is one of the most respected scientists in the world and an internationally best-selling author. Among his books are The Selfish Gene, The God Delusion, and his autobiography A Brief Candle in the Dark. He is a fellow of the Royal Society and of the Royal Society of Literature.
This talk took place at the CSICon 2018 in Las Vegas on October 20, 2018

[@koru9780]

Dawkins wanted Stephen to speak. He was interviewing him.

[@tony2888]

Did he though? I love Fry but it felt like he didnt leave space for dawkins. I guess it was Frys night . Great chat though.

[@WalterTonetto]

Perhaps a little *boiling* is enough at times ... frying a little too intense! But Stephen won’t get that any time soon, alas!

[@michal-ni]

I think that after stroke in 2016 Professor Dawkins is not able to speak for such a long time as he used to.

[@lwaves]

+Koru Yes, Dawkins was acting as interviewer which is why the host didn't do anything. It was meant that way which is why he mainly asked questions which would lead Fry down a path, with Dawkins giving an occasional point of his own, rather than framing it as a straight discussion between the two of them.

[@cliftonmanley3882]

Intelligent conversationalists get OTHERS to talk for them... that's how intelligent people learn. The very best do it without thinking about it, that's why it seems like he's interviewing someone. I do it all the time.

[@carisaunders2346]

I have to thank my now 33 yr old son, who at the age of 17, introduced me to the minds and personalities of Fry, Dawkins, Hitchens and others and saved me from the constant fear of not being good enough to be on God's list. He freed me from a narrow minded, fearful, ignorant life.

[@jeffmilroy9345]

He freed you from your church. That church will fail. Many churches will fail. It has nothing to do with debate - just pure apathy. There will be no holidays. There will be no honoring of the dead and graveyards will decay. Aint a damn thing you can do about it. And all to fatten the purse of an heir to ancestral slaver fortunes. Congratulations.

[@thehermit8723]

What you are describing is personal not theological.

[@Dr.Ian-Plect]

@@thehermit8723 elaborate

[@aphaseelec]

Welcome brother, someone had to bring these brilliant minds into our view. Who better then family.

[@Dr.Ian-Plect]

@@aphaseelec than, not then

[@RickReasonnz]

Every time I hear Fry speak like this, I am reminded that I need to read more books.

[@speckledjim9895]

Playboy doesn't count by the way.

[@prickyX]

@@speckledjim9895 i only read them for the articles...

[@chrissonofpear1384]

And the black Madonna..., Anamul?

[@karenbailey7081]

Rick Reason I think being bipolar helps somehow

[@waynelee7169]

@Anamul Rahman They usually want their Mums ... the new world religion is Climate Change - if you have to have a religion to give your life meaning get on board that - it's becoming militant too - Win, Win.

[@wanderlust3292]

As a child of working class people who themselves lived in poverty, I can’t emphasise enough how valuable knowledge is. Stephen Fry is an embodiment of everything I value in life: curiosity, love for knowledge, kindness, being humble, well spoken and many more

[@bonnie43uk]

I concur 100%.

[@Redman680]

@@agitprop1984 Bore off, clown

[@philmabarak5421]

@@agitprop1984 What fraud? Honesty, integrity, fortitude. The entire civilized world respects Steven Fry. The cowards discount him because he exposes their dishonesty and cowardice.

[@rustynail1194]

What's his class got to do with it? I'm working class, I got to go to university in the late 90s because of student loans. Fry is absolutely brilliant, no doubt about it but there are plenty of people that didn't have the privilege of his background that are just as brilliant. In this day and age people shouldn't somehow look up to the rich just because they are simply that. We may not have quite the life they have had but we are no different in intelligence. Would we know so much about Fry if he was from a poor background? I HIGHLY doubt that.

[@matthewpocock4824]

One cannot listen to Stephen Fry for any length of time without learning something new. An eloquent gentleman scholar.

[@deesmith8027]

Absolutely!

[@pbinnj3250]

I would need a better education just to get many of the things Stephen says, much less even knowing them.

[@stuwhite2337]

I would put a full stop after time.

[@deesmith8027]

Best wishes Stephen .if everv your free for a lunch or coffee ,please let me know .We met in Africa .I live in Ely Cambridge .,near the Ely Cathedral. Best wishes Di xox

[@deesmith8027]

Absolutely!

[@arizi1973]

As a Greek i think our state should soon be paying honors to Stephen Fry

[@twisted_nether373]

Are you from Ancient Greece? Because that's what he was talking about.

[@arizi1973]

@@twisted_nether373 No I am not. What's your point?

[@musicloverlondon6070]

@@arizi1973 It's your heritage so your original statement still stands. Btw, I think we all owe Greece an incalculable debt.

[@pushthetempo2]

​@@musicloverlondon6070Don't say the word "debt" to the Greeks 😂

[@VatniksAreFascists]

@@pushthetempo2 Made me giggle proper, thank you.

[@jenbcamping]

Stephen Fry embodies all the best possible qualities in a human being. He is enamored with science, democracy, skepticism, imagination, creativity, progress, and the inherent awesomeness in all of humanity and nature. Even better than all that, he consistently uses his fame and fortune to do his absolute best to spread these values to as many other people as possible. I don't know how anyone could be a better person.

[@spinozawolfgang8546]

Jesus.

[@strings-n-keys]

Jesus

[@jenbcamping]

@castroy64 Stephen Fry was pro-eugenics? Seems unlikely since he's kind of ugly, fat, weirdly tall, and also flamingly gay. Pretty sure he's ethnically Jewish in some way as well, so I'm PERTY SURE you are just typing random letters.

[@candyman5912]

I love listening to Stephen Fry too.

[@gregsmith5134]

He’s a douche bag

[@VNavale]

The title should be Stephen Fry in conversation with himself. It's amazing how he can talk for so long but still keep you enthralled.

[@MrYFlyer]

He spent more time promoting atheism than science.

[@DarkSkay]

The Gods acclaim Richard Dawkins as a great listener ;)

[@ankushds7018]

@@MrYFlyer of course he did. He isn't a Scientist. He is an Enlightenment-ethusiast which encompasses both Science and Atheism

[@meljaeccles3829]

@@DarkSkay l0

[@pyrogian]

ikr i just can listen him all day

[@TheSimMan]

Speaking non-religiously, I feel blessed to live at the same time as Stephen Fry and Richard Dawkins.

[@samuelgarrod8327]

Speaking religiously how do you feel?

[@matttanner5488]

I agree. I would be happy to speak to a stranger and debate. Let’s connect and discover

[@MrTheposte]

​@@samuelgarrod8327 Very good

[@electricmanist]

So in Fry and Hawkin's world, you are no more than expendable lumps of protoplasm. No more than an accident and without any purpose. Just think, Hitler and Stalin probably also thought that about the masses they controlled ! You seem to be in good company !

[@wasdaddan]

"I feel lucky" would have done it :-)

[@rogernunn1]

I am always amazed that Stephen can talk endlessly about any subject without waffling. I like what he says.

[@barbiegirlfriend5752]

Reminds me of Hitch no surprise they where friends,

[@richodude2679]

Well he is well well read on many topics , and love to share what he has learned to anyone wanting to listen.

[@telwood15]

A lot to be said for good broad education

[@deesmith8027]

@@barbiegirlfriend5752 he does ,and can

[@TrailTrek]

Put this one for 5 minutes while i had a coffee. 55 minutes later my coffee is cold and i feel like ive been educated more than my last year in school! Absolutely fantastic, i learned about greek mythos on bees, science and a plethora of other subjects. Thank you so much.

[@TheRevDel]

@Mister Physics He is clever, listen to him rather than make assumptions based on his education level. You can be clever and not educated by the standard means, if you then read books on the subjects you're interested in.Which Fry clearly has. He has knowledge, he may not be a scientist, but he is one of our most clear speakers and is clearly knowledgeable on the subjects he talks about.

[@reklawazag]

Mister Physics Actually he graduated Cambridge with a second class honours degree. By his own admission “without making any effort” A testament to his genius and innate intelligence. Last time I checked Cambridge is one of the worlds leading community colleges so I would presume an honours degree is worth something.

[@magnetiktrax]

​@Mister Physics if you were hoping to pass yourself off as an intellectual then you just lost any shred of credibility by starting your argument with "you got cucked". Your clown icon is appropriate.

[@dunlop9161]

Lovely story. Stephen Fry is an amazing person, and his voice is very calming. Listen to some of the audiobooks he has done.

[@bluecurlygirl]

I'm currently listening to "Heroes" on audible. Stephen narrates it himself. Very funny and very educational but as he says himself at the start "don't try to keep up with the family trees here." I had to go to hospital for tests and was listening to it in between the doctors going around. All anyone else could her from me was gasps followed by "Oh she did not! Oh that's awful". "She's pegasus' mother?" Great book. Highly recommend.

[@Pivoine43]

It's a very humbling and entertaining experience to listen to Stephen Fry. So much wit and intelligence! What a brilliant mind! I could listen to him for hours.

[@Prcnjau]

Imagine being friend with Stephen Fry, i would never leave his company, funny, smart, incredible human being

[@deesmith8027]

He is

[@abcabc371]

He doesnt believe in afterlife. He even mocks the idea of afterlife or soul. Im not a religious person but Im not convinced consciousness is generated by the brain. That would mean that AI could become conscious which I doubt very much.

[@quill444]

_I would never believe in anything that requires me to believe in something._ - j q t -

[@MrMurph73]

Stephen Fry is incapable of being boring. Even for a second

[@jamiesmith3259]

Number 1 on my fantasy dinner party guest, Dawkins is 2nd... don't hold out too much hope for it. Plus I'd be terrified.

[@tonysuffolk]

@@jamiesmith3259 We both play the same mind game!

[@solangoose8372]

@@jamiesmith3259 Agreed. Would have loved the Hitch in there too if he was still with us, but the other 2 would have to shift down a spot!

[@jamiesmith3259]

@@solangoose8372 Ricky Gervais, Brian Cox and Leonard Cohen would complete the list

[@_Gnome.]

I like his nose and butt

[@millwx]

I love how Fry does all the talking. First off, I love listening to him. He’s brilliant. Second of all, as a scientist myself, I know that absorbing information is so important. Dawkins just sitting there listening is so incredibly perfect for a scientist. Love both of these guys. So perfect in their roles.

[@delg1211]

Very well said. Dawkins has long been a hero to me, but relatable; Fry seems more like a mythical force. It is very satisfying to see Dawkins respect greatness.

[@samuelfawcett6246]

Love Dawkins laughing so hard at 6:50 Fry makes so many points Dawkins would make, but in such an entertaining way

[@deesmith8027]

Exactly

[@deesmith8027]

Lol !!

[@gaminawulfsdottir3253]

@@samuelfawcett6246 Stephen Fry is one of those rare individuals who, when he dominates the conversation, everyone in the room is grateful.

[@yumyum723]

It's insane how one man can absorb so much knowledge and be able to talk about it so elegantly for so long, what a fascinating person could listen to him forever

[@MartinKillips]

Come to Britain - there are many others like him!

[@benwu7980]

His Full Address at the Oxford Union, is another example of just how deep his well of knowledge and oratory skills goes, with some of the same topics as he touched upon here.

[@thomasbirkhahn9616]

​@@MartinKillips Who?

[@deesmith8027]

Now back in my home country United Kingdom..ITS A TREAT !

[@deesmith8027]

....and he does !

[@aoife3571]

What an incredible mind. Thank you Stephen Fry for everything you do for this world.

[@deesmith8027]

Yes thank you Stephan ..we love your intellect etc etc etc etc without sounding too! gushy !

[@avikbagh8391]

Wish Mr. Fry could be the mouthpiece for people who think like him. Coherent, brilliant and relatable.

[@deesmith8027]

Totally !

[@stevemayes8799]

He is.

[@ShrewdJester]

@@stevemayes8799 He's an advocate for coherence, brilliance, and relatability, but he's not in any actual elected position. He does good but I think that's what they meant.

[@stevemayes8799]

@@ShrewdJester I don't think so, and I don't think it matters. We both agree that he's an good person and communicates well. Have a great day.

[@ShrewdJester]

@@stevemayes8799 Yes we had a very intellectual conversation with you only making a few grammatical errors, one could call this a draw.

[@anickslife]

Dawkins loves Fry as much as we do. I adore this conversation and come back to it at least a few times a year.

[@paulgemme6056]

The answer is easy for those who have faith and know Jesus Christ/God by the indwelling Spirit of truth (Holy Spirit). One must be born of the Spirit, born from above, born again in order to know the truth. It's that simple. Read the gospel of John chapter three. Jesus makes it clear. The Spirit sets us free from the lies of this world and the devil (Satan). We are not sinners because we sin, we sin because we are sinners. The blood (only the blood) of Christ takes our sin away.

[@paulgemme6056]

@@flotinaway7 Yes, I have considered not sinning, a long time ago. We still need his Grace and Mercy for times that we do sin. If a man says he is without sin (never sins) he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

[@ramudon2428]

Am I the only one who sees these unrelated religious replies that litter KZbin for some reason, and report them as "Unwanted commercial content"?

[@eugenebell3166]

I began by thinking I will watch this for 10 minutes but couldn't stop once it got going. Absolutely gripping and wonderful from start to finish. it actually left me wanting more than was offered.

[@deesmith8027]

++++ more !

[@Jr-qo4ls]

Thank god I was blessed enough to meet Richard Dawkins once. He together with Christopher Hitchens were able to express so eloquently things I had thought most of my life but was not able to put into words . They helped me to realize I was not alone. Their writings should be required in all schools.

[@aprokhozhy]

Are you sure thanking god is appropriate in this particular case? :)

[@SStupendous]

@@aprokhozhy Oh lol, got that one

[@deesmith8027]

Whow whow whow !

[@virtualatheist]

It's nice to see a moderator that actually allows the guests to speak without constant interruption.

[@Readd1]

I don't think he was needed tbh, easy money! 😂

[@funni150]

Tbh he really really grated on me: the way he was speaking as this custodian of Britain while at the same time talking in a quasi-English, semi-American accent plainly felt insulting

[@rawrbeez6625]

You don’t really need a moderator for a conversation. It’s not a debate lol.

[@DrumsTheWord]

He couldn't even if he tried...but I do get your point. He humbly let these two great minds entertain themselves and the audience.

[@rawrbeez6625]

@George Ealasaid I would be 💯 behind electing scientists for leadership.

[@mrericmmurphy]

This video brought me to tears. Intelligent conversation willing the embarrassment of being wrong and more importantly, willing to listen. I could listen to Steven fry all day. The intelligence, the elocution, the warmth and love for life and learning. He is an absolute treasure.

[@dhvsheabdh]

It brought you to tears?

[@myplaylistisfire]

@@dhvsheabdh ikr, this guy crying over a discussion on a yt vid, touch grass

[@amandamargaretbaker2023]

Stephen Fry is a pleasure to listen to . His intellect is massive. How does he know so much. Could listen to him all day.

[@djjamestobin]

Every SINGLE time I hear Stephen Fry speak I am further enlightened and re-energized. People like him don't come by very often.

[@MrMaxeemum]

I could listen to Stephen Fry all day. Not only is he well educated but he is able to convey his learnings to the common man in an entertaining and non snobish way.

[@brynpookc1127]

@MrMaxeemum Exactly! And he pulls ideas together from multiple disciplines with such ease. I feel smarter just listening to him! He also reassures me that the world isn’t as miserably intolerable as it seems these days. He gives me hope that there is a future, a better future.

[@MrMaxeemum]

@@brynpookc1127 There is a better future. Just listen to yourself and don't let others tell you what to think. Peace.

[@jacksimpson-rogers1069]

The only comparable genius I can think of in the USA was Richard Feynman. He had NO interest in 'fame'. It meant nothing to him that he won a Nobel Prize and millions of people who never understand his specialty, Quantum Mechanics, therefore knew he was brilliant. But he was delighted that a street samba band liked him as a percussionist, on a thing they called a "frigideiro", well enough to have them play, with them, in a street parade! One of his favourite "show off" things was mental arithmetic. But in his book "Surely you're Joking, Mr. Feynman" he tells us that Hans Bethe, who liked the younger man whose immense respect for him did not deter Feynman from arguing about physics with Bethe. By the way, George Gamow has a story that Bethe worked out the process whereby stars with enough oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon can use these elements in a "nucleo-catalytic" way to synthesise helium from four protons (hydrogen nuclei) Our star isn't big enough to be using that.

[@metalguru9333]

@@MrMaxeemum Ah Yes... Stephen Fry... Hates God, Loves Rectums... Makes Perfect Sense !

[@MrMaxeemum]

@@metalguru9333 And your point is?

[@karenburrows9184]

I learned something, I rejected something, I debated something with myself. Because I listened to the opinions of others. It was a good day.

[@waynemcleod6767]

Interesting.

[@EmVeeBeen]

Professor Dawkins'd laugh at 6:55 was quite adorable. I'm so glad to see that our professor's doing well. His stroke in 2016 did give me a fright indeed.

[@VeritasAlienari]

What an excellent thing to say. I agree.

[@tommarello01]

I was thinking just the same thing, and wholeheartedly agree with your lovely sentiments.

[@kush.scientificrationalist]

I feel so sad to see Prof. Dawkins, who seems to be finding it a little hard to talk. It's as if my own grandpa's unwell.

[@Sportliveonline]

The self cannot see itself as not to be ~~~but wants to perpetuate itself ~the fear of not being creates Religion !!

[@GOTHICforLIFE1]

@Violeur de Mouton Yup :) He's clearly stronger mentally than a poor soul that needs to explain the world with fantasy. Even if he would exist, he doesn't do anything more than a mental illness (Talk to you in your head, and control your actions).

[@rosarioperiut9516]

Love love,love these conversation...oh, to be a present for it!

[@bobstar2683]

Take a moment to appreciate the fact that you are alive in the same time as Stephen Fry.

[@evolutionhasevidenceopinio5234]

Thanks, for pointing that out. I do feel extremely fortunate to live at this time in our existence. I remember to enjoy that for many things. Cheers 🤩🌄🌏🌍🌎🌅🌔🤩🌄🌏🌍🌎🌅🌕🤩🌄🌏🌍🌎🌅🌖

[@gregsmith5134]

Why ?

[@samuelcalderwood1379]

Don't be silly Bob the fool sayith in his heart there is no God research for yourself

[@Fullyautomagic]

The same could be said for another person in another time. Thank “god” I can’t say it for Jesus.

[@samuelcalderwood1379]

@@Fullyautomagic Dylan don't you know Jesus is alive in heaven and he will be coming back to judge the earth my friend

[@davidrice6224]

I'm with Richard here - I've been to one humanist funeral and it was a wonderful tribute, so much better than the religious formula. Having said that, I love Richard and Stephen! 💙

[@anonimofiorentino5948]

Fry personifies curiosity, intellect, beauty and all that makes mankind unique.

[@MimPagga]

Entertaining for sure, but any original ideas? The real scientist was quiet

[@MattSingh1]

If you haven't already, try Christopher Hitchens.

[@MattSingh1]

@Michael Brown Sure, Prof. Dawkins isn't a scientist...goodness, theists are capable of the most dim-witted thoughts imaginable.

[@MattSingh1]

@Michael Brown oh, and Georgy Koentges is merely a graduate student.

[@DerEchteBold]

And Dawkins represents turning science into just another dogmatic religion. Sadly Fry isn't able to see that.

[@philsarkol6443]

We need people like mr.Fry and mr. Dawkins to think, talk and deliver ideas and new insights, to challenge us all to try and do the same. Stephen Fry is allways interesting to listen to, as I learn something new every time I do so!!

[@mothman84]

Stephen Fry has a rare gift of entertaining me by telling me things I already know, or in some cases things I disagree with. I'd listen to him for hours. Why can't I be like that?

[@TheBeeseven]

I guess we could all benefit by being like Stephen Fry but that would stop him from being the unique human being he is. Maybe if we all just aspire to be like him the world would be a better place.

[@Johnnymagnet92]

The problem with intellectual people, is that they're not interested in being rulers

[@Tyrfingr]

But very eagerly being critical of power, and not seldom they are "rulers" of such movements ;)

[@EyesOfGehenna]

Perhaps it's because intellectuals don't really get many votes.

[@magnetiktrax]

Intellectual people aren't interested in seeking power for its own sake, and neither do they care about popularity. When you're smart you don't need to prove to people you're special.

[@tsduali7516]

you have weird view of intellectuals , or conditioned box for them ... many rulers were intellectuals ... and almost everyone of them were rulers because they were intellectuals

[@ralfralf3117]

Intellectuals...you assume this pecular individuals which existsts...and they have impact on our existence...maybe on minority

[@jasondsimpson]

KZbin keeps recommending and I obliged. I’ve seen this at least 4 times. Always wonderful. Fry and Dawkins are both delightful

[@davecoley4445]

I've known of Steven Fry for many years.. since he started on the comedy scene with Hugh Laurie.. but watching and listening to this interview has truly opened my eyes to his intelligence, his knowledge and above all his balanced judgement and humanity. What a wonderful man.

[@goldenskeptic6309]

I could listen to Mr Fry talk for hours, you learn something every time he opens his mouth.

[@joopspeth6483]

Wake me up.

[@sos_legio_primus]

Buy the Harry Potter books on Audible and be in aural heaven as Fry's honey-like dulcet tone tickles your ears from ten's to hundreds of hours.

[@ricdavid7476]

i could too if i was under anesthetic.

[@sos_legio_primus]

@@ricdavid7476 Not a fan of Mr Fry I take it?

[@ricdavid7476]

@@sos_legio_primus Sadly no. He was ok as the General in Blackadder but it was downhill all the way after that.

[@ReiverBlue1971]

Many years ago (about 44 I think) I had a teacher in the second to last year of Primary who was one of the most incredible and interesting people I've ever known. Whenever Stephen gets going in these kinds of chats, it's just like hopping back and listening to that teacher. He'd start on one subject at 9am and by lunch you were somewhere else completely with no idea how you'd gotten from one to the other. However, all of that knowledge would recall when needed. That and he (the teacher) started my love of trigonometry and the maths required for graphics (which was my degree subject). To give you some idea of the concepts he was teaching us: I knew and understood quadratic equations at the age of 8/9 and could perform trigonometry with log books (books that you could look up the results of a Sin, Cos or Tan calculation)!! Teachers should be some of the most important people in our lives

[@carladehaas7866]

Only if they are that good. Most aren't. ...and anyone who is, IS a teacher.

[@ReiverBlue1971]

@@carladehaas7866 I would tend to agree with that ;)

[@cxzact9204]

I bet he appreciated you and students like you just as much as you now appreciate him. I saw some of the best teachers who taught me my curiosity, simply give up on unreceptive students. Learning is a two way street. Many "terrible teachers" are expected to teach monstrous children, which never works.

[@donnaharris8097]

Old school teachers , sadly they are not like that today , they are not allowed to stray from the curriculum and script...

[@dawnbylaw]

Well it is sad that we didn't hear very much from Dawkins but Stephen Fry's monologue is captivating af.What an intellectual powerhouse this gentleman truly is!!!I'm in awe.And i bet i'm not the only one.

[@ssiddarth]

You definitely aren't 😀

[@fionaottley4976]

Agreed, hard to whinge about Fry's fascinating talk, but I would like to hear more from Dawkins.

[@lwaves]

I believe we didn't hear more from Dawkins because it was set up as an interview rather than a discussion. It's why the guy in the middle didn't ask the questions and Dawkins did.

[@dawnbylaw]

@@sixT4T Thank you daddy.Someday maybe in hundred years we'll reach your complex level of appreciating the world.

[@robpatty6062]

Still a few haters though, judging by the comments(the fuckin Neanderthals)

[@tigertiger1699]

I hope to spend my days listening to these two🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@coffeemachtspass]

I’ve done my housework to Stephen Fry’s musings. Happy hour to spend. What a treasure. Thanks, CFI!

[@eddominates]

Stephen Fry may be my favorite person on the planet

[@dudesayingthings]

same here.

[@kahmoun]

Me too, an I'm irish and I'll never forgive us for what was done to him by our stupid people and this government. It pains me to put 'us' in there but I am Irish and I absolutely love this beautifully genteel man. I truly love Richard, too, reading him decades. These two, tghtr, is just heaven on a plate to me....... pun intended 😁

[@daraarmand1221]

You are not alone.

[@davidr3789]

I'm sure all your family members will be delighted to hear this.

[@eddominates]

@@davidr3789 They'd mostly agree with me

[@bobh5087]

What a completely enthralling and fascinating video. I hung on every word. There's so much richness and depth here which demands a second watch/listen.

[@HuzonFurst]

I absolutely *love* all these guys for their deep intelligence and kindly natures, and have met some of them at a three-day conference called Beyond Belief some years ago in La Jolla, California. Nothing since has ever equaled or especially surpassed such a truly heavenly experience for this!

[@Wilkse1]

"The stupid are satisfied and the clever are worried ".. great quote for todays politics in the UK

[@thenaughtyapartment2619]

​@@elizabethwinsor-strumpetqueen Two people can come to the same conclusion without copying each other. He also never really claimed to have come up with it. "Ignorance is bliss " comes to mind, which does convey a similar meaning. I don't really think Dawkins adhering to the principles of his study makes him delusional. What is your point? You don't like atheists? Is that it?

[@evolutionhasevidenceopinio5234]

@@elizabethwinsor-strumpetqueen god loves you though right? He has a beautiful place reserved for you right? Because you worship god? Right? What?🌔🌄🌏🌍🌎🌅🌖Which god?🌔🌄🌏🌍🌎🌅🌖 Who is your god? What is your heaven?

[@chitmibritches122]

@@elizabethwinsor-strumpetqueen isn't that most effiecient way to learn?

[@patrickkilduff5272]

Hmmm. I'm not sure all the 'stupid are satisfied'...have you ever meet a Trump supporter..they are both unsatisfied and worried..while simultaneously completely wrong on nearly every issue...

[@evolutionhasevidenceopinio5234]

@@patrickkilduff5272 nearly?

[@markharrington3775]

This perfectly civilised trio are a tonic for the mind. There aren't many interviews I watch more than once. This is one.

[@Lucia-1414]

True, the ability to have chat without arguments or conflict. Brilliant

[@paulgemme6056]

@@Lucia-1414 The answer is easy for those who have faith and know Jesus Christ/God by the indwelling Spirit of truth (Holy Spirit). One must be born of the Spirit, born from above, born again in order to know the truth. It's that simple. Read the gospel of John chapter three. Jesus makes it clear. The Spirit sets us free from the lies of this world and the devil (Satan). We are not sinners because we sin, we sin because we are sinners. The blood (only the blood) of Christ takes our sin away.

[@herbspencer4332]

Fry illustrates the value of a broad, humane education; we could listen to him for hours.

[@nektekket852]

Of course he doesn't KNOW, nobody does. But I bet you think you KNOW, eh?

[@TheRevDel]

@RUSSIAN ROBOT True knowing is impossible in anything except Maths. No other field has absolute proofs. So if you think you know something 100%, unless you're a mathematician, then you're wrong. We are all Jon Snow, we all KNOW nothing. Except Mathematicans, of course.

[@TheRevDel]

@RUSSIAN ROBOT Mathematics has absolute proofs for a lot of it. You can literally look this up in however long Google takes. There is no truth in God but the oft proven wrong Bible. Why should I believe such a text when it tells me Judas hanged himself and also that Judas just fell and exploded. Or that trees were created before man in one part of genesis and after man just a chapter later. It's not even internally consistent, so why would I assume it is externally consistent. Your God does not exist, face it.

[@samuelcalderwood1379]

Herb don't worship Fry worship God, Fry just speaks empty words Jesus will set you free from sin if you ask😀

[@dravenarcane2735]

@@samuelcalderwood1379 Only when Santa Claus delivers exactly what I want for Xmas may I then take you up on your delusional advice.

[@TheTruthKiwi]

14 minutes in and I am in awe of Stephens breadth and depth of knowledge, all delivered in a fascinating and often humerous way. I know for a fact that 1. I could never retain this much information and 2. Even if I could I couldn't deliver it in a long, deeply coherent, sensicle and entertaining way that Stephen does here. He and Richard are international treasures.

[@EnglishPolishOnline]

So the interviewer just sat and relaxed. And I think he was having a good time;)

[@madmaxmckenzie611]

Love listening to Stephen Fry. He's extremely intelligent and makes so much sense. Good to see Richard Dawkins looking well too after his stroke in 2016.

[@pix_d20]

@Mister Physics How come he is much more eloquent and smarter than you?

[@KimbaArivaderci]

Every time either of these humans speak I learn so much.

[@garyproffitt5941]

Extremely intelligent Stephen Fry and gratitude you for you and open your mind✔

[@scorcyber]

"The arts are all daughters of memory." That alone was worth the listen.

[@eganl]

Completely agree. I had a little sit down when I heard that.

[@taniaearle4457]

Yep, I now know what the Greeks meant 😊

[@kevinc721]

Can someone please explain what he meant by that?

[@chris_outh]

@@kevinc721 I took it to mean that all of art is just a recombination or retelling of preexisiting truths and memories. In other words, nothing in art is truly original as it reflects what has come before it, as well as the cultural landscape that it was created in.

[@kellyhh1371]

@@kevinc721 Literally, the Muses were the daughters of Mnemosyne. So, the daughters of "Memory".

[@Slam_24]

Stephen Fry is the man I aspire to be. I want to die a happy death full of knowledge, having been very satisfied with my life's achievements!

[@FlowwerrMusic]

24:16 speaks to me so completely and I embrace it so viscerally. Thank you !!! I love this so much and feel so much. When my MaMa was alive, RIP, she taught us so many rituals and ceremony around the Buddhist and Taoist ways, that over time I realized we were bowing, offering incantations towards ancestors, and these beautiful statues. But that with studying and diving into the details, I learned that the imagery and symbols were not literal, that these statues are not of literal deities, but of aspects of our human condition. So when we bow before, say, the Kuan Yin ( Bodhisattva of Compassion ), we bow to recognize the teachings of being compassionate and to look deep inside to get that feeling of what it means, what is it like, what it really is, this thing called compassion... Just as a little example.

[@carolwaugh5466]

My brain lies down defeated when I listen to those like Stephen Fry and Richard Hawkins.😮

[@dsaipha]

I could listen to Stephen Fry for the rest of my life and I would consider it a life well spent. He is so eloquent😍

[@samuelcalderwood1379]

Don't waste your time away follow Jesus instead 😉

[@skudlugs]

@@samuelcalderwood1379 ha ha 🥜🥜

[@vanavatareight5135]

@@samuelcalderwood1379 Yeah, listen to an imaginary friend who never speaks. Much better than Fry.

[@samuelcalderwood1379]

@@vanavatareight5135 Jesus is real and he's coming back

[@chrisis9030]

@D-Sai-Pha Apparently you weren't paying much attention to what he said.

[@annalangston6567]

Dawkins is a visiting lecturer at my university and I cant wait to hear him speak!

[@FlockOfHawks]

🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@nevermind-he8ni]

"Art is the daughter of memory"..... I love that quote.

[@Charlie-ye2er]

never mind yes that is great

[@peterlemer]

Speaking personally, I prefer: "Music is the daughter of memory' ;-))

[@jandrews6254]

Don’t hear too many “daughter” quotes

[@heighwaysonthewing]

@@jandrews6254 you don't talk to enough mothers then do you, they talk about them all the time.

[@rosewhite---]

really?

[@TurboGeeks]

For number one in all of my watchings of Sir Richard Dawkins have I ever seen him smile and laugh so much. Second, as a Christian I still find Stephen Fry so refreshing, humble, funny, I mean I can go on on. I just love his point of view on things even if it happens to go against my personal beliefs.

[@esdeekay4344]

I can listen to Stephen for hours. He has the gift to educate in a soothing way.

[@Sauromannen]

Well organized - a brilliant scientist that knows how to ask the right questions and a brilliant artist/humanist who knows how to answer them.

[@goths880]

Watching this in December 2020.. absolutely brilliant! When he goes 'you can't square that circle' 💣

[@Bultish]

I love Stephen Fry, I wish humans had three times the lifespan and everybody started with whatever he did the first 50 years 💪🧠♥️

[@eddierushing8707]

Stephen Fry you truly do honor to your friend and a hero of mine in the best way. Dawkins did a great job and I am glad he is doing so well after his stroke.

[@themaestroslady1812]

God, I just LOVE Steven Fry. I could listen to him talk all day. What an intellect! And in the days when he was doing A Bit of Fry and Laurie and Jeeves and Wooster, he made me laugh 'til I cried. Such sublime silliness! He has also challenged me to question things, not to take things for granted or allow "blind faith" to guide me. Thanks for all of this, Mr. Fry, and bless you for sharing your gifts with the world.

[@LeeJCander]

Stephen Fry... He's probably my favourite talker and one of my favourite thinkers alive. I could hear him talk for hours and hours.

[@metalguru9333]

Stephen Fry ; Hates God ; Loves Rectums... Makes Perfect Sense ! : )

[@LeeJCander]

@@metalguru9333 You can't hate what you don't think exists😌

[@metalguru9333]

@@LeeJCander Whatever, dude... anyhow... He can have ALL the rectums he wants, as far as I'm concerned... : )

[@LeeJCander]

@@metalguru9333 yes he can aha. Though I think he's in a monogamous relationship. To be honest I don't like to spend my time thinking about what other people do with rectums.

[@TheMarkyMarx]

Two of England's finest. An absolute pleasure to listen to.

[@katiekat4457]

I think it's so nice that he assumes that I am as intelligent or educated as he is. I'm not but it's nice he gives me the benefit of the doubt. He's humble.

[@sotobfree7163]

Haven’t got time to read a book... but Mr Fry I certainly have time to listen! Thank you!

[@carolwilliams8511]

You can listen whilst performing some mundane task 😊

[@marthaworc7873]

You have my sincere thanks for saying what you said about religion the right and the left in the U.S. I was *so enraged* when Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. supreme court that I lashed out at anyone who brought up religion. You have managed to put the right, the left and religion into some perspective for me. I really cannot thank you enough. Well done!

[@haikuzofficial1787]

Martha It's sad you've been misled by these atheists yes Richard Dawkins and Stephen Fry are accomplished professionals who have done astounding contributions to their students and society Their views about God and our Lord Jesus Christ are not correct in fact blasphemous You and atheist Dawkins and Fry are really against organized religions-the theology sermons of priests pastors rabbis or monks and the bad inconsistent life of their members or those identified with You need to evaluate their pyramidal views that their premature conclusion are wrong because these are based on incorrect used of inductive reasoning when they start building from the lowest level up to the top I wonder how they reach the top where they simply conclude there is no evidence of God or the Lord Jesus What they have said is all about science and secular materialistic ideas but there is a big chasm that separates their materialistic reality from God You will notice they always deal on peripheral or secondary issues presenting first their assumptions and presumptions and conclusion They should have gone straight to the primary and central problem of human beings whether there is God or not and who this God is and who is the Lord Jesus Christ If the powerful God is the Creator of the Universe as defined in theology of Christian organized religions and amazes human beings to think why there are stars up and why there is life the question how can He be accessed by human beings is a central problem that must be solved The reason why these atheists can not find evidence of God it is because may be they are lazy and they do not how to find God that's why to my mind they failed me and you They only relied on their intelligence and knowledge of science They ignored that intelligence and science are not enough to find God and settle the questions about the Lord Jesus

[@rmyikzelf5604]

Love listening to Stephen. And Richard.

[@dianamartin7180]

Mr Stephen Fry, an amazing individual, so intelligent, full of knowledge with excellent and well thought out presentation. Thank you xxx

[@deesmith8027]

Hear ! Hear! Yes

[@tubegor]

Listening to these men is like a completely different world, they have something to say. How far and strange is that from today's press, TV and (anti-)social media.

[@anteb.k.8396]

I would listen to Stephen even if he was talking about beach pebbles.

[@MyloshEK]

He is a god

[@johnstarrett7754]

There is a marvelous story about beach pebbles! I was speaking to the bishop of Leicester a number of years ago, and you know...

[@svenred6eard757]

Yes, he is one of the most eloquent masters of the English language of our time.

[@shinobi-no-bueno]

"Now, there's a funny story about beach pebbles, and no two are precisely alike you know"

[@PhongPham-lt7rr]

You’re acting like beach pebbles is the most boring thing ever

[@johnhattersley2138]

Oh, how wonderful....!!!! My heroes....!!!! Heavenly music to my ears...!!!

[@jimparr01Utube]

What an absolutely astounding interview. I had never known until watching this, that Stephen Fry was such a learned and eloquent proponent of rationality and art and science. And obviously very learned in the classics also. Simply a "MUST PRESERVE" gem of the video interview genre. Totally engaging from beginning to end. Pity that it seemed Richard Dawkins was pretty much in the back seat as the interviewer but I am not complaining because that is possibly WHY is was such a great interview (like minds).

[@zetetick395]

Yeah, I was really expecting it to flip flop over to Dawkins at half time.

[@JediMasterEzio]

Stephen Fry is an absolutely extraordinary individual. Insightful, intelligent, wise, kind, incredibly funny, and a boon for humanity.

[@Martin-lo7tm]

Why did it take me so long to find this video...how enjoyable was that! Oh how I wish a middle ground politician would come forth and allow us to end this bitter divide but Stephen is correct...we have to allow that person to come forth and prosper.

[@ghanson1717]

I could listen to Stephen Fry forever. What an intellectual in the best sense of the word.

[@ziggycardon]

I do admire these two men so much! Truly brilliant minds. I consider my self lucky to have been able to meet Stephen, such a kind and friendly person

[@martingill6996]

I love it when someone says, incidentally “ interesting fact” it just perks your ears up and opens your eyes . Of course some facts can be subjective, dependent on source. Stephen Fry is just one of those people that you can see the cogs of his brain moving, a constant awareness and thinker, great.

[@beachcomber2008]

Wow. Stephen voiced my thoughts exactly. Richard too. I learned more about early history than I either expected or knew. This makes my day. I promise to play gracefully with my ideas. Thanks.

[@hittman1412]

What a brilliant sense of self awareness to have so much on-demand historical and philosophical knowledge, while also admitting he isn’t sure how to think about certain issues. Fry is truly one of my modern day heroes.

[@papanoah420]

Stephen Fry is such a good story teller, I bet he would have been a great history teacher!

[@jeschinstad]

Yes and speaking of telling stories, if you've never heard Hitchhitker's Guide to the Galaxy read by Stephen Fry, then you know what to do. He's absolutely amazing.

[@johnferguson4089]

I could listen to Stephen all day because i always learn new things from listening to him.

[@harri2626]

A fascinating and enlightening video. Stephen Fry is amazing in the way he can just talk - without pause - in such an erudite way for so long. I struggle to totally understand everything he says, but it's a joy to try.

[@paulgemme6056]

The answer is easy for those who have faith and know Jesus Christ/God by the indwelling Spirit of truth (Holy Spirit). One must be born of the Spirit, born from above, born again in order to know the truth. It's that simple. Read the gospel of John chapter three. Jesus makes it clear. The Spirit sets us free from the lies of this world and the devil (Satan). We are not sinners because we sin, we sin because we are sinners. The blood (only the blood) of Christ takes our sin away.

[@Dino_Aiden]

Stephen should run for Prime Minister, he's the most erudite man I have ever heard, absolutely brilliant.

[@daverudd-zt3ob]

Indeed, but doing politics would corrupt him.

[@totalmassretain6199]

I loved how Stephen Fry spoke so eloquently when he was in the debate with Hitch: “Is The Catholic Church a Force For Good?” The Catholics were Hitch-slapped and Deep Fry’ed

[@extremelymediocre4342]

yes that was great: Hitch-slapped and Deep Fry`ed indeed! I miss Christopher Hitchens too, but still we have these two alive and kicking

[@splinterbyrd]

The Catholics were subjected to antisemitic bigotry by two Jewish loudmouths

[@splinterbyrd]

@Martha Luckert Sounds like altar boys are a bit more in your mind than other people's

[@jackgammon4084]

@@splinterbyrd Oh dear. Are you one of those 'Americans' who thinks the right to free speech means the right to tell lies? Fry and Hitchens, Jewish or not, have every right to attack the disgusting godless hypocrisy of the Catholic church. Any decent person is angered that godless people can call themselves religious yet abuse children, protect the abusers, torment unmarried mothers, talk rubbish about contraception, worship a false female deity called Mary the mother of God, create icons and issue indulgences for money. That is why there was a split from the Catholic church and we now have things like the Church of England. Catholicism does not equal Christianity. Christianity is about a personal relationship with God.

[@richardlaversuch9460]

Stephen Fry does not understand Catholicism. It is possible to undo evolutionary theory too. On a philosophical basis.

[@waynewatson2609]

Dear Mr Fry, I've admired your wit and intelegence since the eighties. My name is Tracie and i really hang on to every word you say, its refreshing to find a man or woman with such an itellect and conviction with a sense of humor and also a lovely disposition that makes you actually want to listen . I have hijacked my husbands account to let you know how wonderful i think you are.Thank fuck the Australian public voted yes for gay marriage , hopefully people will realise that many people go through life never finding love, if you find it grab it, no matter your orientation . Much love to all,Tracie from Sunbury vic Australia xxxooo.

[@billtwidale1653]

W

[@r.b.l.5841]

Stephen is such a super wealth of history, quotes, insight - very impressive combination of education and intellect.

[@rwldebruijn1979]

The sheer factual density on which Stephen drapes his eloquent and insightful stories is nothing short of mesmerizing. How much can one person know?!?

[@christopherpardell4418]

Well, a classical English education is an astonishing thing.

[@deesmith8027]

In his case masses !

[@robertfrost6522]

Stephen Fry has never impressed me more than this! And I have always been impressed with him...

[@chrishill1887]

Absolutely brilliant, I never realised his intellect on so many levels!

[@budd2nd]

Anamul Rahman Hi Anamul I need to correct you, atheists don’t say there is no God rather they say we are not convinced by the claim that there is a God. It’s about the lack of evidence for the claim, if there was good scientific evidence to support the idea, I would definitely believe, but there isn’t. As for your plane crash idea, why would I call on something I don’t believe. Anymore than I’d ask for help from the fairies 🧚‍♂️

[@budd2nd]

Anamul Rahman Also what is the (pbh) ?

[@paulwevers2109]

So glad i came across this. What a speaker! Hanging on his lips. Is that the expression? Im not English :-) "Those who are stupid are so full of certainty and those who are wise are so unsure" Thats just....Boom! It so speaks to our political climates all over this world. What an educated wise man this Stephen is

[@9pwsscamel369]

Paul Wevers ‘Hanging on his every word’ is the expression

[@jawaka1000]

Best video on youtube ever ! Everybody should should see this. Teach this at every school.!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Fnelrbnef]

For some reason, Richard Dawkins reminds me of my father. Or at least, he speaks to me in a way that I just love him. He is very loveable. A warm, grandfatherly, genuine soul. Bless people like these two. They are the lifeboats in a world of insanity.

[@Fnelrbnef]

@Genexolev Ashtiani I'm not particulary famous, so I doubt that's the case.

[@zetetick395]

Yeah, Dr Dawkins has really warmed up in terms of his Humanity in the last 25 years, he was a bit too intense and sharp when he was a young man, now he's greatly mellowed and much the better for it! :D

[@PapaBearCustomKydex2021]

Mr Stephen Fry is an absolute brilliant mind and man!

[@vladtepes4346]

should be SIR Stephen Fry.

[@PapaBearCustomKydex2021]

@@vladtepes4346 well may the royals excuse my horrific ignorance.

[@aprajitapuri349]

@@PapaBearCustomKydex2021 n7

[@dicem8977]

@@vladtepes4346 Yeah why hasn't he been knighted?

[@samuelcalderwood1379]

Pity he is not living for Jesus my friend think for yourself of course Fry is smart but he is not on the right path

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

I love it when Fry swears. He does it very sparingly, and always to great effect. He says the F word only once in this conversation, but quite brilliantly. To my mind the best use of the F word in the history of humanity was made by Fry when he was exploring his Jewish family history on a TV show and discovered records indicating that an ancestor of his had been sent to Auschwitz. “There’s that F***ing word again”, he said, almost breaking into tears.

[@pyrogian]

ppl who swear got more vocabulary =) stephen f........n loquacious