David Bull - The Meaning(s) of Life

This is a bit of an 'off the wall' video for Dave - there is none of his usual printmaking content at all. It's a one-hour presentation in which he puts forward some thoughts on a couple of ... 'big questions'.
***
Dave's woodblock print publishing venture - Mokuhankan - in Asakusa Tokyo:
mokuhankan.com
Dave does a Twitch stream a few days a week, with the camera pointed at his workbench:
/ japaneseprintmaking
Dave's old and ramshackle personal website, dating back to 1997 ...
woodblock.com/front.html
0:00 Introduction: Cultural Differences
9:48 Part One: Life in the Universe
28:21 Part Two: Life… For You and Me

[@yewty9894]

receiving sacred wisdom from the wizard of printmaking

[@fukcg00gle95]

Calvin & Hobbes = life

[@adamwest8711]

Well, Hobbes was named after a philosopher, so....

[@owenwilliams9758]

Woodblock Warlock

[@chriscadillac8448]

There's nothing Sacred about this.

[@drix4275]

Hecking amazing story he made; from a foreigner dismissed by old, Japanese masters to the same masters gifting him tools when he had proven himself more than worthy. :)

[@seseragistudio]

Wonderful commenting happening here - thank you all very much! Of course I am unable to reply to every comment and begin a ‘discussion’ with each one, no matter how interesting the content, but please understand that I _am_ reading them all, and am happily taking in your viewpoints. It’s fun to read those in accordance with the ideas I expressed, but perhaps even more interesting to read those from people who express alternate/different/opposite viewpoints … this is what I _wanted_ when I initiated this little experiment.

[@fewcans5311]

Your the man Dave!!!

[@TheDrew4321]

I am constantly enamored by the emergence of simple geometry in physics as well. The Fourier transfer is a great example of how the existence of circles, lines, and their simple intersectionality gives birth to the potentially infinite fractal that comprises our universe. Before the molecule, there was the energy of the universe, and perhaps at the center of this infinite spiral is what some call "God", or the tantra of the universe. The sub atomic particles that comprise all matter are perhaps just harmonic bands of energy, which is perhaps an isometrical visualization of a greater pond. Is a string just an extrusion of a higgs point? I am no physicist. I am simply enamored by the emergence of nature in physics. bhagavad gita is about the kind of "duty" you were struggling to describe. Perhaps

[@JasonP6339]

You are the type of person I aspire to be.

[@zatoichiMiyamoto]

@@TheDrew4321 the unified field

[@kojote]

@@TheDrew4321 geometry in reality, check out Romanesco broccoli if you haven't 😊

[@kojote]

"I'm just a simple woodblock printer" you're completely underselling yourself, Mr Business, Programmer, Marketing Genius, Guitar Maker, Musician, Father 😉

[@kojote]

This comment was Nr 42 😅

[@JasonP6339]

Toy maker, teacher

[@tntboom21]

and after seeing this video; a philosopher as well.

[@genekwagmyrsingh9433]

@@kojote How do you know that, curiously?

[@LGPanthers1]

I think the second part of the video attends to that quite well

[@Adrastheus]

"There is no destination. It is all about taking our turn in this hugely interesting drama being produced for the benefit of no audience, just for the performers on the magnficent, glorious stage that is this planet of ours" (David Bull)

[@tylergeorge309]

This is the quote that stuck with me great stuff

[@oasisneko1]

Pretty darn eloquent...

[@-overdooo-]

It's remarkable how aligned this is with so many religious beliefs.

[@JediWebSurf]

This actually scary and makes me sad. No after life? The thought of not existing that's scary.

[@accountnamewithheld]

@@JediWebSurf Why? You don't remember the 50s, before you were born. You won't remember the 2050s, after you've died. We are merely a window to the world, and it's on us to do the best with that window as we can. :)

[@rylieshea7466]

I used to watch these videos just to sleep. Now I come back over and over to watch them just because they’re so amazing to listen to. David Bull is the most wonderful storyteller I’ve ever heard.

[@reedmohlman9762]

I'll be honest Dave while I love the woodblock videos, the walkthroughs of the processes and the detailing of the history, the main reason i come back to this channel is YOU. The way you compose yourself, your cadence, your tone of voice, your perspective, your passion, you're a born presenter and I have so much fun watching you gush about your interests. Keep up the wonderful content, we'll all keep watching!

[@Jamie_Pritchard]

Well said!

[@theden0minat0r]

I second that!

[@realcomments]

They could have been newspaper clippings for all I care... one might even argue I dislike the general arrogance and snobbery associated with the Japanese "handcraft" culture. I come here for David... period.

[@leonblum816]

Amen

[@barbellsamurai8014]

there is something mesmerizing about him

[@betmynamespookedyou4665]

Stopped everything I was doing and *RUSHED* here upon seeing a David Bull notification!!!

[@hitandrunboy]

two hour long videos in a week? you’re spoiling us dave!

[@-overdooo-]

I came just to comment this!

[@RReynolds]

David Bull, International Treasure.

[@Sm-iw2vh]

I have asked people for a while now, " Nice to meet you, what's your hobbies?” I know it's a bit weird but I can't stand hearing about peoples job or talking of mine, I like the enthusiasm that comes with someone explaining a hobby....I'm sure you learn more about them this way too.

[@TamiAlvord]

This is a great way to get to know people. I’ll have to give this a try.

[@corytohill8396]

Pp⁹ⁿ⁹p⁰

[@corytohill8396]

⁰

[@BrockenSpecter]

I agree with you totally. I'm going to make this part of how I interact with people from now on.

[@fakemoviesrealtrailers7737]

I had a terrible day today. Had to stay over an hour late at work, got really injured, and had to cut ties with a close friend. I’m just glad one of my favorite content creators posted. I really needed this tonight. Thank you.

[@Jamie_Pritchard]

This is absolutely epic. As much as I love the woodblock prints and your work, the thing that I originally joined the channel for was your manner, personality, and voice.

[@northwestadvrider5638]

I completely agree with that!

[@snookerjam]

100% agree with you

[@GlassesnMouthplates]

Read the title and I can already tell this video is going to give me a brand new perspective to life, if not finish watching it as a new man.

[@nostalgia_provider]

I'm a biologist and your comparison of the formation of rivers to the formation of life was great! i loved listening to this with a cup of coffee. Definitely make more videos in this style if you find enough time!

[@adamwest8711]

I once read how the internet has murdered debate. We don’t argue over what is the most popular car in history or discuss which is the wettest city in the world. The answer’s a google search away. I prefer to think that we can now discuss the why and what if the meaning behind a given thing rather than spend time debating the nature of the thing itself.

[@weareallbornmad410]

The questions with clear answers like that are a shitty basis for discussion anyway. It's not a "debate" when you argue over what's the wettest city in the world. It's pure speculation, and - I say this with love - ignorance. Which can be fun, but real debates are fun too. And I think the internet made them a lot more accessible to a lot more people.

[@Snarfdiska]

This is by far the most interesting channels I’ve ever subscribed to. Wish I could find it for the first time over and over again.

[@chrisaustin4115]

Spiritual Unfoldment is pretty good too, check it out

[@spotliker123]

@@chrisaustin4115 m

[@vashnator]

I am a chemist by profession, and stayed THE WHOLE video and LOVED it... cheers from Berkshire UK!

[@Mdigi1982]

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting David on a recent trip to Tokyo. His shop was beautiful and the art is even more impressive when seen in person. I highly recommend that anyone planning on visiting Tokyo takes the time to visit the Mokuhankan shop. Thanks David!!

[@Hitman7846]

I’m not gona lie David. I feel like you need a Discord server just so you have that escape to chat with people from other countries. To pick your brain and see what else runs around in a voice chat would be awesome.

[@Jamie_Pritchard]

That's a great idea!

[@Igelme]

yeah is not necessarily voice chat, could just chat too in case he finds it weird to talk to strangers online

[@neapanther497]

As much as I adore that idea and would not hesitate to join such a server, my only concern is what kind of people may try to find their way into it and cause disturbances.

[@kandigloss6438]

@@neapanther497 I feel like Dave doesn't really attract those sort of people, and also discord is quite easy to moderate. My thought though is as yes, it may open up more discussion with people, I don't really feel like Discord really facilitates the sort of deep discussion he is looking for. It WOULD be nice to have an actual active Dave Bull Discord though.

[@neapanther497]

@@kandigloss6438 you make a good point

[@Matcha_Green.]

We are summoned upon the revelations of the Wood carver Oracle

[@zatoichiMiyamoto]

he is like a living “the matrix” character

[@parkerbuchanan250]

I feel like when I watch your videos, I’m not listening to a KZbin personality expressing their passion, but rather I am listening to a friend. Thank you for making these great videos and for expressing your love of print making with the world.

[@kevincarlton44]

My favorite videos of Dave’s are those in which he just talks. His wisdom, gentle mannerisms, and ASMR inducing speech are easy to listen to for hours on end.

[@gaberodriguez7938]

I always love to hear everyone’s personal answers to the big questions, or their philosophies. Especially when it comes to someone as prolific as Dave.

[@vashnator]

I admire when in individual has the capacity to speak off the cuff for 1h with no script and be entertaining!

[@dgk8059]

I think I speak for everyone when I say that none of us would be upset if you did videos like these more often lol

[@duxsilvae]

I've read enough stories to know that if someone starts out a conversation with "I'm just a simple [insert type of artisan here]", you're in for a great life lesson.

[@Jamerton1]

I really can't tell you how much I needed to hear this. Thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom and experience.

[@dgmithril]

Hi Dave, thank you for making this video. I love this kind of content as much as I love your carving streams so I hope you'll feel inspired to make more in the future. I particularly like this video because you were able to express many of my thoughts that I couldn't find the words for, and it's somewhat cathartic. I look forward to your next video.

[@Soccer333bc]

I'm sensing a woodblock print set based on the concept of Life incoming.

[@falcor200]

It'd be special if he carved them himself, so it ties directly to his views, like these thoughts flowing onto the wood to be printed.

[@RyanDB]

This is a beautiful essay on the philosophical idea of "confronting the Absurd" - the recognition that there may not be a "greater meaning" passed down to us from on high, but that doesn't mean that we can't find and create our own meaning. There might not be a plan for us, but we're here. We're together. And we can be happy in that.

[@natemills6220]

this was such a welcome blessing Dave!! i've found that in the lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic i have greatly been missing these discussions as well. your wisdom and insight is greatly appreciated

[@youtubeacc7012]

I come back to this video a few times a year. Brilliant, and encouraging.

[@amarug]

Just a small note base on my own very subjective perception: I have the feeling the issue of direct discussion and honest interaction is slowly changing a little bit. Being exposed to a lot of western media probably helps to orchestrate this shift. Many of the younger people that I met at work, for example, seem to have fewer issues going into "deeper" discussions and expressing themselves more assertively. Of course still in the very polite Japanese way, but still, a bit shifted from what it used to be. Even if you watch a silly reality show like Terrace House, they often have quite candid talks with each other. Of course, this a TV show and they know it should be entertaining, so take it with a grain of salt, but it still reflects a bit what I have seen in younger people.

[@seseragistudio]

Interesting to hear this; my own 'circle' here in Japan admittedly doesn't include a whole lot of 'young people' ... I would love to think that such a change is indeed happening ...

[@nomadsfilmschool]

@@seseragistudio yes, its very interesting to hear your conversation on this in the light of also what the new japanese cinema is reflecting. I am referring to films like Happy hour (2015) which a young film student of mine referred to mii, amazed at the conversations unfolding in the very long film. Changing indeed.🍃

[@kandigloss6438]

@@nomadsfilmschool I don't know if a film should be taken as an example of changing Japanese culture, I've watched quite a bit of non-action anime from the 80s and 90s and from much of them you would think that daily life in japan was not that much different from the west in the way people express themselves and such. Though I am an outsider and do not live in Japan, so I do not have any first hand experience just to be clear.

[@russboorman]

Thank you David! Fantastic video of deep thoughts and ideas. I love philosophical discussion and you’ve covered many thoughts that I share. A nice diversion from your usual videos. As a Canadian I understand your desire to talk in this way. I’m eager to hear more.

[@pbartmess]

This is a very generous offering. Thank you so much for taking the time to deeply consider these thoughts and then create this presentation. If you feel moved to do this again, I believe it would be most welcome. We need more wisdom shared.

[@maxxranchero634]

This was phenomenal. Thank you for this David. Your interactions with us, your audience, is greatly appreciated!

[@dancingvirgil]

That must be the most well organised shelf I’ve ever seen.

[@philrivera1163]

I could listen to this man read an instruction manual and he’d find a way to make it interesting and compelling. Your storytelling is a gift sir

[@Rob_132]

Just a few minutes in and cannot wait to hear Dave’s thoughts on this important topic. I respect him so much from all of his great videos.

[@ezra9012]

i really hope this becomes a series! i’m really enamoured by the way you argue your point; it’s so credible and joyous to listen to, and there’s so much joy in seeing so many people’s different thoughts on it in the comments as well. i look forward to other similar videos if the urge ever strikes you again :)

[@unascott6492]

Well this was a sweet little drop of nourishing honey! Thank you Dave. Here in the covid ravaged States my share of philosophical chats has been meager lately. So this was wonderful to listen to. I’m also a printmaker and creating prints has been a massive blessing, always, but even more so during the pandemic. It’s keeping me sane for sure!

[@anthonyanzalone]

I originally came to this channel on a "suggestion" from KZbin. I stayed for the wisdom. 👍

[@Psylent85]

Dave, I, like many others in this online community, have come to regard your videos and experience as priceless! You're spreading a valiant and positive message for those you don't even know, and that, sir, is legendary! Thank you for this video, amongst your many, that give us food for thought. ✌

[@meat_coolant]

Really happy for you David. It gives me a lot of hope to see a man with such a humble attitude to go along with his talent being able to make his passion a lifelong career. It was your videos that made me develop an interest in linocut carving (I don't have the money or tools for hard cherry lol). I hope you continue with many more beautiful works and that your channel receives the attention it rightly deserves.

[@oblivion476]

Love your channel, Dave.

[@lisasolier504]

What I find most impressive is his ability to speak with eloquence and understanding, and it doesn’t appear as though he scripted it out. He never really falters or loses his track of thought.

[@ItsDobbie]

That’s what kept me so engaged through the entire thing. There’s hardly any cuts or edits and he just so eloquently unleashes his thoughts without pausing or repeating himself. It’s really quite engaging.

[@SantaFishes101]

that kind of bothers me about a lot of popular youtubers. they'll mispronounce relatively common words, cut after every sentence or thought, and just generally come across as uneducated in the art of spoken/written word. I know it's a different process making a video than writing an essay, as I myself have struggled making videos, but at least learning how to speak eloquently you'd think would be a prerequisite for like...getting brand deals? idk lol.

[@MannyCas]

You're channel is amazing, informative, and filled with passion for your art and life. Got me dropping everything when I see a notification for your channel

[@Len124]

I love the prints, walkthroughs, etc., and my interest has grown to the point that I've ordered the tools, washi, got my hands on the ideal wood (not an easy feat in my part of Canada since the start of this pandemic), and begun my own rudimentary attempts at woodblock printing, but none of that would've happened if it wasn't _you_ who first introduced me to it. You're a good storyteller and have an honest and soothing way of relaying events. My point: I find this sort of video incredibly fascinating and it's a more than welcome change of pace!

[@eternalkick]

What a perfect time at night to watch this video alone with your thoughts. I’m so glad I came across this channel

[@sparticusfinch8588]

I’ve recently gotten a job and moved away from home and my family. My father and I have had conversations very much like this since I was young. Now I’m out on my own and I really miss having engaging and deep conversations like I used to with my dad. My issue isn’t a cultural one, but a limitation of my age group maybe. I’m 19, and I’ve found it to be nearly impossible to find a peer that has any interest in exchanging ideas in this way. I feel quite isolated without my father, but finding this video has brought me back to the comfort of sitting with my dad and talking about nothing and everything. Thank you :)

[@Terkzorr]

Just last week I was on a spree watching many different Meaning of Life videos here on KZbin, from gurus to old philosophers. Now I decided to check your channel again for new videos and never expected you would have made a video of your own about this. Thanks for this. :-)

[@3.6notgreatnotterrible16]

Been enjoying your content for years, and so happy to have you express your ideas in this format! Although I love your block print videos, this is easily now one of my new favorites! (I brought some of your videos with me on deployment in 2016, they helped me find great peace and rest in the beauty of art, and the simple elegance of the human spirit)

[@hershelstevens8743]

Hey Dave! Long time listener, first time “caller”. Maybe starting a podcast with guests can give you that conversation and debate you miss? I’d be your first subscriber!

[@humbleonion1578]

Podcast is a great idea

[@shiracldshx92]

That accidental ASMR that keeps on giving. I can listen to you just reading the headlines and not get bored.

[@pawkkie]

This was awesome to listen to, acted as a really nice replacement for pub discussions with friends that are on hold for the moment. All the best Dave :)

[@dawgpost90]

There is something really peaceful and soothing about Dave's disposition. It's really admirable.

[@OXXOI77777]

I appreciate the "discussion" Dave - your words do resonate with me, and I think have helped me on the path to crystalizing some innate, underlying feelings into formulated thoughts/understandings. One thing I would add is that, in addition to meaning established "in aggregate" by one's relationships/roles, for me at least, meaning is also established by a collection of specific "keystone" experiences, both good and bad, that one amasses throughout their life. These keystone experience can be many things - the realization of existential goals, engaging with a tangible extension of a core facet of one's identity, defining moments that reinforce one's most important relationships, or perhaps simply enjoying/appreciating a particular aspect of being alive.

[@seseragistudio]

This is an interesting addition. I myself wouldn't be putting those keystone experiences into the 'meaning' category. I have had a bunch of them, and they have very much shaped me (and pushed me in different directions sometimes). I think I am a different _person_ having had those experiences, so perhaps I would talk about them as having shaped my 'character' ... (not my 'personality', which I think was pretty much set in the DNA ...)

[@Commonwealth96]

I say you nailed the meaning of life when discussing playing with the stream as a boy. No matter what went in, or how high the obstacle, the stream kept flowing forward. You only played there once with the boy but I bet the stream is still there, still flowing water. Life is always flowing, no matter the obstacle. It was flowing then and it is flowing now. It will flow when you're gone and when your children are gone. The hardest lesson of life is realizing that, one day, you will be the past and your children will be the future. The greatest men plant trees in whose shade they shall never relax.

[@DrMillerfan]

Just watched this again, and at the end when you said “ till next time” I got emotional. Thank you for what you do.

[@BrockenSpecter]

This has been one of the most enjoyable and thought-provoking hours I've spent in a long while. Thanks, Dave, for sharing your thoughts.

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

"Each man’s life touches so many other lives." _-It's A Wonderful Life_

[@jordancooper7469]

This reminds me of what Oscar Wilde called "To play gracefully with Ideas" I think this has become a lost art. Really looking forward to more of these videos.

[@faceater24]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Having reflected uppon these questions myself for decades, I NEVER went in this direction. You oppened a door of possibilities for my mind to wonder, and perhaps to finaly rest. Thank you again !

[@DarthSidian]

I've always loved your wood carving videos as well as the videos revolving around you just talking about your life. Your wisdom is truly beautiful to listen to and I enjoy hearing it.

[@marcusfinlayson7215]

興味深いお話を聞かせてくださりありがとうございました。 日本で人が集まる時はなかなかこういう話はみんなが乗ってくれませんね。私が知っている日本人の中では3、4人ぐらいはいますが… I came to Japan as a Christian missionary but roughly a year ago I abandoned my faith after giving it some serious thought in light of various scientific and philosophical data. I love having these kinds of talks though and I especially loved your title for the video ‘the meanings of life’. Many religious folk fear that without religion their lives would be meaningless and yet all the while not seeing the multitude of meanings life brings. The meaning of meeting up with people? To talk and enjoy their company. I hope that more Japanese can enjoy the pleasure of rich conversation in our increasingly isolated society. Thanks David!

[@chrisaustin4115]

That's sad to hear. "A little science leads one away from God, a lot of science leads one back to him."-Sir Francis Drake (inventor of the scientific method). Try Spiritual Unfoldment channel it might help you, or CS Lewis Mere Christianity etc. Would love for you to respond so I can discuss these concepts with you

[@marcusfinlayson7215]

@@chrisaustin4115 Thanks for the response Chris. C.S Lewis (one of my favorite authors) would be a great springboard to get right to the nitty gritty of the topic. Since he starts Mere Christianity with the argument from morality that might be a good place to start. He talks of objective morality (the standard we all refer to when in the heat of an argument say) as the straight ruler by which we (so often) unconsciously measure the crooked world. If such morality were to be subjective (merely each persons point of view) then they would have no basis to hold others to account, therefore it must be objective and universal (Forgive me if I’m missing some details as I’m trying to be brief) and if universal, located within a Mind. He develops these somewhat Platonic principles further in ‘Miracles’ to show that ‘mind’ concepts such as morality and logic, transcending nature and yet penetrating and subduing it, point us to a Divine Mind that exists in the supernatural. If you are familiar with his works then of course you will follow his reasoning from transcendent principles, to supernatural, supernatural to Divine, Divine to Miracles, Miracles to Christ and hence ipso facto we have arrived at Christianity. I however don’t feel the necessity to render morality and logic as contingent upon the supernatural and my reasons are as follows. 1) Morality and logic (as definitive systems) as far as we can observe exist only in the human mind, and although we hold each other to account by them, I don’t believe they transcend those minds (in the way Lewis meant). Sports are governed by strict rules that are agreed upon by all the players and yet we know that they have no Divine basis. If a soccer player decides he wants to pick up the ball with his hands and run across the field he will promptly be sent off the pitch and ridiculed by his team mates. It seems to me that society is governed by similar rules and when I think of it this way I see that there is no need to go as far as Lewis (and other thinkers) go in bestowing a divine origin on morality. 2) Order from Chaos and reason from unreason has been a hitch for many when contemplating this matter but has recently been cleared up by the concept of ‘emergence’. This is when the sum of the parts becomes greater than the whole. Examples might be seen in ant colonies where individuals operating on merely chemical stimuli manage to construct complex societies in a bottom up fashion. The exact same thing can be said for humans too when an aggregate of people performing relatively simple individual tasks becomes unconsciously and inadvertently a cultural body that we know as a country, defined by art, cuisine, music and industry etc. One final example might be seen in how consciousness emerges from a profusion of gray matter in the prefrontal cortex. Humans have more gray matter in this part of the brain than any other creature on the earth and therefore it’s not unusual that we should find ourselves as strangers among the animals. We can observe varying degrees of consciousness in other mammals and this correlates nicely with what we observe in their varying cranial development. In conclusion I’d say that with the evidence that we have there is no need to go beyond the natural realm in seeking to find the causes for things like morality. I’m sure there are many other points you could bring up and I am open to discuss them too. (By the way I loved Lewis’ Cosmic trilogy. If you haven’t read it I’d highly recommend it)

[@chrisaustin4115]

Ok. Your response was very verbose which I appreciate you are putting effort in. But your arguments against 1 and 2 seem incomplete. To sum up, both of them seem like this. "I used to feel there had to be a because, but now that I know the process by which something happens there doesn't need to be a because". If my response doesn't make sense I will lay out when I have time this weekend how I think it applies Furthermor I mentioned Spiritual unfoldment 1st and CS Lewis second because experiencing the divine is more important than logic since if one doesn't feel the presence of the Lord, its hard to believe. Similar to believing in a color one can't see

[@marcusfinlayson7215]

@@chrisaustin4115 I’m not trying to disprove the arguments per say, I just feel that they are unnecessary in light of the naturalistic explanations available. Why go the extra mile and infer an almighty omniscient God when nature gives us no such reason to infer one. (Obviously I am making an exception in the case of man’s early attempts to understand the world and his place in it). As for experience I will be brief and say that I have had many ‘experiences’ through prayer, worship, Bible reading, evangelism, etc. and at the time that was enough for me. It would take to long to go through the history of how that unraveled so all I will say is that personal experience is good for personal affirmation but carries marginal weight in persuading someone else of the truth of your beliefs. What are we to believe when three people of different faiths get together and all testify their faith to be true based on their experience?

[@chrisaustin4115]

@@marcusfinlayson7215 But those naturalistic explanations dont address the source. It's like saying since you can see the dominos fall, theres no need to ask who set them up and pushed them. As for varying religious beliefs three people can testify that they know who you are. Either none of them know you, Or 1 knows you best. It sounds like you have an evangelical background. Which was invented recently.You might be surprised what you read if you look into true Orthodox Christianity. It has a lot more to offer to the inquiring mind. As for the origin of naturalistic explanations, what makes you think nature gives us no reason to infer one? If you have a divine experience, since you are natural and you are having a divine experience then naturally thats a reason to infer one. If you look outside yourself almost everything ever created was created by a human with a belief in some sort of divine creator. Thats another reason. There's also the fact that almost no scientific discoveries of merit are discovered by atheists. Even in scientific fields with a majority of atheists. A famous recent example is Kurt Godel Lastly I would argue that you might be like the guy in this video claiming to not be believing a main stream religion but if you breakdown his views he's espousing pretty typical religious beliefs A belief in the apocalypse, a belief in us all being connected in a divine way, a belief we are playing our part in something special, a belief that after the apocalypse something greater will happen hopefully. One can follow those basic premises and their logical conclusion is a divine creator whether or not he is claiming to believe in it is irrelevant. Since where theres smoke, theres fire. It's simply a non Christian belief, that you or he might not recognize as a sort of general shintoism/shamanism/informal theism

[@aaronwatch3214]

What strikes me about the 2nd part is how Japanese in perspective it seems- thinking mainly about the social group and your place within it. There is discussion in linguistics about Western cultures being noun-oriented (talking about things) and Asian cultures being verb-oriented (talking about actions and interactions). You emphasize interaction.

[@gojocko6164]

Dear Dave, you are an eloquent writer and speaker. It is a pleasure to listen to you examining life.

[@user-mm3go7wn9q]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Dave. Listening to such speeches is as interesting as watching your usual woodblock printing videos. Don't hesitate to make another one if you will have desire one day to tell us about something else not directly related to printing and carving.

[@MacMhuirich1337]

The Japanese have 'The Great Wave' and us brits have 'The Great Dave' thanks for all your work, Peace and Much Love to you and yours Dave

[@ChrisSmith-wh6bq]

I completely agree with the video title. David Bull IS the meaning of life.

[@connerwilliams661]

Oh my goodness Dave this was lovely, please do more of them. You have a fascinating perspective

[@brettscott9334]

Wonderful talk! I always look forward to these videos, and this certainly does not disappoint.

[@scoobylol1987]

It’s interesting to hear your ideas are so similar to another one of my heroes the great Alan Watts. I wonder if maybe this type of discussion could become a monthly item? Or a podcast perhaps? Without wishing to add even further to the workload, although it might also be a cathartic thing for you, if you’re missing that depth of conversation!

[@captainkrunch5302]

23:50 i agree with that. Always makes me smile a little when people are like "look at the hand/eye/whatever, it was designed so perfectly", when the truth is - they would say the exact same thing if it was different. Some people look at things with all kinds of religious biases like this, they see a stone in a river and think it was designed to be the shape it is, when it fact it was there for so long it was formed to fit perfectly - same with everything else around, with us, with life...

[@JanneSala]

For a "simple woodblock printmaker", you have a depth of knowledge and wisdom on an impressive variety of topics, coupled with the eloquence to portray it beautifully. You truly are a joy to listen to and learn from. Thank you so much for making these kinds of talktative videos, I hope to see more!

[@Lulu-iv4ln]

David, thank you. I am disassociating today for whatever reason and I just really needed EXACTLY this, from exactly YOU. I'm a big fan, hoping to stay in Japan next year. Wish you well!

[@MicahtheGreat777]

Not what I expected... nice! This reminds me of one of my favorite philosophers Alan Watts, with the "roles" and "dramatic plays" and "just as an apple tree produces apples, our planet produces people". Likewise, I feel this is a fairly Western-style explanation of Eastern philosophy. It's great. Maybe if you do another similar video, you can explain it in a more Japanese mindset, because it seems you've done woodblock printing so long you're kind of hitting that Musashi level of knowing the way in one thing so well that you see it broadly, and therefore in all things. But that's a guess, I don't know how you came to these philosophies. Thanks.

[@Xababla99]

As someone studying both physics and philosophy at university, I would much rather hear a wood block print maker talk about the meaning of life than any philosopher or physicist.

[@TypheousAssassin]

This is one of the most interesting talks I have listened to in a long time. What a wonderful discussion.

[@leonierushton4672]

I love finding out more about this beautiful creature of a man, he’s so interesting and I get joy hearing him talk about woodblock painting

[@delphine965]

Who thinks this video can be an ASMR video ?

[@Euroliite]

Certainly not the direction I expected you to take when answering the question. It's odd that we tend to analyse the role of other organisms in the environment in such way (like your tree example) but don't tend to apply that to ourselves. Perhaps our consciousness and free will complicates the question and clouds the similarity.

[@JunpeiIori]

Thank you Dave. This was wonderful from start to finish. You spoke of the meaning behind one's interactions, but you demonstrated it too, because the words and ideas you expressed here will certainly impact me and the many others who watch this, in turn changing or informing how we interact with the world and the people around us, and so on and so forth.

[@ChairmanWang]

I discovered Dave while watching PBS one morning and was delighted to find that he produces content on KZbin. It only goes to show the importance of trying to experience something new every day, even if It's a TV show. You never know when you'll find something like this.

[@bryantt1960]

This man needs to slap *unintentional* [ASMR] on the end of his videos! Double the viewership.

[@adamwest8711]

He would have had 80,000 people complaining about ‘bee hive’ 🤣

[@orion7741]

A huge NO! to asmr. No no no no NO!!!! Keep that stuff out of here.

[@adamwest8711]

@@orion7741 it’s unintentional. They’re not suggesting the channel changes just that Dave’s audience would grow quickly if he added that tag to his videos.

[@Dom21221]

The first few minutes explains exactly what I was thinking. I don’t wanna disrespect anyone don’t get me wrong but I always don’t get the hype about Japan, southkorea etc. If you travel there once a year for a few weeks to buy some pikachu merch and eat sushi in fancy restaurants well that doesn’t reflect the country of course. My student colleague always said: their blinded by their own discipline. Everything has to be perfect and it reflects the society of them. It’s like talking to a robot. No wonder why they have one of the highest suicide ratings on this planet. There are no interactions and everything gotta have his orders like Dave said. It’s like living in a bubble. No disrespect like I said. I’ve been there many times in my life as a student so I think I can talk about this

[@adamwest8711]

I know what you mean but it is a mixed bag. The Japanese also have an extremely successful economy, extraordinarily low crime rate and strong sense of personal responsibility. Conversely, Japanese office workers are some of the least productive in the world because being seen to be there for a long time is given more weight than what you actually achieve. It’s a fascinating culture but not one I would choose to live in permanently.

[@Jesse__H]

It sounds like a nightmare to me too, although I'm unwilling to suggest that it's inherently problematic, as you have done, because I've never been there and experienced it for myself. But the idea that you don't enter friends' homes, and don't express (or even have!) personal opinions on big, important topics ... well, it runs entirely counter to my (western, American) understanding of what friendship and interpersonal connection mean in the first place. Here, we _share our minds_ with one another. That's what it means to grow close with someone, to me. You learn about them, what they really think about things, and, through your interactions, you gradually change yourselves and each other, in myriad ways. I'm absolutely fascinated by the information and perspective Mr. Bull gives in the intro to this video though. I'd love for him to talk about Japanese culture at length from the perspective of a western immigrant. Just because I don't understand it on a personal level doesn't mean I'm not interested - quite the contrary, I'd love to learn more!

[@Elviloh]

@@Jesse__H I guess it's because most people who like japan culture fell in the excessive "it's perfection". It's by no mean perfect, but they achieve something that suit the majority of the people. If you look at small countries you'll find this too, like Switzerland for example. Their country is mostly beautiful mountains and lakes, they have a strong sense of respect for nature and life. They also have an effective society, democracy, backed up by a shared culture which give them consensus. Culture is the keyword : if you have mixed cultures, its harder to make everyone to agree, that's what you find with mass migration. People tend to protect their culture, and fear for their way of life. Japan is a pretty closed country, being an island, and wary about foreigners. It's normal they seem to be less stressed, as they don't have much disturbance and are defending their culture. Future will tell if this hold in an overpopulated world, or if they turn full nationalists and build a wall around the country.

[@creker1]

"No wonder why they have one of the highest suicide ratings on this planet" popular misconception. Looks at actual statistics. It may be a problem worth fixing but 2016 numbers put Japan at 30th place near Sweden and US.

[@adamwest8711]

@@Jesse__H you should consider watching the abroad in Japan channel. It’s a very different style but he discusses a lot of the intricacies of Japanese culture. For example, he talks about how many Japanese hotel receptionists will go out of their way to avoid telling you they have no room available. Instead, they will keep looking at their computer screen or shuffling papers and giving subtle hints until a Japanese customer would realise what was going on and would quietly leave without the receptionist being shamed by having to admit that they could not fulfil their role. The desire not to contradict someone spills into everyday conversation too and the really unusual responses given to things. So, for example, you may ask ‘do you have a dog’ and you could well be told ‘maybe my dog is dead’. A truly bizarre response by western standards but a reflection of how much they strive for harmony and to avoid the word ‘no’.

[@phillblake6829]

Definitely one of my favourite KZbinr and people. I don’t think it’s possible to watch one of your videos without learning.

[@magnuslindstrom1879]

I walked in to your woodblock printing shop in Asakusa around 4 years ago, during the summer. You were asleep, and my entrance woke you up. We talked for a while, about the prints of course but also of life, meaning, and other things that you touched upon in this video. I remember that moment fondly, as it is one of my favourite memories of my trip to Japan, and I'd like to let you know that you made a lasting impression on me with those 30 minutes that we talked. I have been watching your videos since, and you have brought this soul some joy, insights and meaning. Thank you for making your videos, I'm looking forward to the next!

[@chewbone]

Dave, If you're starting a cult..... sign me up!

[@gsg1805]

That was a weird way to say 42

[@seseragistudio]

@Gaby www.asahi-net.or.jp/~xs3d-bull/essays/1994/grandad.html

[@comicsmanifest]

Love this video David! With the state of the world today, I too am missing these kind of interactions with my friends, talking on the phone is fine and all; but there is something special that happens when you are with your people, in the same place, doing the same things... great conversations like this just spark up...and what started as a nonchalant get together turns into a night that you will remember for many years to come.

[@dylangrieveable]

You've retained such a curiosity, and a child-like enthusiasm. A life well-lived; thanks for sharing!

[@miiks...5...3...9...]

"people will accept that you express ideas they may not agree with" oh boy, I can tell you haven't been in the west for decades LOL

[@Olli399]

People will accept that you express ideas they may not agree with but they will definitely disagree with the idea.

[@Luisc7410]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful part of your life and mind with us. I have really enjoyed pondering with you and learned a lot. Not only do I love the art you create but these videos are a wonderful treasure trove of wisdom and joy.

[@ValkiriStudio]

Absolutely loved this video and topic, David. It's really interesting to hear your point of view on things. More videos like this would be absolutely welcome!

[@mahnli]

Dave, you're simply wonderful to listen to. Please do more like these!

[@monrea10]

This was a great video. I hadn’t thought much about any of this until after I got into my 40’s, but especially in the past year life and happiness and finding fulfillment and purpose is something I think about often.

[@nhereveri]

I was looking for introductory information to woodcut and after watching the 3-hour tutorial where you create the work of the Japanese lady taking a bath, I have continued with this presentation. You have eloquently conveyed various ideas that I have carried with me for much of my life. I hope this message comes to you feeling happy and healthy.

[@arcane_ironic]

I've been home, sick, possibly with covid for about a week now :( , but Mr. Bull's videos have gotten me through most of it. Thanks for keeping me sane and bringing a little light for these desolate days!

[@dr.konraddahlem5697]

So, so true, David...being a frequent visitor to Japan, I fully understand your point. A remarkable presentation you dared to make ! Thank you !