Decathlons, Pretension, and the Weirdest Animal I've Met: It's Question Thursday

ONLY ONE DAY LEFT IN PIZZAMAS: store.dftba.com/collections/p... After tomorrow, it's all gone for good! Alas!
The Road to Nerdfighteria: / @theroadtonerdfighteria
In which John answers a variety of questions from real nerdfighters, shares his real feelings about social media, names the weirdest animal he's ever met, answers the criticism that his work is pretentious, and celebrates the second to last day of Pizzamas 2016.
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Hank's twitter - / hankgreen
Hank's tumblr - / edwardspoonhands

[@whenigrowup064]

i have to say, my new goal in life is to say things that compel people to stop whatever they are doing, pick up a napkin and write it down

[@Razbeariez]

I've managed to inspire one person to do that in my 20 years. Your pursuit is noble and I wish you luck!

[@adelisemcullens2679]

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[@enycha22]

+

[@stephyeah6410]

SAME i've been the one to pick up the napkin but never to inspire it. one day... (though you have inspired this reply, so that's something? 😂)

[@taleytaleytaley]

+

[@AliJardz]

That's so interesting that Sarah said the "imagining the future is a kind of nostalgia" line. That's one that stays with me.

[@mightymacaque]

And the fact that he appreciated those words so much he grabbed something to immediately write it down. Probably thought he was being really weird or really sweet lol.

[@trent6319]

And also that she spouted it on a first date did she know he was a novelist and prepare amazing lines or did she just say that in conversation

[@Alefondre-vy9zz]

"I advise you to run fast and jump high. Or far. I don't really know the rules." - John Green 2016

[@AdamTheAlien]

Even more quotable out of context! :-D

[@philophos]

Alefondre 1871 directly applicable to life in general

[@Skorphie]

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[@adelisemcullens2679]

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[@s.soderqvist3501]

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[@goranperssonfanaccount1956]

Okay but convince hank to run for president. And maybe you can be his running mate and the campaign will be called green green.

[@evanscott146]

Would you vote for the Red Green or the Blue Green?

[@Orikron]

+Evan Scott I don't know. Which one is more of a shill?

[@carlosflores-gaytan1589]

They'd definitely draw some votes away from the Green Party

[@ellenorbjornsdottir1166]

Pretty sure they're both conservatives, and John more so.

[@chelseavue7256]

Ellenor Malik based on what? I seriously doubt that is correct.

[@olivergray9562]

I asked my mom to purchase the La Pizza shirt for me for the Holidays and as she was finding she was like, "Who's the man with the nice mustache on your shirt?" All I said back to her was, "The guy that writes the sad books"

[@FordRasmussen]

Guys! I totally just met like four other nerdfighters this week... IN PERSON!!!! It blew my mind.

[@AdamTheAlien]

I love it when stuff like that happens!

[@h3corptempbutevadinganass]

🤔 HOW? might I ask?

[@CrystalSillwind]

The puff is looking snazzy today. DFTBA.

[@skylerwitherspoon]

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[@magellan4914]

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[@cameronparkinson8580]

Fangoddess +

[@chloekurlander6356]

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[@kikiglover7393]

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[@Abijean]

Happy to see The Road to Nerdfighteria mentioned! There is a really great group of people working on that project!

[@TheRoadtoNerdfighteria]

Abi still waiting on your video missy :-) -Liz

[@Abijean]

The Road to Nerdfighteria I KNOWWWWW. Soon!! I swear!

[@thatmaia]

YAAASSS

[@rjmayo]

Yeah it's a really cool project.

[@KittyJellyBeanYT]

Watching vlogbrothers videos makes me feel not alone. Quite possibly more than anything else. Even though I will probably never meet John or Hank they make me feel connected in a way that i don't quite know how to describe. I feel so blessed to have found this channel. My life is better for it. It weirdly makes me feel known. Maybe because I feel like there are so many people like me. I don't know many irl nerdfighters though. Happy story. I am poor and lost my pizza john shirt. I nearly cried when i found it a few days ago. Happy pizzamas to me. I couldn't afford any new pizza stuff this year but i got my shirt back. You all mean so much to me. I love you.

[@vlogbrothers]

This means a lot to me. I am so glad you've gotten your Pizza John shirt back! Thank you. -John

[@davidjoffe-hunter7016]

+

[@Nerdarchy]

+

[@nylala734]

you said that little tidbit about fiction and i kid you not i was snapping like someone just mike dropped at a poetry slam

[@haleykendall8124]

+

[@rosapintor-luna2622]

+

[@daysleeper999]

Please accept this award for comment of the week.

[@thebookgoddess7380]

+

[@delaneysays]

I've just noticed that your forehead is so smooth and flawless...yes I know that is an odd observation but it's true!

[@angealyna422]

Delaney Winton +

[@AdamTheAlien]

It IS surprising, given how much brow-furrowing he does in videos. Hmmmm...what is the dark secret behind John's youthful face? I sense a potential summer blockbuster in this... :-D

[@ashlynspilde2371]

Delaney Winton +

[@philipclapper268]

Delaney Winton I think he's been using makeup the past few months.

[@harrypotteravenclaw]

+

[@MrHSX]

"That's like asking me to pick between my children! I love them all differently but equally." He said while wearing the Pastoral Design shirt

[@TheRoadtoNerdfighteria]

OMG John!! Thank you sooo much!!!! *happy dancing*

[@sexyscientist]

I think Hank already brought this topic up a couple of weeks ago on this channel Matt.

[@thatmaia]

ALL THE HAPPY DANCING

[@zioscozio]

Yay!!!

[@IguessImight]

I hadn't heard about this project ! awesome :D

[@ReadHeadPat]

OMG THIS HAPPENED!!!!

[@haleykendall8124]

You have no idea how much the Road to Nerdfighteria team is freaking out right now. XD Thanks, John!

[@Hallieisntbritish]

+

[@thatmaia]

THANK YOU, JOHN!!

[@untappedinkwell]

+ and also yay!

[@jalpaca1264]

I SAW HARRY POTTER AND CLICKED STRAIGHT AWAY 😂

[@zain4019]

Jalpaca I haven't read Harry Potter but seeing how excited others get about it makes me happy :))

[@goonerbeagunner4life]

read it, literally now.

[@opheliamyphelia]

same

[@rebecag1504]

same

[@brawnybone9734]

uh huh

[@floatyredballoon]

I appreciate you, John.

[@rachel5748]

I've spent the whole day nursing a sprained wrist. So glad for some pizzamas! Thank you!

[@KLProductiongermany]

Rachel Get better soon! Lots of love!

[@apekop34]

KLProductiongermany +

[@jkitty542]

For the record, the best John Green quote is "You can love someone so much, but you can never love people as much as you can miss them” from An Abundance of Katherines.

[@joerobins5649]

Laura Dern was on par with the best actors in Fault in our Stars. She had very few lines, but she delivered every single one in a way that just stabbed you in the heart. Amazing performance.

[@vlogbrothers]

She's a great actor. Also, she made everyone else in that movie so much better with her generosity and support. (She even helped ME as an actor--although I was beyond real hope.) -John

[@joerobins5649]

vlogbrothers I saw that deleted scene. You tried. That's what counts. :-)

[@orangelion94]

Last time I was this early I still had a will to live.

[@amu5238]

You know what super weird?? The fact that he looks like a real life version of the illustrated Harry Potter on the book; look at the thumbnail!! They look exactly alike!!!!!!

[@JohnnyYenn]

amu5238 not really :/

[@amu5238]

D. C they do!! Look at the way both their hair kinda flies up a bit, and the glasses, and the general tones of colours also seem to match up... minus the cloths ofc

[@SeanKD_Photos]

+

[@SElyas96]

amu5238 +

[@rae9196]

This video feels so nostalgic of older Vlogbrothers. I like this. Killin' it, John.

[@sabottori796]

It's so sweet John's favorite quote from his books is from his wife

[@tarapolk4121]

I truly missed these videos, thank you so very much for bring it back! It made my week! ✨

[@StrongButAwkward]

Guacamole isn't extra at Qdoba. Come John. Join Us John. Qdoba is love John.

[@mommamay01]

Nate Yes! Qdoba > Chipotle by far!

[@JulieHerrick]

2:15 - I'm watching this three years later, and I just finished the Life's Library Livestream in which John talked about how he's going to have to ask lots of rich people for money for Partners in Health. It's amazing how we can do the things we don't like to do when we're passionate about something.

[@evanscott146]

That answer to the 'Why do you read fiction?' question is an example of the reasons I watch this channel: simultaneously empowering and humbling.

[@TheQueerTailor]

I'm so happy to hear you read your local paper! All Nerdfighters, please read your local paper! They are amazing and inform you about all the cool stuff in your community and local politics and all the important stuff! (In case you can't tell I was raised by a reporter)

[@ThatWouldBeCareless]

My local paper is actually hilariously bad, but in general I agree with knowing and caring more about your local community.

[@daydodog]

But my local paper is crap

[@emilytheflannelgirl3408]

currently watching this while sitting on the toilet

[@user-ue4nq3kc3j]

EmilyTheFlannelGirl Peeing? Because girls dont poop!

[@tootpaste427]

EmilyTheFlannelGirl oh I was pooping

[@apekop34]

Jess Mackin +

[@thebookgoddess7380]

+

[@crystalappleyard-anderson8448]

Havarti! A fine choice, I work for a small cheese company and our sweet cream havarti is a gift from God...however I must admit our applewood smoked gouda has a place in my heart as well.

[@mynameismatt2010]

Hold up hold up hold up.... no rice in chipotle? John, there are a LOT of things we disagree on, but this might be the one that means we can't be friends.

[@JM-us3fr]

mynameismatt2010 I thought so too, but he won me back with the guac

[@ShadowedParadox]

You need to create a book recommendation list every year, that would be awesome. (Am I late to the party? Does this already exist?)

[@vlogbrothers]

I did last year! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWqwdH-roNR8jbM I'll do another one in a few weeks. -John

[@enycha22]

YEESSS

[@enycha22]

or bi-annual

[@joh3511]

ShadowedParadox +

[@crcons]

But bi-annual as in twice a year or as in every two years? 'Cause this can be a tricky request.

[@michelfug]

"It makes me feel like even my inexpressible fears and demons don't separate me from humanity." That line. I'd say it's a John Green quote to be quite proud of.

[@kaisims8366]

Thank you for answering two questions about books! I loved that note you made about the extra copy and I haven't related to someone more about reading.

[@TheGuroLOLITA]

The fiction part is a consolation to my severe depression.

[@shiftyrye2743]

I can't tell if this is serious or simply part of the meme. Please, do enlighten.

[@mfk5533]

Holden Caulfield doesn't think you're a phony.

[@jennasnyder5116]

I had never heard about The Road to Nerdfighteria before, thanks for sharing John!

[@brittanymechler6827]

Dude. 2:43 is keeping me up tonight. It's made me question my commitment to social media, and people in my life. Thank you for forcing me to contemplate things.

[@michaels5917]

since you seem to be reading liberal papers, I would recommend reading a slightly Republican paper (if there is such a thing) to expand your view. I mean, I mostly read articles from leftist papers BC there aren't many good slightly Republican ones or, god forbid, a unbiased paper and it has kept my worldview expanded and my mind sharper.

[@vlogbrothers]

The Wall Street Journal is a very conservative paper. And it is helpful for opening my mind for sure. -John

[@cts1979]

vlogbrothers you would be a good president because you are thoughtful. Hank would make a solid head of the EPA.

[@milramyah]

The Associated Press is pretty good for straight reporting with less bias; it's what most of the major newspapers use as a source for many of their stories. Their app has been a really good way for me to stay informed!

[@michaels5917]

Personally I watch C-SPAN and read center for strategic and international studies. (I want to go into the foreign service after college and my first job because of day pension do)

[@llamamall3653]

Or read the only _real_ source of reliable news, Infowars.

[@zoe5766]

this community makes me so happy

[@J_Quinn_Creates]

Thanks for providing great stuff for us to buy that allows us to support the awesome content you all provide.

[@Nerdarchy]

"Escape the prison of your mind..." super solid quote on fiction reading! -Ryan

[@r.darling4135]

Holy cow my min cannot cope with so many beautifully put deep contemplations of this world. Geez this makes for good content. And replay...

[@kaylag.5807]

It feels like it's been forever since John's done a video like this one... Or maybe I missed something.

[@vlogbrothers]

It has been a long time. I enjoyed it. I missed them! -John

[@mich8050]

3:00 this whole answer is a great explanation of how I feel reading your books

[@d.m.conroy6717]

"imagining the future as a kind of nostalgia." eternal. beautiful. love it.

[@nikkiprophet]

That is the best description of social media I've ever heard

[@MsAwesomeify]

1:50 I absolutely cried from laughter from that joke.

[@amberlrodriguez]

THANK YOU FOR ANSWERING MY QUESTION JOHN!

[@evanscott146]

Who is Question John?

[@adelisemcullens2679]

Evan Scott bahahahahahaha

[@adelisemcullens2679]

Amber Rodriguez I'm not laughing at you... That was just funny. 😚

[@HouseMDaddict]

fiction--both writing it and reading it--is such a nice escape for me. writing it is great because I can play with characters I created depending on my mood, and reading it is great because I can immerse myself in another person's world and see the world through the author's eyes as well as the characters' eyes. it's so calming and I need to go to the library at some point to get a new book (I have been reading so much for my job, that I haven't had time to leisure read, except in the summer).

[@ruthr0xy]

been enjoying the vlogbrothers and all of john and hank's content for a few years now and i FINALLY put in an order for a pizza john shirt wHOOO

[@vlogbrothers]

woohoo! Thanks! -John

[@vodkabooty]

Reminders of why I love vlogbrothers so much is videos like these

[@tycoon4959]

Seeing this video was the highlight of my day.

[@staybasedandpositive]

So cheery! Excellent video, thank you

[@MollyM2]

THAT'S MY FAVORITE JOHN GREEN QUOTE AS WELL! It was my senior quote in my high school yearbook!

[@sharfers]

You jump both high AND far in the decathlon.

[@gleep1984]

I thought exactly the same thing right after he said it.

[@vlogbrothers]

Only thing better than being right is being right twice. -John

[@kellycrawley4861]

When I’m sad I watch an endless amount of your videos and feel better

[@wallygt40]

I like you a little more now

[@vlogbrothers]

I am glad that your heart has begun to warm. I shall endeavor to make more progress next Tuesday. :) -John

[@DuranmanX]

1:39 well there goes my question

[@aasthasharma3820]

THANKS FOR DOING THIS SOOOOOO MUCH!!!!! I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A QUESTION THURSDAY/FRIDAY/TUESDAY LITERALLY FOREVER!!!! random question: is it just me, or is somebody else's favorite type of vlogbrothers video a question video?

[@puppylovergirl303]

What level are you on Pokémon Go??? (Also what's your best/fav Pokémon???)

[@sexyscientist]

Listen to Dear Hank and John podcast to find out. (Guys, don't tell her)

[@avakining]

His Mr Mime is his fav.

[@solomonwinter2891]

OnceUponAPiano he's a level 25

[@ihavespoken164]

“My candle burns at both ends and will not last the night, but ah my foes and oh my friends, it gives a lovely light.” -Roald Dahl.

[@jaypillsbury843]

That was exactly the sort of answer to the animal question I was expecting, and it was exactly the sort of answer I was hoping for.

[@BarnibusMaximusMusic]

You said something near the end that really led to an epiphany in my head so I wanted to like your video but I already had liked the video because I usually like vlogbros vids as soon as it comes up in excitement. I thought i'd leave a comment in place of my second thumbs up.

[@alicialim1949]

i love question thursday! it's really fast and i'm always amazed how i still can understand what you're saying... ! (not native english) well thanks

[@avakining]

So glad about your pie question answer. XD

[@TimelessPiano]

Screw being in Hogwarts, imagine your first year was under Dolores Umbrigde rule. Crazy OWL's to study for and after bed time one time you sneak off you get caught, for the first time so it's torture time, "Do you know about Dumbledore Army 11 year old child? Here write it using this special Quill." Second years alright better much as things are returning back to what they were before Umbrigde, you grow close to Dumbledore great stuff up until he gets murdered. Now you under Snape dictator rule and you lost the only person you look up to. Third year, you are in full Snape dictatorship right from the beginning getting attacked and bullied waiting for the "chosen one" to save you. Throughout the year you try to escape but you get caught by Snatchers and brought back and you get punished over and over, even some of your friends get killed for trying to fight back a little. Finally you are in the battle Hogwarts, you try to keep out of harms way but death eaters find you and your only few friends. Fighting hard you finally see your final friend fall, no more, with rage and hatred you kill him. After that you make sure never to let that happen again becoming as powerful as you can at any cost, even splitting up your soul to stay alive... Honestly I think this would make a great starting point for the next dark lord.

[@Poppamunz]

+

[@katoyukimaru]

A Vlogbrothers video on my birthday? I hit the jackpot! I really enjoyed this video :D

[@katoyukimaru]

Thank you very much!!

[@darkwolfer747]

I LOVE YOU JOHN!

[@sofiecarlson8017]

How can salsa be extra mild?? Isn't that just glorified ketchup? I need answers!! 🤔

[@krigs0910]

Sofie Carlson more like just a whole tomato.

[@sofiecarlson8017]

Haha, basically. 😂

[@gracegrass4462]

I think he meant that he wanted mild salsa, but extra of it

[@CarlxBen]

yeah, I'm fairly certain the salsa isn't called "extra-mild salsa" I think he just wanted extra of the mild salsa. haha

[@jesterca159]

The Maureen Johnson mention just made me LOL

[@AllenLeland]

These were all great questions :)

[@FWCWrestler]

laughed so hard at the pizza john hoodie anniversary suggestion

[@nameless7838]

i like to pause the video right at the beginning so i can say hey to Pizza John's face on his shirt before he sits down.

[@leeolsson5271]

Oh my god! John answered my question. I feel so proud!!!

[@HurricaneGamer]

Love the new glasses!

[@tylerrissell9837]

that line about why John reads books might be my favorite John quote ever.

[@asifrahaman8529]

OH MY GOSH ITS THAT GUY THAT MADE WORLD HISTORY CLASS LIT AND HOMEWORK BASED ON THE VIDEOS EVERY WEEK

[@SergeiTheAnarch]

Sick response the pretension question. Really good at getting behind the root of that criticism...

[@lukelogue4720]

I have been watching crash course for a year, and I just found out that this is the same John Green that wrote The Fault in our Stars

[@jacalyngp]

that was a great video. john looks great!

[@KumaKaori]

1. Paper 3: Mug, 4: Hoodie, 50: Gold. soo just need John to clarify about 2, and 5 through 49. :>.

[@robert.sec2]

a video on what "pretentiousness" is, how it can or cannot be ascribed to books or readers, how it can be a useful/ not useful term, the whole concept of the "phony", etc etc, would be really neat

[@SamuelRowan]

I love how you snuck in that Snickers/Mars thing. I am looking forward to the day when The Mars Corporation is essentially consuming your life and your family, writing books, etc. becomes a secondary distraction to the consumption of Snickers and peanut M&M's

[@peterharris5475]

How is you can just rapid fire answers to questions, and it be entertaining to me forever consecutively?

[@robin132009]

Thank you for your wise words, especially about the papers you read.

[@freakygirlish]

Often when you talk you make me feel less alone because you articulate feelings I have but cannot put into words. By hearing you echo my fears and worries I feel safe because I feel less alone with these feelings and less like a "special snowflake" (I would much rather be like everybody else than be something special!) Thank you.

[@Dwdanieldotdd]

OK, spreading the gospel of pizzamas in NC, wore my Red Pizza John T-shirt to my favorite pizza joint... Ruckus pizza in Raleigh yesterday, treated a buddy that's retiring at the end of the month to a delicious thin crust pepperoni, sausage, red onion, bell pepper, and olive pizza. Saw some other friends and went on to a ham radio meeting... Life is good. Tootles... Wade HugEveryoneForMe,HugsAreGood :-)

[@AdamTheAlien]

Oh Pizzamas, you came and went so quickly this year! You were barely a breath in the winds of life.

[@ellieflynn8549]

the end of pizzamas, i cri

[@isabelleisabelle.]

His answer about reading is perfection.

[@sceptre1067]

Yay on reading The Economist! Based on a friends suggestion I started reading it in my mid twenties and it has been one of better magazines over that time (in my late 40s now.)

[@felicityjane794]

I'm so excited for the new book!

[@cpottervlog8122]

I'm sure I wasn't the only one to ask how the book is coming but I was one of the people that did ask and that makes me feel special

[@C2kp189lI]

This is amazing

[@prterrell]

Just made my first DFTBA purchase ever and it's a Pizza John shirt! (The La Pizza one to be specific.) Yaaaaaaaaaay!

[@vlogbrothers]

Thanks! I am enjoying a La Croix RIGHT NOW as it happens. -John

[@lenahan2328]

Ironically, I'm taking a break from studying for my academic decathlon competition tomorrow with this video :D

[@simsbury88]

I would recommend the Atlantic's website to add to your list of places to get news. They do a fantastic job of talking about people doing good work and it's a great break from the normal death and destruction of news. In addition, they have a great education section, which is something you don't find many places. Plus, it's free, so that's a plus.

[@camibottoms3939]

Yay for making phones into (mostly just) phones again! I'm with you John even right down to the Pokemon Go exception....

[@FuZandy]

Loved it!

[@rolfthewolf42]

This is probably the best question Thursday ever. great explanation of social media, more reason to love stories, learning what news outlets John approves. My only gripe is that its advertising pizzamas and I can't buy a pizza John apron by itself. I don't want all the other stuff that comes with the apron and I can't justify $40 for an apron. anyways, great video.