goodbye to my friend

In which John says farewell to his friend and mentor Bill Ott, publisher of Booklist Magazine for over 30 years. To learn more about Bill, read my friend Keir Graff's brilliant remembrance: keirgraff.com/im-going-to-mis...
Love you, Bill. Wish I'd said it in life.
----
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[@user-sc4zp8fm6e]

Ilene here, Bill's wife. I thank John for this heartfelt tribute that captures Bill so perfectly. But I'd also like to thank all the commenters who sent their condolences, recognized the impact Bill had on their own lives, even once removed, and understood to their core that kindness ripples into the world in ways we may never fully understand. "The love you take, is equal to the love you make.

[@ESSARGEE]

The love you take, is equal to the love you make. Thank you for sharing that.

[@aislinnmurphy8551]

My heart goes out to you and your family, Ilene. Also to you, John. This is such a beautiful video. I’m sending love to you all ❤❤❤

[@cultivatingcivicconversations]

Dear Mrs. Cooper, I’m so sorry to hear of this profound loss in your life and grateful to learn more about him. I agree that Harvey is a wonderful film. When I lost my husband suddenly last May, I included this Carrie Newcomer song in the memorial… Bare to the Bone. It’s refrain is “What we do in love and kindness I’d ask we ever leave behind.” kzbin.info/www/bejne/laK0Y62Ha7iAl6c

[@bmo14lax]

Your husband was definitely my type of person with that quote. Im sure he shines through more people in this world too, not just John. Thank you.

[@W4DSolutions]

And because of this beautiful tribute, I mourn a man I never knew. Condolences to all who did know and loved him. Clearly, our world is a better place because he was here.

[@brooklyn__________]

Bill’s note to watch Harvey changed my life, I was ready to drop out of university when I read the Anthropocene reviewed. University just was not built for someone who struggled with mental illness, not for me. I read the chapter on Harvey and cried, reread, and cried, finally I watched Harvey. I went back to university, crawled through a semester and went back again. The anthropocene reviewed and Harvey have such a special, wonderful place in my heart. It is so difficult to see the passing of such a great person. Thank you for sharing this John.

[@amandasutherland626]

So wonderfully vulnerable ❤ thank you for sharing!

[@karllewis735]

"And he said, 'Good evening, Mr Dowd.' Now that didn't surprise me, when you've lived in a town as long as I have, a lot of people know your name."

[@sylvangroth4074]

Glad you are here.

[@elainebelzDetroit]

I'm gonna need to watch that movie... Is it a safe one to watch in any stage of mental stability? I'm doing OK but feeling a little wobbly lately.

[@triz193]

Its so fascinating how many lives that line could affect :] I too had to stop college several times by that point and I was losing classes again when the book came out and I remember watching the movie on the floor of my apt and i felt not better, but i had a sense that i could be stronger and deal with that again. I also wept like crazy. Sorry for your loss john

[@Chris_and_Cory]

"Work matters and stories matter, but nothing matters like people do." Thanks for sharing your love of this wonderful person with us John, his life lives on in the lessons and stories shared, and I'm grateful for the chance to get to know a little about that life through your eyes.

[@charliespinoza1966]

+

[@vahidmoosavian6313]

At First glance I read this as "work matters and stories \too\..." and I thought: "man! What a killer rhyme😅😆!"

[@skylerwitherspoon]

"wish I'd said it in life" ❤️ give yourself grace here, John. sending love

[@leebrady9669]

+

[@totster8377]

Sorry for your loss John, thank you for sharing his wisdom with us.

[@curtismmichaels]

Your love for Bill is palpable. That was a beautiful memorial. Bless you and all who love Bill in your grief and in carrying forth your memories of him.

[@coffytawk]

The first Vlogbrothers video I ever watched was the one you did called "Perspective". I still have it saved in a private playlist of favorites. Whenever I am struggling with my own mental health, I go back and watch that video. It has helped me through my battle with depression, both when it is a simple nuisance and when it is overwhelming. I so appreciate that you wanted to share that story again in remembrance of your friend. He sounds like he was a lovely guy. Thank you for sharing him with us. I think perhaps, at long last, it is time I watch Harvey.

[@tayzonday]

So well-said ❤🙏

[@sovereign9529]

Am I missing something I find you around the algorithm, and you don't make video anymore.

[@CarlsCozyCorner]

@Clarkster he's in the same KZbin algorithm as you are, and he's verified, so it's easier to pick out his comments

[@Me-wx1mt]

Tay Zonday is a fan of vlogbrothers?? What a legend

[@lizardchosimbastedanko5195]

Chocolate rain

[@yeetyeet7070]

I wanna hear you talk about the world, please :(

[@vlogbrothers]

If you'd like to learn more about Bill, read my friend Keir Graff's beautiful remembrance. Thanks for being here, and thanks for the kind comments and memories. -John keirgraff.com/im-going-to-miss-you-bill/?fbclid=IwAR3bAD_cRzkJhLsccVsouYk1Msf4BZkXt_lM1hLz4wGj5mbyOvMs5_S07fc

[@abdullahenani9670]

John I hope you know that you’re doing the same to us just like bill did with you, we really appreciate it so much. You’re inspiring me everyday, thank you, really. Just a nice reminder.

[@AmyAlessio]

John, what a lovely tribute, as Keir's is. I was delighted when Bill asked me to review mysteries years ago, after hearing me talk about how much I loved cozy mysteries on a panel. He was very kind when my husband passed away two years ago also. Your comment about how the people were the most important to him is so true. I hope you and your family are well.

[@Omronekoro]

Sorry for your loss.

[@averycockburn31]

"Everything goes. Everything. Except for the love we pour into others and into the world." Thank you for pouring your love into the world and reminding us to do the same. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. 💔

[@calebschroeder9450]

Now more than ever, watch Harvey. John, I watched that movie when my life felt as though it was collapsing all at once under me. I appreciate both you and Hank for helping me understand myself and care more about the world around me. I appreciate those who have loved me up into my now, and those who have loved those who have shaped me into their now. I greatly enjoy your videos, I hope that the pain and grief can be felt and beared. That those whom you love will be a refuge. Thank you, everyone here for making this community.

[@CarlsCozyCorner]

I'm gonna cry

[@astouffer]

Then you’ll understand the joke in Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

[@sullicait]

I, too, watched Harvey and for the same reason. What you’ve shared here is beautiful. I saw the beginning of the comment and knew what had happened and was crestfallen. And I hoped the same hope for those grieving, but John most especially. Then I read the rest of your comment and feel akin to you in a way that seems improbable via the internet. Alas, Nerdfighteria. I am in reflective awe at the profound ways we touch each other’s real lives here. And I am grateful to be in our collective now. And now to watch the video with all of you in mind. DFTBA

[@spacey-sam]

+++ 🖤

[@untappedinkwell]

Thank you for being here with us.

[@MollyBorneman]

Just this past weekend, my local theatre community lost a mentor. She inspired uncountable individuals and was the soul of every production. Thank you for sharing this. Sometimes grief needs company.

[@elainebelzDetroit]

I'm so sorry. Sending love to your community. ❤

[@madhavsirohi2225]

I am not crying you are.... PS: Whoever is reading this, You are extremely valuable! Never forget that!

[@DawnDavidson]

Thanks. I needed to hear that.

[@madhavsirohi2225]

@@DawnDavidson anytime!

[@elainebelzDetroit]

@@madhavsirohi2225 Me too, except it's still hard to believe. You know how that goes. You know it's true, and you don't believe it. I had a therapist once who said, re: negative self-talk, "That's just one opinion." I need to be saying that to my brain right now, I think. ❤‍🩹

[@madhavsirohi2225]

@@elainebelzDetroit Ya it is hard to believe! But belief yourself, atleast once!

[@elainebelzDetroit]

@@madhavsirohi2225 Thank you! Objectively, I know it's true...especially when I read reviews my students give. :) Depression brain is so annoying.

[@taylorcarmen5336]

I too had a friend like Bill. Lydia was the first disabled academic I ever knew. She pushed to make me a professor in her program so we would have more disabled voices. Lydia died just before I made it. I teach in her classroom now. And today a student told me they joined the program because they wanted to take more classes with me, their first disabled teacher.

[@amyberger9559]

I’m so sorry, John. What a touching tribute to your friend and mentor. Reminds me of that Mountain Goats song, “Some moments last forever, but some flare out with love love love.” May Bill enjoy the face of Love itself now and forever.

[@shayq5463]

Every time I hear your Bill story, I'm reminded how what we think are small acts of kindness can have earth-moving impacts on others. A good reminder to be kind and empathetic.

[@MaiseNow]

I'm so sorry Bill is gone from this life and from yours, John. It sounds like he was truly a good person to have when and while he was here. Thank you for sharing your important memories of him, now his kindness will live on with all of us too. As for if he knows how important he always will be to you...I like to think he does.

[@N3rdfightermom]

May his memory be a Blessing

[@sharonreynolds7423]

Having John and Hank in our world via the internet is as helpful to me as any session with a therapist. These two good, funny, lovely, kind, generous, and super intelligent men restore my faith that there is hope in this world. Thank You John. Thank You Hank.

[@loc5559]

I’m so sorry for your loss. May we all be blessed with a friend like Bill. Thank you for this video and the reminder that mental health struggles don’t change your value or importance in this world. I really needed to hear that today.

[@jessicathornton6598]

John posted a video titled Perspective many years ago now in which he tells the Bill + Harvey story. I first watched the video in high school and watched it many times throughout college and after when I was at my lowest and needed to hear that message of kindness from someone, even if it was originally directed at someone else. Kindness ricochets. Sending love to Bill’s loved ones

[@mitchellsmith4601]

John is that rare person who can speak extemporaneously and still express profound love and affection for another person.

[@danielarthur04]

As Theodore Roosevelt once said “We admire the man who embodies victorious effort; the man who never wrongs his neighbour; who is prompt to help a friend”. From your video and the Harvey chapter, Bill certainly sounds like a man worthy of admiration. He worked long and hard at a job he loved, he treated people well, and he was prompt to help a friend in need of kindness and understanding. My condolences, John.

[@caitlinburke5184]

Rip bill, may those who know him find comfort in his memory

[@ryandonnell3382]

I’m sorry for your loss. Bill’s impact will live on in all of us, that video meant so much to me that I remember it so vividly to this day. we love you john.

[@thartwig]

My favorite thing about you and your brother is that you’re both some of the most human humans to be human. Just to exist as and overcome the challenges of being humans, you’re both masters to look up to.

[@Kirby.Burgess]

Our hearts are with you, John. We are thankful for the people who poured their love into you and into the world, and that you are generous to share with us how special those people are.

[@arankatarn1242]

That was a beautiful eulogy. I read The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns each many years ago, and remember really enjoying them. It's humbling to now know that Bill's life was such a part of that. I'm grateful to both you and him for that experience, and I'll now remember Bill when I think of reading those books. Thanks to both of you, for being in the world.

[@cloudquartz242]

I worked with Bill when I interned at booklist. He was such a genuine soul. Sorry for his loss

[@pixiepearls3]

I remember your earlier video from years ago about Harvey. I was severely struggling with depression at that time, and I decided to watch Harvey. And it helped. I never knew Bill, but he impacted my life too with that advice.

[@cartkart1]

That line “Now, more than ever, watch Harvey” really stuck with me. Still haven’t watched it, but I think about that book almost every day, and that chapter was the first one that made me tear up it’s such a good book! and presumably a great movie

[@akoalabear239]

When I was going through my own similar mental crisis where I had to go home from school, I was told to read that exact chapter in the anthropocene reviewed. It was helpful for me. So I have been helped by both you and Bill in a way. May he rest in peace.

[@Satellitegirl41]

I am sorry for the loss of your friend. He sounds awesome. Those of us who are lucky enough to have our names repeated after our passing, have achieved a kind of immortality. Even if it's just temporary.

[@rachaelknudsen8801]

GNU Bill Ott.

[@laceym314]

Currently going through a mental health crisis. Going to take Bill's advice (after I stop crying) and watch Harvey. Thank you.

[@henrietteneuschwander219]

I hope you are doing okay these days!

[@TwistedRiddles]

I’m so sorry for your (and everyone’s) loss, John. I also want to point out as someone with OCD, you in many ways are my Bill. You helped me to recognize my mental illness and get through some of the hardest times in my life and get the help I needed. I’m so grateful for that, and I’m so glad you had a person like that in your life, too.

[@abdullahenani9670]

I’m so sorry for your loss John ❤️ I still remember that story and it touched so many of us. I still remember the movie recommendation, saving it to when I need it.

[@eli3163]

As a 19 year old the sentence about how he was older and wiser but still took you seriously really resonated with me because that´s what I crave when interacting with people who are older and wiser than me. And I too love those conversations where that happens. John, I hope you´re coping okay with that loss. P. S. The Anthroprocene Reviewed podcast episode about Harvey was the way a friend introduced me to nerdfighteria, so that episode and that story mean a lot to me. That episode also helped me through a bunch of difficult situations because sometimes it´s the reminder I need that yes, shit may suck right now but crises are survivable even when they don´t feel like they are.

[@t3hsis324]

Tearing up. Beautiful tribute. When you mentioned how he lit up while telling a story of his daughter... It really hit a note. I had a teacher like that who was really cool and I'll never forget, whom was the same. So full of love. Hope he is well and my condolences on the loss of a great man.

[@tayycro]

Hi John, I work at Booklist now but started there a few months after Bill retired. Never really got to know him the way you did, but this video really added to the appreciation that my coworkers and friends, had and have for him. My deepest condolences to you and his family, and everyone who knew him well. 💜

[@LucasBenderChannel]

Thank you Bill, for giving us this version of John and all the other humans whose life you've touched.

[@lampje5185]

Bill also made me watch Harvey and changed my life through it. As someone with a unique amount and combination of mental illnesses, watching that movie has armed me with self understanding, self love and a loaf of quotes to defend myself against the hardness and terror of everyday life. Thank you Bill. For always.

[@pegmama8]

Hearing about all the people whose lives were changed by John telling them to watch Harvey in TAR, whose life was changed by Bill’s suggestion to watch Harvey, makes me wonder about the people who were inspired to make Harvey and what events in their lives changed them

[@kraavok]

What a wonderful sounding man, and you honoured him so wholeheartedly ❤️

[@bcfortenberry]

My condolences to all those who will feel his absence as you do. Rest in peace, Bill.

[@coolcutiekitti17]

I should have waited until after work to watch this cause now I'm crying. Such beautiful memories and heartfelt words.

[@Rufflesandrage]

Best Speaker for the dead ever. So sorry for your loss, but glad that your friends have such wonderful tributes.

[@historynerd37]

Every time I feel hopeless, I watch "Perspective", the video in which you tell the story of not knowing the value of that experience with Bill and watching Harvey for the first time. I'd be willing to bet Bill has kept a few more people around than he knew during his life. It's sad that we can never know exactly how much love we've poured into the world while we're in it.

[@TomSramekJr]

Thank you for sharing, John. We all need those mentors and supporters in our lives. I'm quite sure you've been that for many people, a legacy of Bill's support for you. Blessings.

[@echoberson]

What a beautiful eulogy for a dear friend. May his memory be a blessing to all that he touched.

[@Catl0v3r23]

I just read the Harvey chapter last night and rented the movie to watch this weekend. Bills story will live on because of you. Thank you ❤

[@Roll587]

He also saved me. Reading your words about him and what he said to you brought me to the surface for a moment when I felt I was drowning. And that breath let me take more. Thank you. Both of you.

[@oafkad]

One year ago I lost my father, two years ago I lost my father-in-law (who was also named Bill). That last note you made is one that always sticks with me. I always wish I had been more direct with my feelings to either of my fathers so that I could know, with certainty, that they knew how I felt. But that sort of revelation only seems to come after the fact.

[@nicolemarie8152]

“Nothing matters like people do.” So very true today and always. I wish society would remember this a they move through life, and appreciate those around them.

[@Carebearritual]

“novels need hope like fish need bicycles” is just too good for me not to just simply agree. too silly, u got me on ur side bill. thank you for letting us love bill with you, john.

[@juliaconnell]

John, I am so very sorry for your loss, and from your wonderful words I can understand why you want to honour & remember Bill, I would too " *somebody living with serious mental illness who nonetheless is valuable and important and worthy* " what wonderful, powerful, impactful words, words that _should_ be known and shared what a wonderful, beautiful kindness, what a wonderful man, human being, person Bill was, what a loss to the world. - sending much love, aroha*, to his loved ones - including you. ❤ as someone who has struggled with mental health (depression) as long as I can remember, ans now, after 'stuff' not just severe clinical depression, anxiety, also PTSD, and more recently fibromyalgia (basically pain & fatigue, as the specialists said last year, 'switch has been flipped' - mind & body go ' - nope, too much,can't cope) - these words are so very powerful - and important, and valuable to *me* it's just gone 5am here in Aotearoa/New Zealand - just woke up from an intense detailed vivid dream (most of mine are) - talking to someone about my mother, in the dream, passing a year prior (again, in the dream). woke up, with the reality that my mum *is* dying, has been since - well literally for years - (heart failure, she's 86, Nov 2020 text from my sister, back in hospital, doctors think we should prepare for the worst, well that was 2020 - numerous trips/stays in the hospital since, including now since last week (another fall, no broken bones, )anyway_) - _anyway_ so woke up, something to distract me while anxiety/sleep medication kicks in - and your video is first thing I see - oh ('am I up to this.... ? ') - so GRATEFUL- did watch, listen - what wonderful words again, much love to Bill's loved ones, what a loss to the world in his passing though his legacy on the people he impacted, on his choice and use of his words, continues - and - indeed spreads, even with his passing - he continues to have a lasting, positive impact - words are *powerful* and what wonderful, powerful, impactful words, " *somebody living with serious mental illness who nonetheless is valuable and important and worthy* " arohanui (an abundance of love), Julia ❤❤‍🩹❤ *aroha - 'love' - yes, deeper, stronger, more powerful, layered than this, not just romantic love between two people, life partners, love between parent & child, love within a family - it's wider, deeper than this - love for your community, for others, concern, empathy, caring, LOVE in all its forms it's a Maori word, concept (Maori are the ingenious people of Aotearoa/New Zealand, the people (singular & plural - there is no 'S' in Maori), the language Aroha: 1. (verb) (-ina,-tia) to love, feel pity, feel concern for, feel compassion, empathise. 2. (modifier) loving, affectionate, caring, compassionate, kindly, sympathetic, benevolent. 3. (noun) affection, sympathy, charity, compassion, love, empathy.

[@Bruno-cb5gk]

Your review of Harvey made me tear up, which is something I cherish as I don't cry as often as I'd like to. It made me realise how much people need each other. It made me worry about a world with too few Bills and hope for a world with more. In some ways you two are my Bill.

[@julieolson9832]

Booklist has always been part of my life as a librarian. Thank you for this tribute to Bill.

[@WyldWish]

Then I have to thank him for pouring that love into you so you could pour it into the world bc some things you've said have helped me through some really tough times. Respect to a new beloved ancestor.

[@yosoypatrick]

I'm so sorry for your loss John, the Harvey essay in The Anthropocene Reviewed is one of my favourites, I remember listening to it driving to work last year, crying my eyes out. RIP Bill.

[@Unpeturbed]

John, what a beautiful eulogy. By doing so you’re making me remember those who made my life better and encouraged me when I was in dark places. Thank you.

[@alleycaaat]

Wasn't expecting such a cry this Tuesday afternoon. This is a beautiful tribute to Bill, thank you for sharing it with us. I'm sorry for your loss, John, and I'm grateful he was able to impact your life in such large ways.

[@rebeccaharames824]

“Don’t leave me here alone. Don’t tell me that I’ve grown for having loved a little while” -the oh hellos I’m sorry for your loss John.

[@melissasaint3283]

As a side note to what is obvious here: thank you for being so open and casual about a mental health crisis....and for talking about how Bill offered you support and suggested art he hoped would be helpful.

[@Sweetlyfe]

Harvey is a brilliant film, as someone who was a huge Jimmy Stewart fan, I was a big old movies fan from my early teens, and as someone who has had mental health issues, I probably need to watch it again, but it’s a very redemptive and heartwarming film. I’m sorry about your friend and mentor, and an incredible boss. May his loved one’s find solace in the amount of people he touched.

[@duganelliott8340]

Bill has also touched my life through you, John. You did a different video titled "Perspective" many years ago that was about your mental health crisis and Harvey and Bill. It really resonated with me. "In this world you can be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well for years I was smart, I recommend pleasant."

[@Colin_Drawz]

People pass on but their legends live on in the stars that shine in the eyes of the people they were able to touch and it's ever clear to me that this still rings true in the look you have when recounting your experience with us. John thank you for sharing one of the stories you had with him with us. 💜 I'm sorry for your loss.

[@emilyoconnor384]

Hi John. I work at the O. Henry Museum, in O. Henry's former house. We run the world's oldest and largest pun competition (we're on our 46th year). Today, I heard that one of my good friends, who used to lead the event each year, for decades, is going into hospice care after a fight with cancer. He taught me how to bend the English language to my will, quicken my wit, and think on my feet. Thank you, as always, for your timely and poignant video. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope they have puns in heaven.

[@cheyennemorrison4107]

I’m so sorry for your loss. Bill helped me too, through you. When I had to leave my master’s program because I was going through a mental health crisis, I listed to the Anthropocene reviewed again because you helped me through covid, and finally took his advice. It’s an old movie, i did play sudoku concurrently for the first half because my attention was so bad (adhd brain put on SSRIs go brrrrr) but it really moved me, and just like, I’m really glad I did. So much of the guilt and shame I felt when I broke down was because I was raised with a “protestant work ethic” as my dad puts it, and Harvey reminded me that the valuable part of me is the ME part.

[@JamesWalkerYEG]

I'm so sorry for your loss John. I watched Harvey after one of the times you mentioned it in a video, and it's one of the most truly beautiful movies I've ever seen. Thank you for passing Mr Ott's wisdom along.

[@cypresswillow3]

Turning 23 this year, the same age you were when this story takes place. I rewatched your first video about this story (watch harvey) two weeks ago when I couldn't see a way through. I can see that way through now. You're friend sounds like he was an extremely beautiful soul and--through you--I have certainly benefited from his work.

[@wordytoed9887]

Thanks for remembering him.

[@DefyingEternity]

Aaaaaaaand I'm crying. I'm so sorry for your loss John. Thank you for sharing Bill with us.

[@carolyngolden6681]

What a beautiful sendoff! Also, I appreciate that even in eulogy, you brought in themes of redeeming human worth and hope! I see his point that literature doesn't _have_ to have those things to be good, but I read your books and watch your videos because _I_ have to have them and you bring them in a way that manages to acknowledge all the overwhelm and heartbreak of life coexisting with that redemption and hope.

[@HolaMindy]

There's not a lot of certainty in life these days, but I know that every Tuesday, John will bring me to tears inside of four minutes. It's comforting to have that in my life, because there are so many other times throughout the week when I want to cry but don't, or should feel like crying but am to numb to do so.

[@SK28th]

Thank you Bill. I took your advice through John and watched Harvey at a time when I was severely depressed and felt like I would never be enough; that the promise of youth was gone; that because I wasn't as smart as I thought I was, my existence was meaningless. Your words to John and watching Harvey were such a soothing balm to my hurt soul. Thank you.

[@joebrice4real]

“All the little connections across time and space remind me just how connected we all are. Even to the fictional. Even to the dead.” - John Love is eternal, it truly is. Thank you for sharing John, and I’m sorry for loss.

[@dmacleod04]

I had a professor in college named Dr. John Starkey who is similar to Bill in many ways. He was the World Religions professor on my campus, and everyone loved the man (even and sometimes especially the atheists). Just one of those men who glowed with joy and peace; modeled humility in every way one could imagine - and could still be surprised; and would engage anyone in the most important conversations people could have with ease and grace. He passed a couple months before covid. He wasn’t able to finish the book on theology he aimed to. But at his life ceremony, the speaker said almost exactly what John said: “Everything ends… Except for the love of we pour into others and into the world.” Here’s to great mentors 🥂🤝

[@masternamer1959]

I'm simply sorry for your loss and am here if you need in any way. Grief is a wild ride. I have many thoughts and observations on it(grief) based on research as a school counselor. None of it means anything because your grief is simply that.... your grief. And that is why relationships are so meaningful, which is also why, despite our lack of relationship.... I am happy to hear your story. Thank you for being present when I needed.

[@johannacherry8206]

“Nothing matters like people do”. Thank you Bill. Thank you John.

[@sryx]

I really believe everyone comes to watch Harvey in their own time. My mother, who loved old movies, had suggested it a few times when I was a kid but I wasn't good at listening to anyone other than myself and I put it off. Eventually a room mate who was a couple years older than me and had lived through some tough times suggested it, telling me only that it is about "a person who is profoundly patient". It ended up being exactly what I needed to see. Now I have my own kids and I know enough to wait and not try and push that movie on them. The quote that sticks with me all these years later is from near the end: "In this world, you can be oh so so smart, or oh so pleasant... for years I was smart, I recommend pleasant"

[@thathobbitlife]

Thank you for sharing your vulnerability with us all. The world will remember this amazing human fondly ❤

[@nicolearnold1296]

I’m sorry for your loss, John. Mentors are one of the very best types of friends.

[@andermerful]

I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending love to you and all those who love him. ❤

[@davidzeiger1036]

John, your video on Perspective, where you tell the full story of that note from Bill has done more for me at my darkest times than i can put into words. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough for both you and Bill and all the good that you have done, in big ways and in small, but i will say it anyway: thank you.

[@tanyaosterman]

I only just came upon this video today. A truly admirable thing compassion is. Compassion/empathy is a superpower. And I often think those people who can't find it in themselves really do know on some level those who have it are stronger.

[@MimuMaki]

The most comforting thought is that you are his legacy and he can be proud.

[@lindsaysmith2796]

“Nothing matters like people do”. Beautiful

[@lunapark874]

Harvey is my favorite film of all time. Any time I'm feeling lethargic, I put it on and watch. I'm not saying it's an instant cure, but watching Elwood be as pleasant just makes me hopeful (which is all you really need in a case like that). I wouldn't have watched it if it weren't for your "Perspective" video a few years back, so thank you for that and of course, I'm so thankful to Bill.

[@elainebelzDetroit]

Man, this had me in tears. What a beautiful tribute. I wish there were more bosses like him (every time I've had a mental breakdown I've been fired over it, although they always find some other way to spin it). Thank you for sharing about him and doing so in such a way that can really encourage others to value people the way he did. FWIW, I'm with you that stories (I say that b/c I'm also thinking of films and plays) need to have some redemptive quality to be really good and true. Maybe it's the faith perspective I come from. Anyway, I will hold your friend and all who love him (but see him no more) in my prayers.

[@naif7252]

Thank you Bill for saving John's life and thus, by some extension, mine since this channel helped me stay when I was a teenager. Now, a decade later I am continuing to pay this forward whenever I see an opportunity. A smile, a word, a hand on a shoulder a movie recommendation can be enough. Thank you You are loved and worthy of love.

[@ClaireF_]

Beautiful tribute to your friend, John. I’m so so sorry for your loss. Your “Perspective” video where you first told this story struck a chord with me ever since the first time I watched it years ago and I have returned to it many times since whenever I needed it. It’s always given me such hope and I did of course watch Harvey as a result which is such a touching film. It’s amazing to think of all of the moments and experiences we pass on to others which end up having such a profound effect. Thank you John and thank you Bill ❤

[@katemoulden5145]

I'm sorry for your loss John. This is a beautiful way to honour Bill and I am sure he is smiling down from heaven while eating strawberries with the ancestors. Your love for him is clear and I am sure he knows how much you love him and care about him. Thank you for sharing Bill Ott wisdom and kind words. Bill Ott also helped save me too. Your video Perspective was one I stumbled across when I was at my lowest. I was in high school struggling with my GAD, depression, and complex trauma. Yet your voice was able to cut through all the fog in my brain and remind me that how I felt then was not how I would always feel. I rewatch your video and listen to the episode of Anthropocene Reviewed often when I have low moments. It helps every time.❤

[@bibliofowl]

Harvey is one of my favorite movies and it is because of you, John. Thanks for that. After you recommended it in a Vlogbrothers video years ago I decided to watch it. I have also recommended it wholeheartedly whenever I am asked and occasionally when I am not. Got 4 of my friends to watch it with me pretty recently at our weekly dinner and a movie.

[@sonomafiosa]

Y'know, I've been meaning to watch Harvey since the first time I read TAR, and somehow life keeps getting in the way and so it stays on the "someday" list. But I think today is finally the day. Maybe a bunch of us could choose today, in memory of Bill, and let his wisdom touch another batch of people who are valuable and worthy of love.

[@brianw1620]

There are times that I think I should read everything that John has written and study every turn and influence in his life as a master class in how to be an exceptional writer and how to be an exceptional person. This is another one of those times. Condolences for your loss, but a life well lived, that clearly helped create another.

[@AndrewTheGiants]

I started watching you and your brother when I was about 19. You have been to me what Bill was to you. To hear how important you felt he was to you, how proud he must be to see where you are now, John. To see you out there, still putting longshoremen to shame. Godspeed, Mr. Ott.

[@thomasvaneldik6227]

What an amazing and heart felt tribute (first time I cried from a KZbin video). It reminds me that we all impact each other's lives and of people we never get to meet in so many unexpected ways. John's work has given me profound hope in tough moments, and so in that sense, Bill has impacted my life more than I or he would have expected.

[@AUnicorn666]

harvey helped me find happiness and hope in a time in which i had none. thank you john and bill. Rest in peace and love based prosperity.

[@jasmine3250]

I've had this note to watch Harvey in my phone for almost a year since reading your book. I'm going through a really hard time now. I think I'll watch that this week. I'm sorry for your tremendous loss. Thank you for sharing your story about Bill with us. ❤