Grab It By The Testicle

[@charlieritchie7724]

When Dr.Suess and emeniem have a baby...You get Hank

[@WarLarkGamer]

Oh goodness someone please illustrate this in the style of Dr. Seuss.

[@aminavance2031]

Yes.

[@cehrriins123]

Yea, verily! This video is filed, in my mind, as "Look, it's 'Oh, The Places You'll Go' that doesn't make me weep."

[@juliasakowitz6586]

I've been re-watching all the Vlogbrothers videos from beginning to end and finally I've reached this, my first Vlogbrothers video.

[@drewg.4779]

This must have been a cool first vlogbrothers video. Mine was TFIOS signing madness and I was like ??? Who is this??? What is TFiOS???? ????

[@kat_the_mouse]

Magic Penguin mine was the Katniss Everdeen makeup tutorial...

[@graceelliot3959]

the way he alternates between talking in his vlogbrothers voice and his poetry voice is really throwing me for a loop

[@PieDislikerSwag]

First time I watched this I didn't realize it was a poem. The second time watching it was a completely different experience. It was so fascinating.

[@SuperNerd707]

Graduated highschool when this video came out. Now 4 years later graduating uni. Thought it would be appropriate to rewatch, and all of it still holds true.

[@amberblocker4280]

I graduate college in 5 hours. Thanks for the extra inspiration!

[@adnan7698]

How's your life 8 years later?

[@dothedeed]

Woke up 5:29 am, 5 yrs later - got some unsavory decisions to make. This randomly pops into my head. Thanks a lot brain.

[@francisdominguez6300]

every time I feel a little sad with the insecurities in life, you guys always cheer me up. you guys are amazing. thanks

[@shanew3012]

I found the transcript for this, printed it out and put it on my wall. Its honest and lovely, and extremely motivational. I think this s one of my favourite vlogbrothers videos.

[@diddleysquin]

I just came back looking for this video. I remember it first being posted and having just finished another set of courses... I felt it appropriate to re-watch. Thanks Hank.

[@mariajohansson1186]

that felt like a spoken word poem and it was epic

[@SummerLeppanen]

This is the first Vlogbrothers video I ever saw. I've been slowly watching them all from the beginning and finally got here. It's funny, I'm living a fairly unhappy first semester of college so far, and when I first heard this I was a sophomore in high school. God, does this have more meaning to me now. I mean, I've always been afraid of the fact that I don't know how to define success, but here I am, constantly feeling like I have to know even when people tell me I don't (though my advisor is the kind of person who thinks I do. Really helpful.). But this helps a bit. I'm not sure what I'm doing with my life, but hey. Who really knows where they're going to end up, let's be honest.

[@amandafinlaw]

I remember loving this when I heard it last year when I graduated, and I just came across it again since I've been watching all of the Vlogbrothers videos in order. A year later, after getting through my first very tough year of college, I understand and appreciate what Hank's saying much more. Life really is what you make it and I've learned that it's so important to take this "grab it by the balls" attitude, rather than just letting yourself be desensitized or focusing on the negative things.

[@TheFlurryofFlames]

Hank, thank you for multiple things: One, clever use o largely unknown terminologies in poetic stance, two for the inspiring words that gave me a chance, three for showing me that it's not necessarily school that teaches you what you need to know, but more .so what you learn as you go through life; being a husband, a manager, or a wife. This's shown me that without training, I can keep learning what I like, and use it publicly without fear of it waning.

[@FexloGuitar]

THE NON-POEM version of this has arrived!! Happy Graduation, Future Dead Person

[@Folopolis]

This should be played at every high school graduation, and no other speeches. High school graduation should be 5 minutes long.

[@nearlypeanuts4726]

*~Poetry* by Stan Palin Inspired by Hank Green with his poem *Grab It By The T-st-cl-* About 2 minutes in, it came as a shock that this clip was a poem and my brain unlocked and it spewed in the comments (in the nicest of ways) about how poetry can just brighten our days. Even if you really just need a good rest or are revising for test after test after test or ya need to get a load off of your chest I can honestly recommend poems: They're best. But as I ramble, you begin to ponder; if poems are that great then why not squander your own? Make a fortune and a nice gold Ferrari? Well if I'm honest; do that, you're outta harm's way Because literature is a dangerous path, it's not as easy as, like, science or math, it's "autistically delicious" to quote Dan Bull and I think that that quote is just too hot to handle. But to sum up my point, I applaud you, good sir. This poem just proves that you're not a curr. (A curr is someone who's mean, google it!) But, as to quote you, "That's about it!"

[@NoxBellatricis]

this is why I love nerdfighteria! Beautiful poem :D

[@shirmeytal9376]

this might be my favorite vlogbrothers video of all times- i just can't stop getting back here!

[@diddleysquin]

I come back every so often.. I needed this again today. thanks hank

[@Acdcrulez5000]

Solid poem and also true.

[@allicatstrike11]

I forgot how much I loved this video...

[@TediElle13]

He looks so pleased with himself at the end.

[@adityakhanna113]

He should be

[@animeluv9]

In my school the seniors all write a senior speech and the best one gets picked for graduation. This video inspired me to write mine, and it's summer, and I'll be a junior next year. The only reason I feel confident that this speech is accurate is because I have three sisters who have all gone into senior year and I've basically lived through them. Thank you for inspiring me, Mr. Hank Green.

[@danxfer]

"Success might be however you define it But if you define it wrong, you're never gonna find it." ...Inspirational.

[@RyanStorey1231]

It actually took me a minute to realize that he was rhyming. XD

[@TMartin0092]

Hank, you should come do the commencement speech at my university for my graduation in May this year. This is so great.

[@SallyWaters24]

Why has no-one got you to do a commencement speech yet?? Brilliant. :D

[@shakesfists]

I graduated college almost 2yrs ago and I've been struggling with my life and how to live it. This poem has brightened my day and I will listen to it whenever I feel down.

[@cortney2957]

I just graduated college on Saturday...I watched this and smiled and cried through the whole thing. A most sincere thank you..it truly made me feel just a little more sure of the life that I am diving into.

[@mariella44]

HAHAHAHA WHAT AN UNDERRATED VIDEO OMG CAN'T BELIEVE I'M JUST NOW SEEING THIS

[@consultingcrazy2220]

This sounds a little like a Dr.Seuss book...

[@camdentrain]

someone please illustrate this as a Dr. Sues book.

[@johnarbuckle2619]

camdentrain ++++

[@daniels9720]

+

[@Invincible117]

I still come back and watch this all the time. "Success might be however you define it, but if you define it wrong you're never gonna find it" is one of my favorite things said by anybody ever.

[@shirmeytal9376]

I watch this every few days to remind myself of what's really important in my life. I know the words by heart by now but I still watch. This video is probably my favorite VB video ever, even though I was tiny when it was uploaded.

[@Unadulteratedmadness]

I saw a connection with tim minchin In this, was it just me??

[@GuySperry]

Before Trump... Hank had this advice.

[@tas991000]

Guy Sperry well, he has the things so it is not so creepy?!

[@AEther0238]

I thought this was ganna be 'bout Trump... I'm glad it wasn't.

[@ashtuatara]

This was posted in 2011.

[@ALMG44]

My brother is graduating high school and I showed this video to him. He wanted me to thank you Hank, so on behalf of my brother Matthew, THANKS!!

[@Aprower]

I keep on coming back to this, it's kind of struck a chord with me, since I'll be going off to college after next year and the one thing that scares me the most is the future. I thank you sincerely for a piece of literature that has so inspired me and has given me something to think about, to remember that while a lot of people complain about the "real word" there really is a lot to look forward to, and a lot to hope for.

[@twinkletoes121]

My grampy, a college math professor, was famous for saying "School doesn't give you an education; it gives you the means to get an education." Basically, school should teach you how to learn because you'll need to learn new things to get through the rest of your life! Thanks for making me remember my grampy, Hank! :)

[@DendriticTrees]

I've been watching this over and over while getting ready for grad school, its amazingly comforting. Thank you Hank!

[@FandomMatters]

Hank, this just popped up in my recommended videos. I watched it when it first came out because I've been watching since 2010, but this hit me really hard re-watching, because I graduated high school in 2011 and I was thinking for the past 2 days about how much my life has changed for the better over the past few years, so this is especially resonating with me coming across it today. I've become a creator and I've found community and I've made and thought of so many new things since the first time I watched this. Thank you.

[@klick-3]

Hank, this was so amazing. I've been really lacking motivation, been falling behind at school, and having no idea about, well, anything. I saw this video the day it was uploaded and it was exactly what I needed to hear. No one in my life made the effort to say a single thing like this to me, and sure, maybe I should've known it myself. But hearing it from someone you look up to is... well, inspiring. :) Thank you, Hank. You're a really big help.

[@headachesandhairdye]

I know like half of this by heart, and when I graduate this spring I will recite it. I'll credit you, Hank, no worries - it's just that this is such a great speech with so awesome advice.

[@danielhale1]

I had fun watching this! And good advice too.

[@FringifiedWhovian]

I'm not a graduate of anything yet - just a mere sophomore in high school, yet I find myself needing to come back to this video every six months or so - whenever teachers decide it's time for me to plan my future. I surely would've had a mental breakdown without this, Hank. So, thank you.

[@jamiesonclements]

This is my favorite vlogbrothers video... I watch this whenever I get upset about my place in the world, or what I'm going to do with my life... Thanks Hank, i appreciate the uplifting lilt. :D

[@MiracleMira]

And that's from the brother who didn't major in literature, loved it. I'm finishing college this year and I do actually feel like I don't know anything, I think after I've graduated and have been looking for a job for a few months with no success I'll be replaying this poem many times over :) thanks Hanks

[@jyotilious]

Thank you, Hank for this advice. I come by to it again and again whenever I need a kick in the bum to get restarted.

[@Tbird2191]

Oh My!... I do believe I've stumbled upon the predestined mutation of Dr. Seuss!!! I love you and your brother. Your parents must be so proud!....(really, I mean that).

[@thekatzcorner]

This is still one of my favorite things ever. I will memorize this one day.

[@adaniel89]

For my last undergraduate final ever I wore my nerdfighters t-shirt. I thought it was only appropriate seeing as how i started watching Brotherhood 2.0 my first semester of college, and here i am, 4 years later still watching. It's nice that though a lot of things changed, the vlogbrother have always been a constant throughout my college career. Thanks Hank & John, for making my college experience just a little bit easier. :)

[@anifanatical]

This. Is. The. Best. Thing. Ever. I almost wish this was the speech read at my graduation.

[@GingerandNuts]

One of my first vlogbrothers videos. I found it as I was leaving high school and it put things into perspective then and it does it again now as I submit my university decision, thanks for the lesson in embracing change.

[@ninjasaur77]

i didnt really know what to do with my life nor why i'm in this life, but now i have a feeling of what i could do. and that is: no matter what i'm doing, i should try my best at it and have fun... and that i shouldnt be scared at what i'm going to do because life has so much in store for me and no matter what i'm going to do, its going to hit me with what it has and before that happens, i need to make it the memories last and have fun with it. thank you hank :)

[@tppeters06]

My last week of high school, Hank made this video. I didn't want to leave high school. This video helped. I watch it now when college makes me feel like I can't go on. Thank you, Hank.

[@HarmlessVampire13]

I will show this to my little sister next year when she graduates from high school! This came out the same year I graduated from high school, and it made me feel so much better about life. So, thank you :D

[@magnoliamae27]

I'm envisioning graduation speeches reciting this poem all over the country for the next few weeks... Also, I found it quite helpful, one year post-grad; I felt like a total bum being lost and unemployed for 7 months... then ended up finding my dream job as an English teacher in Prague, CZ. The poem just put words to what I was searching for before moving here. So, thanks Hank! And I'm looking forward to your next album :-)

[@TheAussiePom66]

Hank, I would like to say a massive thanks to you for making this video. I am currently working on an assessment task for my English class about poetic language and techniques and you have given me not only a great poem, but one written by a person i admire. cheers!

[@merrymerry8456]

I watched the whole of this channel (it took about a month and a half using pretty much all of my screen time) and I think this one is my favorite.

[@burfordpop]

I was re watching some of your old videos whilst looking after my newborn niece and the second you started singing, she started smiling! You are loved by even tiny baby nerdfighters! DFTBA ~ nerdfighter Kathryn

[@WelmanJr]

Hey Vlogbrothers... so I've been watching your videos for about 6 months give or take a few months...I'm from South Africa and am facinated by your videos... I have now decided to start watching your videos in order. You two are so AWESOME!!! DFTBA!

[@ShadowedxTruth]

Thank you, Hank. I'm in a bit of a sick-tired delirium right now so I don't think all of that processed, but from what I did get it was awesome. I'll watch it again when I'm not longer sick.

[@greatstuffrocks]

as a mom to 5 sons i must applaud you here... i shall systematically and chronologically post and share this to each as they get closer to that teen milestone/ graduation/ any other excuse i can thnk offff... alas i have no testicles but i too can reap the wisdom and rapier witted advice contained herein

[@colorblindpony]

I've listened to this probably 20 times. It's wonderful and encouraging :] Graduating on the 26th! Thanks Hank!

[@LovesSummerStuff]

wow. very well done hank. basically your saying that I have to savour the next stage, and infact all, of my life and do my best that I can and to enjoy it. that I might be insecure and scared about leaving a my current stucture of learning, and thats normal, but I should embrace it because it might be brilliant. That helps. its scary, but it helps. I am excited for tasting the cherry of life. A fear/hope/diet coke/rainbows combo will at the very least be interesting.

[@fromscratchauntybindy9743]

LOVE THIS! Perfect timing as I'm moving states and with be unemployed old and moneyless!

[@hacsacka]

About to find out my A Level results, and therefore whether I got into university. This always makes me feel more confident about the future whatever happens. Thank you so much Hank for giving me such brilliant advice. I owe you a lot.

[@cloudedreverie]

I graduate with my masters next week and I've been pondering about the next step of my life and what I might do with it. This helped the fear and wonder of it all easier to think on - thank you.

[@graceelliot3959]

for a second i was like.... why is he talking so weirdly? and then i realized it's a poem

[@muzix414]

I love this... My favorite video so far

[@t474k]

You posted this 13 years ago and it is helping me now, 13 years later. tHANKs 👍❤️

[@009untitled]

This is my favorite vlogbrothers video... I love it even more now that I'm graduating high school

[@kathyh8047]

Received my undergrad certificate yesterday, and this morning I thought of this video again 💜 turns out I can still recite it almost word for word 🙈

[@Phie_Mc]

Wow... this popped up for me as a recommended video in 2019! Hank looks like an adorable puppy!

[@Dragonfire76]

This was probably the best graduate speech I'll hear in the next few months. I'll be sending it to all my friends, just so you know. :)

[@allahbama420]

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss I liked this video alot, and so would Dr Seuss, I believe.

[@kitkatkid09]

ive watched this so many times. its just helping me get through, finals, and relationships, and basically just life. Thanks sooooo much for this vid Hank, it really speaks to me and i cant explain how much that means. :) keep up the good work.

[@mimi_wandering]

This was an amazing video/poem. I'm not a grad, but I graduated high school last year and had the crappiest freshman year of college ever. I felt like I regressed in my knowledge, and that sucks. But this is motivational, and just... thank you for being you, Hank.

[@isaiahtheraccoon8928]

This title is so much funnier now in the light of certain events during the 2016 US election.

[@DarkGreenNails]

Ahhhh! Poetry slam is the best thing ever! This one is quite spectacular too, I might add.

[@BeccaMoses]

My dad majored in history. And psychology. He has a job as a project manager at an online testing company.

[@mischief_demon]

for the love of god Hank plz put a beat behind this masterpiece

[@SplintersOfHope]

Holy mother effer. This was awesome, and though I only just finished my first year of college, I have definitely taken this gradution poem to heart. Thank you for this.

[@ariannacheveldave]

I'll be listening to this again in a couple of years when I'm looking for words of hope to guide me to the next stage of my life. Dr. Seuss would be proud, Hank.

[@alieneduardo]

I took the hassle of signing into my account just to give you thumbs up and congratulate you for this original and clever video, wish more people gave the same effort you do when making videos, nice job.

[@TheEvilGoat456]

Greatest video Hank's ever made. Though the competition was fierce :) More moving and inspirational and motivational than anything I've ever heard. If only there was some way for him to become every person on earth's guidance counselor...

[@SunnyQueso]

I love this video!! I've been going through the blog brothers archives watching each playlist in chronological order and this is my favorite so far!! DFTBA

[@abstruseglitch]

I sent this to my cousin who recently graduated high school. He loved it.

[@rosemaries69]

I graduated university this February. It's true, everything looks enormous and vague. Nothing is clear. And no one can give you a clear advice. I am sick of advice actually. The fact is that I do not know what I really want, and until I find out I waste time. Wish me good luck, and I wish good luck to all of you who are lost and try to make a decision.

[@ofofob]

I love this video because it made me not have a panic attack while I was registering for classes.

[@rogerdotlee]

That. Just. Rocked. Hard. I only wish someone had taken the time to explain this to me back in the early 80s when I was young enough to know everything. Thankfully it's not too late.

[@SuiteKarelia]

I just want to take the time to thank that wonderful vlogger who made this named Hank. I am part of the class of 2011, and I'm hoping that college will be more like heaven.

[@gr8m8watch]

I'm almost 18, and graduating soon. And yes, I don't know jack. But I do know how to learn - And how to teach myself what I need. I know I'm set. :] Thank you, Hank. Whoever the eff you are. You're a pretty awesome dude.

[@SomeoneBeginingWithI]

He majoured in biochemistry and now wrights motivational poetry for nerds and delivers it in video form. We love you Hank!

[@HeBreaksLate]

I slept through my college graduation commencement address 4 years ago and in those intervening years I've had a bunch of different jobs, none of which had anything to do with either of my majors. I say that whatever you do, do it well and if you can't find it in yourself to do what you're doing well then it's time to move on to something new.

[@DinoDudeDillon]

Hank, this is one of your best videos. Make more like this please.

[@HarryPotterTrio91]

Just graduated high school yesterday and needed to come back to see this video. It's still brilliant, as always. :)

[@Eliemarieee]

Hank Green, you made this Madison High School c/o 2011 (almost) graduate cry. You're wonderful