How 'bout Yours?

In which a new John takes a new walk in new woods.
The Anthropocene Reviewed book is available for preorder now: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo... (All preorders of the U.S. edition will be signed.)
This video contains a clue. The clue leads to a secret livestream. It is possible to solve the clue on your own, but more practical to do so in collaboration with others. You can join a clue-solving team at / nerdfighters , tuataria.com/join, or at other nerdfighter groups listed here: nerdfighteria.com/online-nerd...
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If you're able to donate $2,000 or more to this effort, please join our matching fund: secure.pih.org/a/be-the-match...
John's twitter - / johngreen
Hank's twitter - / hankgreen
Hank's tumblr - / edwardspoonhands
Listen to The Anthropocene Reviewed at www.theanthropocenereviewed.org
Listen to Dear Hank and John at www.dearhankandjohn.org
Book club: www.lifeslibrarybookclub.com/

[@vlogbrothers]

Hi. Two things! 1. The Anthropocene Reviewed book is available for preorder now: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/672554/the-anthropocene-reviewed-by-john-green/ (All preorders of the U.S. edition will be signed. The signed copy ISBN is 978-0-525-55521-6.) 2. This video contains a clue. The clue leads to a secret livestream. It is possible to solve the clue on your own, but more practical to do so in collaboration with others. You can join a clue-solving team at reddit.com/r/nerdfighters, tuataria.com/join, or at other nerdfighter groups listed here: nerdfighteria.com/online-nerdfighter-communities Thanks. -John

[@lukjad007]

And the Canadian edition, right? I ordered mine from Indigo.

[@willlegok9]

0:11 (clue)

[@TheRealMystProductions]

Of course it does

[@vlogbrothers]

@@lukjad007 Yes, same edition! -John

[@readingguy6041]

Hey John, I think you should have a look at this XKCD comic: xkcd.com/915/ as I think it will provide you some solace when signing psychosis sets in.

[@TheBamword15]

I love the new "John walking through the forest" series.

[@pixiepearls3]

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[@meechisminners]

Thoughts from places: the nature editions

[@_the_]

Nature is right now the only place left to go

[@mrclueuin]

@@meechisminners 👍+

[@ouaiscestvrai]

Thoughts from Never Quite the Same Places

[@savitar8183]

“The walk is different because the person taking it has changed”

[@Goldlucky13]

when he said that it really made me ponder. i recently went back to a hiking spot that i previously enjoyed with a significant ex and it was so different. not sad nor better. but it was a different walk. maybe i was noticing different tree growth, or experiencing a different scent of the forest. but i think it was just because i was in a different mental place that i had such a different thought process than when i had been there before. life is crazy

[@squanchy474]

I sounder if Wallace Stevens was intentionally building upon or referencing the Heraclitus quote “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.”

[@maryjewell461]

This also really reminded me of Holden Caulfield's experience of the natural history museum...

[@caseycoulahan5668]

Reminds me Thoreau's Walden: "Things do not change; we change."

[@tessaviolet]

didn't expect to cry but here we are

[@miralauren9373]

Woah it's so cool that you watch this channel. John's video made me want to write a song about bridges.

[@MsWaterlily100]

Omg your a nerd fighter too! DFTBA

[@Malinda]

John. Thank you. Thank you for this video, and thank you for the years and years of articulating what I couldn’t find the words for. Xx

[@holyknightthatpwns]

It makes me so happy that you're a fan of this channel :) Your music has been something I've held on to when my bridge has been frightening

[@erkindanger]

And thank YOU, Malinda! DFTBA google-translated is still DFTBA

[@EpicKate]

It's so wonderful to know where the poets and world changers are and to be able to leave comments on their channels.

[@Karishma_Unspecified]

Hi Malinda! Wasn't expecting to see you here. I hope you find peace here in the same manner I do

[@theatticaddict]

Whassup I'm here before this comment gets big

[@alexistai5456]

“My bridge is terrifying. How ‘bout yours?” That line really hit me. In light of all the election stuff, it’s been hard to relate to certain members of my family. I need to do a better job of listening to and believing them. Sure we have different perspectives, but their perspectives on issues are real (even if we disagree about the solutions).

[@brandonthesteele]

The world will be a better place if we all do that. Do not over extend yourself by trying to relate to them though. Make sure they're actually making an effort to listen to and believe YOU, as well.

[@doing_aok]

i feel lucky that none of my family is too different than me but it also makes me struggle with this. how can i listen and understand someone who doesn’t believe that me and my friends qualify as people? it’s like walking the same bridge but one person refusing to acknowledge that there is a bridge in the first place

[@nathancampbell6783]

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[@frostyskeletons8950]

The Olive Kay Agreed. Empathy and trying to relate to one another is great, but at some point you hit a wall of the other person doesn’t “believe” in your humanity

[@NickGreyden]

@@frostyskeletons8950 Maybe... but it is most helpful for me to remember that even if they don't believe in my humanity, I believe in it, and to remind myself to always believe in theirs. Their qualifiers and definitions do not define me any more than mine do them. The groups I lump them into are done so for my benefit of cataloging people and information, but the pigeon holes formed of my mind contain only the illusion of pigeons instead of complex people who, it is almost a certainty, I do not understand fully. Keeping that thought in mind when interacting with someone who not only disagrees, but vehemently disagrees with you can help gnaw away at the desire to stick them in a large box marked "Other: Not to be Valued".

[@amandaclark1036]

I've never met John, but he feels like an old and dear friend.

[@NintendoCapriSun]

I needed this. BIG TIME. The bridge analogy, just... whew.

[@asher8467]

*waves* Hi Tim! It's weird seeing you on a non-TRG video.

[@shanleee]

I have had such a rough few weeks. This gave me a lot of comfort and peace. Can’t wait for the fourth one.

[@vlogbrothers]

Sorry you've been having a rough time. Wishing you light. -John

[@shanleee]

Thank you so much John, your reply was just enough to push me over the edge into that well-needed cry that’s been boiling up for a while, so thanks for that. ❤️❤️

[@sirohartmann]

Shanlee Seiler-Porter for me too. Thank you as well Shanlee.

[@sweet-beaks]

Same here.

[@psychokittypancake]

"these days i barely know how i am, let alone why I am" is my new favorite john green quote

[@zlatanjakic7717]

Describes thisnyear perfectly.

[@cassie2103]

I just sent that quote to like 6 people because it so perfectly explains my headspace.

[@tegan6554]

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[@belindaweber7999]

I want this on a tee shirt

[@celineg7080]

"you must find a way to really listen to this other person's answer, and to believe in their experience as fully as we believe in our own." thanks, John! i'll keep that in mind.

[@shinythegardener1731]

That gutted me. I stood up to make a cup of tea.

[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“Anybody can look at you. It's quite rare to find someone who sees the same world you see.” ― John Green, Turtles All the Way Down

[@marycl4709]

Having an empathy dial that goes up to 11 is a truly special thing.

[@MissElemmire]

It must be hard sometimes, though...

[@akhilap8496]

Like Will Graham😂

[@emalinel]

@@MissElemmire oh it definitely is. But at times we try to remember that our ability to empathize with many people is also a gift. A gift that is often overlooked by many but very precious to the people we choose to extend our hand to :)

[@MissElemmire]

@@emalinel Thank you for sharing your point of view ! :-)

[@sherrysung8334]

It's only a gift if you can turn it on and off. Otherwise it is torture and makes 'normal' life impossible.

[@bornontotrouble]

As someone dealing with depression and has been having a rough go lately, "How I currently am is not how I'll always be," is such a powerful line. I need to remember that one. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@The_Serpent_of_Eden]

Same! Really resonated with me. Going through some hard times right now and very sick with depression. "This too shall pass," my friend.

[@datruommi]

It really reminded me of a cheesy something that younger I wrote a couple of decades past: "Me tomorrow is not me today; it's me two days from yesterday" While rhyming "day" with "day" isn't very inspired, I'm still secretly proud of the thing child me made. I fear change. Yet, for good or for bad, it will always come. Whether I wish it or not, tomorrow I will be different. And that's probably, on average, a good thing.

[@heatherwanderer777]

As someone who has dealt with a lifetime of depression, I too felt that resonance. It is something that I wish I could go back to 14 year old me and tell her, that the way she feels that day is not how it will always be. Some days are better then they were and some are worse but they are never static, never truly the same. Sometimes the differences and subtle changes in the levels are what is just enough to keep me interested in hanging around long enough to see them through their own evolution for better or worse...the eternal curiosity about what will be, is one that can't ever be answered until its lived.

[@gender-gremlin]

@@datruommi for what its worth, i really like your "cheesy something". The repetition of day with the different beginnings helps emphasize the difference between the two. Of course i know nothing about writing so that could be nonsensical but hey, do we really need reasons to like pieces of art. 💜💜💜

[@salma-amlas]

I feel you... I kinda teared up a bit when he said that.

[@meri3580]

I love the sort of reverse pathetic fallacy of “the weather’s worse and I’m better”

[@mxm1117]

Reminds of a passage from Catcher in the Rye: “The best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was. Nobody'd move. You could go there a hundred thousand times, and that Eskimo would still be just finished catching those two fish, the birds would still be on their way south, the deers would still be drinking out of that water hole, with their pretty antlers and their pretty, skinny legs, and that squaw with the naked bosom would still be weaving that same blanket. Nobody'd be different. The only thing that would be different would be you. Not that you'd be so much older or anything. It wouldn't be that, exactly. You'd just be different, that's all. You'd have an overcoat this time. Or the kid that was your partner in line the last time had got scarlet fever and you'd have a new partner. Or you'd have a substitute taking the class, instead of Miss Aigletinger. Or you'd heard your mother and father having a terrific fight in the bathroom. Or you'd just passed by one of those puddles in the street with gasoline rainbows in them. I mean you'd be different in some way - I can't explain what I mean. And even if I could, I'm not sure I'd feel like it.”

[@hannahmartha1]

Same!

[@manyChameleons]

"I am almost across the bridge, and I can hold onto something if I need to." I have to ask - John, is your life always this metaphorically resonant, or has being an author led you to hone a skill for turning memories into poetic devices? Because you're consistently very good at it. Can't wait for The Anthropocene Reviewed book.

[@deepanshukataria1025]

Agreed !!

[@benjaminlquinlan8702]

The still small voice

[@renaissanceguy2445]

The boxes have returned

[@vlogbrothers]

Nature finds a way. -John

[@sexyscientist]

Eyy, Astrocam!

[@deborahmoyo6299]

You know the video is about to get deep when John is outside, makes me want to go outside and ponder things/events in my life :’)

[@theturniptress805]

Comment sections here are hands down the best all across youtube

[@BillMarion]

"My bridge is terrifying, how about yours?" I'll be chewing on that for a while. Good stuff.

[@rickmoranis7556]

How do you remember these quotes from poems and books? I never remember anything I read and it makes me sad.

[@vlogbrothers]

Hi, Rick Moranis. Big fan. I don't really remember them; I just remember snippets of them and then I google them and then I recite them from a script while recording a video and THEN after doing all of that I sorta remember them but not always. I feel like information is always coming and going from my brain, like breath--going in and going out. -John

[@gaildoughty6799]

vlogbrothers That’s a perfect description of what goes on.

[@GuanoLad]

@@vlogbrothers Poetry is just song lyrics without the music. If we can remember songs, we can remember poems.

[@AychJayBee]

It's so comforting to me the way he recites him. My grandpa loved memorizing quotes and poems. He'd rattle them off randomly all of the time. It reminds me of that. When my grandpa passed away, I got a couple of his little poem books. One of them has notes in all of the margins from him, noting which ones he wanted to memorize and which ones he thought were good or excellent. I love that and I hope one day I can memorize stuff and recite it the way my grandpa and John did.

[@ExTex23]

@@AychJayBee Reading your post made my heart melt, thank you :) I wish you all the best

[@connierobinson1090]

I worry all the time about whether my bridge is the “real” bridge, and about how much I can change it. It can be really lonely to be the only one on the bridge that is scared of it.

[@shellh929]

If it feels real to you, it's real. It's really hard to feel alone but it's very likely that you're not the only one who feels like you do. It doesn't always help exactly but I try to remind myself that while I might feel isolated, I'm not alone. You've got this. 💛

[@irfansheikh3046]

Wow

[@itisdevonly]

I feel this.

[@ThousandTimesBefore]

I wonder if there even is a _real_ bridge, if everyone experiences it differently

[@jar-jar3806]

Hang in there, you beautiful manifestation of the universe

[@ParyMarker]

My favorite poem is by Shel Silverstein: "MR. SMEDS AND MR. SPATS Mr. Spats Had twenty-one hats, And none of them were the same. And Mr. Smeds Had twenty-one heads And only one hat to his name. Now, when Mr. Smeds Met Mr. Spats, They talked of the Buying and selling of hats. And Mr. Spats Bought Mr. Smeds' hat! Did you ever hear anything Crazier than that?" I don't know why it's my favorite. It's just stuck with me for like 20 years.😂

[@savvivixen8490]

Grew up on Shel Silversteins poems. Owned "A Light in the Attic" and "Where the Sidewalk Ends." So many good ones! Seeing this one again made me both smile and hurt a little for the renewed perspective... All that to say, "Ah! ... Neat!"

[@ionlyeatcomfortfood]

I had a friend that passed away almost two years ago. She always made sure I felt okay. You bringing up Esther reminded me of her. I haven’t felt sad about her passing in awhile, but I can now remember her with a smile. Love you and your videos John.

[@tegan6554]

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[@Nalgetss]

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[@gender-gremlin]

I'm sorry for your loss and I'm happy you can smile at the memories you have. I hope you are feeling okay, and if you aren't i hope that you know its okay to not be okay. 💜💜💜 (Sry this is so cheesy, its sincere though. That might make it worse. Oops)

[@miche8868]

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[@deepanshukataria1025]

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[@sarahgrin]

As a choral musician and conductor, this pandemic time has been really existential. “These days I barely know how I am, much less why I am” really resonates. Feeling extra fragile today. Thanks for helping me feel not so alone. ❤️

[@Karishma_Unspecified]

Fragility seems to be more common than I thought. Here's a virtual hug. I hope we feel better soon.

[@ceciliapeyser663]

I know what you mean! It’s so hard to find motivation, even to do the things you love. (At least that’s been my experience as a choral student) Thank you for doing what you’re doing. Best wishes

[@EpicKate]

You are not alone. Hugs from a stranger in Sweden.

[@Sinnistering]

I think my favorite part about John's attitude is he makes me not afraid of getting 'old'. Even more, he kind of makes me *excited* about it. In this world of endless to-do's and constant notifications, it feels unbearable to think about the vagueness of becoming Old--of not being able to keep up, of not being able to Do, like it's this instinctual need that I must constantly, always, be doing something. And then. John shows me that that's not the whole story. Because the whole story is complicated beyond any single person's understanding. Because, there is nature outside, and it exists, and the seasons change, and our day-to-day, second-to-second existence of Doing is meaningless. And all we can do is love each other, and do our best. It just. John's videos--and his attitude in general--give me this sense of connection and peace, and it makes me stop and take a breath. And then I realize just how winded this modern lifestyle of nonstop sprinting through life has left me. I think I want to find a forest to take a walk in. At the very least, it will give me some time to catch my breath.

[@kamiiixoxo]

I've watched this video about 10 times now, John used to be my favorite author when I was younger, I specially loved TFIOS, buy five years ago my boyfriend died, It was a completely different situation, he died in a motorcycle accident in a rainy day while he was going to class, but that moment really changed my life, I had never lost anyone before, we were only 20 and were about to go on a trip to Europe, the thing is, it really affected me, and I couldn't read Jhon's books or watch his videos because they reminded me of my boyfriend, but lately I've been watching again and this video made me thing about me for once. About how I tent to downplay my own pain, when He died I was extremely sad, but I thought about his parents and his sisters and thought that my pain didn't even begin to compare to theirs, I thought that even if I was suffering they were suffering so much more, I didn't thing that my bridge was just different than theirs and that my pain also mattered, and I think the same thing is happening with the pandemic, It's been really hard for my mental health, I've always been an anxious person and I very much afraid of illnesses in general so to have to go through a PANDEMIC as really taken a toll on me. I life in Ecuador, and I'm fortunate enough to have a job, a house to live in, ZOOM yoga and flexibility classes and a family that has remain healthy this entire time, so I constantly think that I should be grateful for what I have and not complain, I think that I should be fine and happy and be positive all the time, even when some days I feel extremely sad that I can't do my favorite thing (aerial silks) in the world, I'm sad because I haven't been able to see my friends in person in over six months, I'm sad because I lost one of my jobs and because I can't go outside without being scared no matter if I'm alone, or if I'm extremely careful, but John always makes me reflect on the things that really matter, this video gave me a lot of clarity, and I feel relieved now that I think is okay to acknowledge that the bridge is different to all of us, mine has been hard, and the fact that other people had it worst doesn't make your pain meaningless, so, my bridge has been really hard, how bout yours? att: Kamila C

[@freyamortonn]

ITS BEEN 5 LONG MONTHS BUT WE FINALLY DID IT BOIS WE COMPLETED ALL STAR

[@hissingfaunaa]

We have alot of ands left, and "she was"

[@freyamortonn]

@@hissingfaunaa there's no way theyre actually gonna do those little ones tho

[@emilymacdougall184]

@@freyamortonn They might take that as a challenge...

[@freyamortonn]

@@emilymacdougall184 aha that'd be funny if they do

[@vlogbrothers]

I do not know what this comment is in reference to. -John

[@kiyahforever]

This series of Smash Mouth Lyric titles reminds me of found poetry. You've taken words from an imperfect text, and turned it into something breathtakingly beautiful. Thank you both.

[@bimbobaggins4521]

John I’m not good at puzzles and these clues are killing me.

[@shellh929]

Go to one of the Nerdfighter places he mentions in the pinned comment. It can be satisfying to see others solving the clues in real time. It's okay not to be good at puzzles. 💛

[@bumbastickbubblegum]

@@shellh929 "it's okay not to be good at puzzles" 🥺!

[@francescakyanda9182]

Wow, that makes me feel better

[@mrclueuin]

I was too busy feeling to look for Clues! Ack! (O.k., I'll join a group or something. Umm, you guys wouldn't have possible seen a starting point for a clue would you? 😁)

[@shellh929]

@@bumbastickbubblegum Did I grammar wrong or something?

[@JamesyHerald]

This reminds me of a quote by Heraclitus, "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man."

[@juliabrooks1203]

“John goes for a walk” is my favorite genre of vlogbrothers videos

[@pixiepearls3]

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[@ashketchup247]

"Theses days I barely know how I am, let alone why I am." Sums up 2020 quite well.

[@muttmania]

This was nice. The Dear Hank and John podcast has really been helping me out this year. I sometimes get stir crazy and irritable being around my family members, being a 21 year old still living at home. My fight for personal space, and independence is a daily struggle. Anyway, I listen to your podcast when I walk my dog in the evenings and it really improves my mood. Let's me forget about all that stressful life stuff for a while. I'm always much more clear headed by the time I get home. So thank you guys :)

[@DiamondDogVenomSnake1984]

I know it's a small thing but I love that John usually includes himself turning off his camera at the end of his videos. I can't really explain why I love it, but I do love it.

[@Xidnaf]

Only one more line? I think only one more line?!!?!?!?!?

[@itisdevonly]

nope, this was the last one, unless they go for either "she was" or "I ain't" but they aren't really full expressions

[@daydodog]

@@itisdevonly "she was" is an expression

[@A.Mayflower127]

daydodog “SHE IS” THANK YOU VERY MUCH

[@sorayacatfriend]

XIDNAF, ARE YOU EVER GOING TO MAKE A NEW VIDEO, I USED TO LOVE YOUR CHANNEL.

[@enderwiggins8248]

Lol I thought you were dead, I’m glad you follow vlogbrothers

[@tessaviolet]

wow i really loved this

[@Naiyelli]

This really helps to understand what sympathy is. “You’re bridge may be scary, even if mine isn’t”.

[@chadibakhta7922]

I've always found Heraclitus' "you can't cross the same river twice" wise, but couldn't quite figure out why until now. Thanks John. #DFTBA

[@volleyballbabe1114]

“these days i barely know how i am, let alone why i am.” the end of this video made me cry. why? DONT KNOW! but thank you! ❤️ i feel a little less lonely today.

[@qnicole1679]

A poem on autumn that has stuck with me for years. I don't remember who wrote it but maybe someone else might enjoy it: "Autumn, Urge me to drop every leaf I don't need - Every task of habit I repeat past its season, Every sorrow I rehearse Every unfulfilled hope I recall Every person or possession to which I cling Until my branches are bare, until I hold fast to Nothing. Blow me about in your wild iron sky crush all that's puffed up Fluff all in me that needs to go to seed, send all my shadows to sleep. Tutor me through straining night winds Open my eyes to your languid light Let me stare into your face Until I see no difference between soar and fall Until I recognize eternity in single breaths. Show me the way of dying in glorious boldness. Yellow, gold, orange, rust, red burgundy, brown." Gets me every time.

[@ZzuniaSZ]

It’s been two years since you posted this comment and this poem, but thank you. I did enjoy it.

[@marcuswhitson5139]

Every time you guys talk about Esther, I love the impact that she had on this community more and more. The reminder that we must listen to everyone's experience, and their reality is always good. I may disagree and say that the only true reality is the one defined by God in the Bible, but it's god to see others besides myself that want to look at the experiences of others objectively, to truly seek to understand the person next to me.

[@Skincognito]

I’m in 7+ hours of therapy every day. “My bridge is terrifying, how about yours?” hit so hard. I am always so incredibly grateful to hear AND read your words. Sometimes it’s just what I need to gain a new perspective or take another step on the terrifying bridge. 🖤

[@ueblay]

Sending you love.

[@kd1inoly693]

💕 keep fighting your way across the bridge!

[@emalinel]

Ah.....that bridge anology really hit me. Sometimes I only see parts of people's stories, so there's often this disconnect of why those things happened to them or how they've come to feel that way. But I have to remind myself that sometimes that person doesn't know how or why either, they just know something's wrong and the best I can do is offer my time to listen. Thanks for the reminder, John and Esther.

[@catherinecase1142]

I’ve been self conscious this week, because in some sense I know that the bridge I’m on isn’t very high, but MY bridge has been difficult. Esther’s empathy, even shared through story, is a comforting reminder to be more gentle with myself if I need something to hang on to.

[@menuchacolish]

“‘my bridge is terrifying, how about yours” is exactly how i’ve been feeling

[@vinicius99157]

Its good to share a walk so that if we are crossing a safe bridge, we can make others' bridges safer too

[@dragonbeauty713]

The lovely thoughtfulness of how much Ester means to you always brings tears to my eyes. Her legacy shines on.

[@annapalmer2079]

I’ve been scared recently that what I love will never exist in the same way that I used to. That live music will never be the same, that I won’t play in a large band for a very large time. Then I see positive things coming from people on the internet what joys they bring into my life. It reminds me that there are positive things to look for.

[@csickginger]

The silent pause at the end before turning off the camera, just 🥰 beautiful. Allowing space for us to just BE

[@eringiesler6485]

What I love most about rivers is You can't step in the same river twice The water's always changing, always flowing

[@poppybranton458]

These meditations have a soothing effect. Thank you.

[@rekasztaray6353]

My hand would die signing all those sheets... But thank you!!! I can’t wait:))

[@materialism236]

i have a friend who passed away a little over six years ago. he would have been 31 this past may. my regular pandemic walking route takes me past the place where his house used to be - only, the family sold the land to developers and two large attached homes stand where their little one family home with the expansive front yard used to be. families with children and large SUVs live in a space where quads were regularly parked on the lawn. i look over for a second longer than i do the other houses, i walk away. rinse, repeat. i spent many of my formative years in that house with my friends, and he was like a brother to me, though our relationship was strained toward the end of his life. now, when i walk by that space, i realize that my image of this same route i walked so many times as a teenager only exists in my mind now. and i am necessarily different because of this, despite this, and regardless of this fact. i take immense comfort in knowing things that the people who occupy that space don't know. i return to that memory a lot. i miss him, but i also miss that version of myself. this version of me is burdened with knowledge in the way that girl back then wasn't. this video came at a really essential time for me, john, and i thank you for that. i've been a fan for a long time, of both vlogbrothers and your books, but i've never commented. i've always felt too shy to, but this felt like the right time. i've taken the same path to your channel a thousand times, only today it's different, and i'm different thank i was yesterday. thanks for reading, anyone who does.

[@shadesofvioletcat]

I’ve been a little dismayed at the fact that I keep walking the same loop everyday with my dog because quarantine but you’re right, John, it’s never the same walk, it’s never the same path, it’s never the same bugs I come across or sky overhead. Even the smells are different and noticing how the change in seasons changes the smells has been a small joy. How silly of me to forget. Thank you for reminding me :)

[@tmntallthewaydw]

we just have a series of " walks in the woods with john" videos now i love it

[@daveinacave]

I am reminded of the end of one of my favorite poems- “If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run, yours is the earth and everything that’s in it- and, which is more, you’ll be a man, my son.” Rudyard Kipling’s poem is almost as good as his name. But you also let me know that it’s okay to have a different sixty seconds and a different distance worth running- and that it’s okay to be a different man, than the one I used to be.

[@NyleGames]

I subscribed to this channel back in late 2007, I would watch the videos occasionally but never regularly for some reason. These past 6 months I have been watching them regularly, as I am currently self-isolating alone I find the momentum of my mood hard to shift. When I shift into a good mood it fortunately stays like that for a few weeks, and likewise when I'm feeling down it stays like that for quite a while. However the regularity of these videos (similar to your walks), little 4 minute bubbles of joy, always manage to shift my mood in a good direction. I'm very thankful. Take care everyone. :)

[@amberjohnson6741]

John just really has a way of making me cry through self realization and I'm honestly quite fond of his ability to do this. Just beautiful words overall.

[@sayna3821]

“Your bridge may be scary even if mine isn’t.”

[@bimbo6345]

John, this is encouraging me to go for a walk with my copy of A Thousand Mornings and soak in some nature and calm myself (and my OC brain) down with Mary Oliver poetry. I think it’ll help me in crossing my current bridge. Thank you and this community for making it less terrifying :)

[@rickycast1502]

Had a good cry after watching this video, any time John talks about Esther I go. I remember the video with the bridge and the gelato and the soccer ball, I remember the video John made when she passed, amazing that this girl I never met and who left so early is still impacting so many people even through all the worldsuck. Wishing you well, Greens. Thank you again and again👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@emdavis]

This poem reminded me of a quote I once heard: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” I hope you're doing alright, John. I know life has it's weird bouts of inexplicable ups and down, but I am so grateful for you and your thoughts.

[@Selina1109DL]

I love this style of vlog- the ASMR of leaves crunching with the calm voiceover - also just preordered your book 😄

[@SolaceEasy]

"The weather's worse, but I'm better." My teacher always counselled: "Just notice." In other words: And that happened, then that happened, then..."

[@timothytimh4321]

It’s so good to see you here. I am older than you and in my small world of sociability it is easy to think that young people are removed from story outside of superheroes or celebrities. Watching your videos informs me that there are many, many young people who are connected to poetry and story and this gives me rest. A feeling that is “settled”. This on top of your content is contenting of itself.

[@jayequinn590]

I needed to hear this today. It helped me make sense of how I’ve been feeling lately and gave me a kind of nostalgia for things that haven’t passed yet. Thanks, John.

[@phredshunkie3487]

We all need an “Esther” in our lives, and I need to be more like her. We all would be better by empathizing with each other. I would like to be better and listen. Thank you John.

[@thespaceace555]

Oh, good morning John. Thanks for the wisdom. I guess we now have an answer to that age-old, oft-pondered question, "What's your favorite bridge?"

[@tiaraono7668]

The way you talk about life, the world, and our paths through it strikes me at such a deep level that I find myself near tears when ever you make a video like this. Not because I'm sad, but because I'm moved. I started listening to the Anthropocene Reviewed for this very reason and have only be more and more impressed. I can't wait for the book, though I will getting it in Audio book. Maybe, I'll listen to it when I take my own walks through woods. Thank you John.

[@baehbee7583]

its so comforting to know that someone thinks about things like this and not just me, you put everything in words

[@ohrwein7154]

Taking a walk on the same route is like talking about the same memories with the same people in those memories . You’ve changed, they’ve changed and so do the memories. Those memories are not true, the feeling you have about them are

[@curiositykilledthekat]

Are you gonna have a new fill-up counter for the signatures (or whatever it's called what even is English??)? Good luck signing all those!! ❤❤ Loved the video and maybe I should take a walk too. 👀

[@cutelittledevil88]

+

[@vlogbrothers]

That's a good idea! -John

[@rachelmcnally8144]

Could the counter be a tree as an homage to the new forest saga?

[@lskyes]

@@vlogbrothers it could be the word Anthropocene you fill up with colours instead of the turtles

[@roguegreyjedi]

@@vlogbrothers Might I suggest a number of stars?

[@3mry_]

I'm going through a rough patch and this helped calm me down. It helped me remember that my pain won't last forever. Thank you.

[@autumnbrookesings]

Love these videos, and it always feels like a relief to hear you and others talking about the rollercoaster of emotions we are all on right now.

[@aimes_seagreen]

Damn it John I did not need to cry this morning

[@sahilkhurana_]

"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man." - Heraclitus

[@lapolaya]

Thank you, John! For this simple act of kindness, it means so much on the ever changing path I find myself. Really. Thank you. *big big hug* *another hug*

[@TheGeekyHippie]

I never met (nor interacted with) Esther, but I always appreciate hearing your memories of her. And they always bring that tightness to my eyes, that tightness that signals the readiness for tears to come (tears that don't come in my case because of all the psych meds they have me on). But I still feel a sense of sadness mixed with a joy for you that you knew someone as wonderful and caring as she must have been by your accounting. I envy you and all who knew her, but I'm glad for you, glad you have your memories of her to pull upon. And your stories you've told of her over the years make me think of my friend Ellen who I lost too soon a number of years ago, making me remember the great times I'd had with her before her struggle against cancer was lost. So I just want to thank you, John. Thank you for helping making me feel something other than the terror, anger and rage the current world has been instilling upon me. We've had our disagreements in these comments sections before, but you and Hank are still among my favorite people in America, if not the world. With tremendous 💙 and respect, Glenn.

[@TRayTV]

This poem sounds suspiciously like: "No man walks into the same river twice."

[@thomaswalker2005]

I guess the water will change as well

[@sriha]

hi John! The Anthropocene Reviewed seems to show up in my life right when I need it. I was listening to your segment on AcaDeca when I remembered that two years ago I quoted another segment you did on Amazon grocery stores in my own AcaDeca speech (I did quite well) without knowing that you too once had been a competitor. I've graduated high school now, and there are plenty other examples of the podcast showing up with wisdom when I need it now in college. For example, I think it was some piece about meandering waters and time, and it was solace after a friend of mine had passed away. Reminds me a bit of the way you talk now about Ester in this video. Anyways, none of this was very cohesive or covered all of what I was trying to get across, but thank you for your words. I'm looking forward to the book!

[@francescakyanda9182]

The AcaDeca episode was my first one too!

[@terriblej6107]

Thank you for sharing this. Talking about your own pain and hope and reality can help others face theirs. And you may have no idea the amount of people you have helped, thank you

[@chcknpie04]

John, Hank, I love you guys. Seriously, you are an inspiration to me, and your content is always uplifting, but never naive. In these times, that is super important. I struggle with my mental health and these last six months has had me experiencing acute existential crises in rapid succession, and your content helps me to cope. Thank you! 🙏

[@triton62674]

"These days I barely know how I am, let alone why I am"

[@PatrickOchoa8a]

I was almost expecting the onscreen john to quickly go "oh yeah, there's a clue in this video" right before it ended.

[@GingerGingie]

You are so peaceful to watch and listen to. Thank your for sharing your space and thoughts.

[@diananoriegamendoza7473]

Life has been weird for a few months now but I know I can always find comfort and understanding in vlogbrothers videos, thank you

[@AspienPadda]

Eleven friggen seconds ago and no comments so far holihecc. I love you John, thankee for making videos

[@_the_]

Just a note for myself: 0:11

[@PagesAndStages]

Somehow, you manage to say things I didn’t know I needed to hear. The sound of leaves crunching and your voice saying wise stuff is so relaxing. Thank you

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Nothing quite like a walk through what Mother Nature has to offer

[@WintaAssefa]

This is such dense vegetation though. Something could be hiding in there, man.

[@joygilman1110]

That was beautiful, John. I've been struggling so much lately, and the bridge feels endless. This made me feel heard.

[@keilapartee]

I find it completely wonderful the way you string words together to create such beautiful art.

[@kens9531]

hi john!

[@communitychannel]

[@andreaupadhya]

John, you have an uncanny ability to make me cry. Be it through your books, your videos, or through TAR, you make me feel connected and infinite and so very human. Your vulnerability fosters a need in me to also be vulnerable and I cannot thank you enough for letting us know that not only is that vulnerability beautiful but that it is necessary and needed in a world that often shuns it and ridicules it. I've been watching your videos for a long time now. First as a teen and now as a young woman with a growing need to make sense of the chaos around her. Thank you for reminding me that it's ok to take that time. To not have the answers. To find solace in the searching. To be comforted by the people around me knowing that I'm not alone in my quest. I could never put into words how much love and respect and genuine admiration I hold for you in my heart. Instead, I'll stick with the more manageable thoughts: I cannot wait to read The Anthropocene Reviewed even though I'll have to wait months (maybe even years) to get it in Nepal. Thoughts from Places will always put me in a melancholic, wistful, aching, yearning state of mind; a beautiful gift that I could never thank you enough for. And that you and your brother have touched and changed more lives than you could ever know. In more ways than you could ever imagine. Thank you. For everything. Really. Lots of love from Nepal 💕

[@marilynnobbe8034]

These talks help me get through the day. Thank you.

[@Aakifs1]

I know what the boxes mean Signing Time!