Stephen Fry - Full Address

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Stephen John Fry (born 24 August 1957) is an English comedian, actor, writer, presenter, and activist.
After a troubled childhood and adolescence, during which he was expelled from two schools and spent three months in prison for credit card fraud, he secured a place at Queens' College, Cambridge, where he studied English literature. While at university, Fry became involved with the Cambridge Footlights, where he met his long-time collaborator Hugh Laurie. As half of the comic double act Fry and Laurie, he co-wrote and co-starred in A Bit of Fry & Laurie, and took the role of Jeeves (with Laurie playing Wooster) in Jeeves and Wooster.
Fry's acting roles include a Golden Globe Award-nominated lead performance in the film Wilde, Melchett in the BBC television series Blackadder, the title character in the television series Kingdom, a recurring guest role as Dr. Gordon Wyatt on the crime series Bones, and as Gordon Deitrich in the dystopian thriller V for Vendetta. He has also written and presented several documentary series, including the Emmy Award-winning Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive, which saw him explore his mental illness. He is also the long-time host of the BBC television quiz show QI.
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[@peanutbutterbruv]

I have always respected Stephen Fry's intelligence, knowledge and eloquence. Then a 22 year old family friend died unexpectedly. Stephen lives close by and he knew her mum from the dog park. When he heard the news he asked around for her address and visited her home to pay his respects. He is a kind man.

[@garethwilkinson3456]

We all die (they do). Inevitable. It depends on what you do. NOW. Make you're own luck.

[@Klatu1234]

​ @garethwilkinson3456 Oxford has Tolkien And Stephen Fry, I think it has too much. All joking aside, I do like people with eloquence, learning and a deep understanding of the human condition. Whether it manifests itself in the books or plays or y, I think we need more of that.

[@E-s.thoughts]

@@Klatu1234 I think you're a bit wrong here, Stephen Fry studied at Queens College, Cambridge University ... so you certainly can't call him an Oxford man like Tolkien, who both studied and taught at Oxford University. By the way, I also find Stephen Fry much more interesting than someone like J.R.R. Tolkien which I am not really a fan of, neither of his literature nor of his religious vision.

[@Yelena-us2fb]

​@@Klatu1234absolutely wonderful ! I'm the lucky one to get this now ! Israel

[@iain2080]

Only Fry would casually say "I've walked into a bronchial ward,fucks sake." Absolute wizard.

[@Him__Downstairs]

It's hard to believe some people lack the good sense to get up and stop ruining it for everyone. Pity.

[@alejita1679]

If that event is held at the beginning of term, that is September to November, then he did walk into a bronchial ward. During those months, every university in the UK turns into a bronchial ward with the arrival of colds, flues and various viruses brought by the students.

[@charlesdavis7087]

Dear Him; As one matures their expression (persona), one learns to take these little coughs and sneezes, etc., as just a part of the background, like the color of the room or the spot on Stephen's shirt. Don't let the background become the foreground. CVD

[@iain2080]

Rah Rah Rasputin I know that,that was the point of my comment I assume that was in response to Charles Davis

[@alexsaynor6717]

@@charlesdavis7087 He was just joking though

[@dlawn1030]

I like how Stephen admires Wilde for his style of speaking - bringing people up to his level instead of making them feel small. I hope he realises that his ability to be absolutely himself and 100% real makes him the exact same kind of speaker.

[@stevezodiac491]

Apart from matters relating to referendum democracy, where he is far superior and of much more importance, than 52% of the voting public.

[@dlawn1030]

@@stevezodiac491 🙄 I just got the impression he was passionate about his beliefs, not that he thought he was more important than half the population. Don't be sore the Stephen disagrees with you.

[@KarmaYT-cj3ns]

Well said!!

[@drewlovelyhell4892]

I think it's fair to make that assumption. Fry is the most repected and beloved speaker the UK has had for the last fourty years!

[@Matt-cz6ti]

There stands one of the finest examples of humanity ever produced

[@benwatts2087]

Matt Dean No, I can think of one much better. "Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent then the one derived from fear of punishment." -Mahatma Gandhi

[@GourmetMusicVec]

Ben Watts Although I see your point - Mahatma Gandhi was not really all that what he's pictured to be today. e.g. he "let" his wife die because their religion did not allow for western medicine, even though British doctors offered the treatment. However, shortly afterwards he was diagnosed with the same disease and accepted treatment to survive...not so cool and quite hyppocritical IMO Didn't hear something like that from Fry :D

[@sunmustbedestroyed]

GourmetMusicVec Let's not forget his willingness to let millions of innocents die at the pleasure of the world’s thugs - all for a delusional religious form of pacifism.

[@diliff]

John I'm not sure it's as simple as that. Can you provide a source for that allegation?

[@sunmustbedestroyed]

David Iliff One such incident (copied this from a well-referenced Wikipedia article): "Gandhi's views came under heavy criticism in Britain when it was under attack from Nazi Germany, and later when the Holocaust was revealed. He told the British people in 1940, "I would like you to lay down the arms you have as being useless for saving you or humanity. You will invite Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini to take what they want of the countries you call your possessions... If these gentlemen choose to occupy your homes, you will vacate them. If they do not give you free passage out, you will allow yourselves, man, woman, and child, to be slaughtered, but you will refuse to owe allegiance to them."[184] George Orwell remarked that Gandhi's methods confronted 'an old-fashioned and rather shaky despotism which treated him in a fairly chivalrous way', not a totalitarian Power, 'where political opponents simply disappear.'[185] In a post-war interview in 1946, he said, "Hitler killed five million Jews. It is the greatest crime of our time. But the Jews should have offered themselves to the butcher's knife. They should have thrown themselves into the sea from cliffs... It would have aroused the world and the people of Germany... As it is they succumbed anyway in their millions."[186] Gandhi believed this act of "collective suicide", in response to the Holocaust, "would have been heroism".[187]"

[@Isojoki]

You Brits should cherish this man. He is always such an unbelievable delight to listen to.

[@hayleys1260]

Judith Cressey Yet here you are ... voluntarily having clicked this video and watching him. Why did you click on a video of a 'tedious old bore'? Lmao! Whatever he may or may not be, I think it's pretty clear what you are.

[@KAF128]

We do !

[@Flavourtown84]

Most of us do .

[@danwic]

He's intelligent, compassionate, wildly against political correctness, and a comedy genius :)

[@Minimax04]

He was a revelation, ironically. I never knew I’d miss a man I’d never met until Hitch.

[@nicholaswildman2782]

There are very few people I would say I am in awe of but Stephen Fry is one of them. Part of the reason why is how "real" he is, he doesn't go out of his way to be funny or entertaining, he is just himself and still manages to captivate his audiences. Add that to his amazing intelligence and elliquence and you have one of greatest public figures of this generation in my opinion.

[@Badtastemamma]

+Nicholas Wildman I totally agree with you ... eloquent intelligence

[@Pauldjreadman]

I completely agree. One of a kind

[@quinnsbeach]

elliquence??

[@billyb37]

So right you are!!

[@stevebrindle1724]

He is well educated with the intelligence to interpret that education and pass it on to others. That to me is his value and I for one respect him.

[@lisabarker1784]

A national treasure, you Brits are so very fortunate to have Stephen Fry! All who have access to his brilliant wisdom and wit are also.

[@QRS666]

He just goes in, ignores the chair, improvises more or less for 40 minutes and delivers a fantastic speech. Oscar Wilde of our age.

[@supremeexillium]

me: *sees Stephen Fry in thumbnail* me: time to improve my vocabulary

[@james137]

so true

[@james137]

@Aditya Bahali EA SPORTS

[@MandarinGold]

Damn the title is so misleading. Thought i was gonna find out where he lives :(

[@SeptembersOblivion]

hahaha

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

You probably got him matched line for line in the wits department.

[@Kjca_1998]

Idk why you’re dissapointed, you get to listen to one of the most eloquent men on the planet.

[@TheFiown]

Hampstead !

[@shockcityrocker]

😂😂😂

[@07spectramind]

I wish this man were knighted!What a national treasure! Much love from India.

[@EleanorPeterson]

Quite a few uppity people yearn to be recognised and offered an honour so that they can VERY LOUDLY AND PUBLICLY decline it, make a hackneyed fist-raised political point, and get some publicity for their next film/ book/ album/ lecture tour/ exercise video. And some people are classy enough to decline politely in private and just get on with their lives. That's what I did. 🤭

[@FidelCastro128]

@@user-mm8vw1ow1x Why must this royal line be saluted?

[@michaelkingsbury4305]

He is a friend of KCiii so maybe!

[@el6178]

One of the many legendary things about Stephen is his immense effortlessness infront of an audience.

[@nickj.7876]

Agree. He is amazing with those smarts and that humor.

[@M1elk74]

True, apart from his 2 litre release of perspiration

[@deln644]

There I was listening to Stephen Fry's 'Mythos', and this followed it. How lucky I was to hear it. How lucky you were if you were in the audience to hear him speak that day. Stephen Fry is a beautiful mind, a genius and a legend, truly an icon, and we should treasure him.

[@lynnsmithershubbard1896]

weirdly enough I saw three documentaries this week on Oscar Wilde and the title of this Stephen Fry piece said nothing about Wilde! Kinda bizarre

[@Dazbog373]

I've heard his Wilde stories a hundred times, yet I'm always captivated by his retelling

[@johnsanders186]

When stories are so fascinating & interesting and told by someone who is such a skilled orator, it's always a pleasure to listen to them. :)

[@navehsteiner3736]

Stephen is my hero. I would let him manage the world.

[@nickacelvn]

And what a fantastically improved place that would be

[@warrenglover6633]

I think that is the last job he would choose. Such a job would necessarily require a politician, ruthless, self absorbed and a head-counter in the same mould as a military general, pretending concern for his fellow humans and using sincerity only when the word looks appealing in a series of other epithets. Stephen has no pretension and he is accepted as sincere without question. His avocations require him to be wise in the ways of making himself popular. Fortunately it is part of his intellectual make-up that he is so, He does not need to strive at it. We admire his modesty and his often humorous self-deprecation Humankind can be proud that he is one of us, Knowing him or knowing of him in public life makes us feel better.

[@elepheriakarageorgis9177]

Compiegne 2.45 5#2#11 - - 3.15 7#11#5#9 - - 5.08 12#3#4#2 - - 5.43 1#5#9#7 - - Newcastle 1.45 12#11#8#3#4 - - 4.40 4#5#8#6#9 - - Newmarket 2.40 1#6#5 - - Windsor 1.55 8#3#9#5 - - 3.35 6#1#2

[@colinstewart1432]

He's far too important for that. His job is to remind us that we are human and therefore worthwhile.

[@2fast2block]

So you pick losers as your hero. "The humanist view of the meaning of life is different. Humanists do not see that there is any obvious purpose to the universe, but that it is a natural phenomenon with no design behind it. Meaning is not something out there, waiting to be discovered, but something we create in our own lives." Stephen Fry Real science says nothing does nothing. Real science says if there was something there already it must fit with the evidence of what we know. We know the 1LT says there's a conservation of energy. It can change forms and neither can be created or destroyed. Creation cannot happen by natural means. The 2LT has various aspects, one being the universe is winding down, entropy. Usable energy is becoming less usable, so at one point usable energy was at its max. This all points to a supernatural creation, by a supernatural creator at a certain point in which matter, space, and time were created. When I read how it can happen otherwise, ALL the fools resort to science-fiction. Once a supernatural creation is accepted, then the next step is finding proof of what supernatural power did it. We can't even get science without God. The laws of nature only can come from a Lawgiver, God. Life only comes from life. Law of biogenesis. God is the reason for us and all we have. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJqwoq2ElL6Gjrc The odds are NOT there. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWLCfHiMlqisl6M kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4icmJStr79_qc0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpXEooarqdlol9k

[@BillHalliwell]

What a force of intellectual nature is Stephen Fry. After an address such as this, one wants to simultaneously weep and laugh at the wisdom, beauty, knowledge, comedy, reason and wit of this man. Fry is an international treasure worthy of celebration. Also, he represents the thoroughly worthwhile end of the bizarre diversity that exists in humans; who, from this world or any other, would logically conclude that Fry and Trump are of the same species? In one can be seen a glorious future for humankind; and no future at all in the other. Just a thought from a poor soul who's never owned a lawn mower...

[@BillHalliwell]

Oh Steven you're probably right, there is obviously much more love, compassion, intellect and wisdom in your words than Mr Fry's... Have a wonderful day...

[@NixxNikoli]

I'm kind of sad Steven Hunter has deleted his comment, he seems like a very eloquent chap

[@lesleymarsters4273]

Mr Fry is brilliant; his intellect and humor has no match....in my opinion. Long may you open up our minds to the realities of our world.

[@luckybag6814]

@grimble I agree. It’s depressing that people think of the lightweight ex-convict Stephen Fry as an intellectual, and disturbing that his adulation for a predatory sexual abuser of the economically disadvantaged, a sex tourist and procurer of young boys for others should be so well received as light entertainment.

[@erikhalvorseth3950]

@@BillHalliwell Speaking about it I have never owned a lawn mower either

[@charlesdavis7087]

Steven has ennobled what it means to be human. Many people will say, "Well, I'm only human," as a kind of excuse for their actions, while Steven fully embodies what it means to try to be one's best. Thank you Steven for being so human.

[@JoelWende]

For crying out loud, if you are so sick that you can't go 30 seconds without coughing out a lung...STAY AWAY!

[@Mbaving]

Joel Wende + All people no matter their physical state are of course welcome to participate in this Forum.

[@littlemissmello]

Joel Wende although, to be fair, I wouldn't even miss out on Stephen Fry if I found out I'd die that same morning.

[@leooostveen4435]

@@littlemissmello that's the problem that's coughing round the world now

[@littlemissmello]

@@leooostveen4435 yeah, I changed my mind on that

[@doreenmorgan7000]

How extraordinary is this guy! Could listen to him on and on and on....

[@clegsmate6094]

The world needs more Stephen Frys

[@mkkravist11]

Some people are just too clever! Fry is a legend! If you’re stressed, listen to him and you WILL feel better after!

[@WhoreTorture]

You brilliant, brilliant sweaty man.

[@rw3899]

Hadn't even occurred to me while listening to him. Good lord, he really gets it off his chest.

[@nickpearson291]

I ended this extraordinary talk in tears. Fry is the very definition of a true Humanist, a category of person which these days is as rare as the dodo (which, by the way, only exists stuffed in a few museums)

[@dave9072000]

It must feel a bit surreal to be in an audience watching Stephen Fry, because he is so hyper aware of his listeners. Notice at about 34 minutes in how he catches the moderator glancing at his watch from his extreme peripheral vision. If you've ever stood on a stage addressing even a medium sized crowd you'll recall a narrowing of the senses, a sort of mild tunnel vision that occurs. It's almost super human to have noticed this while mid lecture. Amazing man.

[@threestepssideways1202]

I like the Conan Doyle quote about Oscar Wilde making others feel tall because he brought you up to his level. Oddly, as Stephen himself referenced Disraeli as being cut from the same cloth as Oscar in terms of flamboyance and oratorical skills, Queen Victoria herself made a similar comment about him. The comparison was between Disraeli and his great rival Gladstone; that being ''When I left the dining room after sitting next to Mr Gladstone I thought he was the cleverest man in England; but after sitting next to Mr Disraeli I thought I was the cleverest woman in England''. High praise.

[@theradgegadgie6352]

Stephen Fry, I think, is the type who makes people feel as tall as him. Christopher Hitchens was twice as eloquent, ten times more informed and just as charming, but he was the type who made you think you were an inch tall. Even though I'm more of a fan of Hitchens, Fry is the bloke I'd most like to have a long chat with.

[@esmeraldaireland3744]

Three Steps Sideways Pl.

[@murdochmclennan3510]

@@theradgegadgie6352 I did not find Christopher Hitchens charming; he was wrong-headed in many respects.

[@theradgegadgie6352]

@@murdochmclennan3510 Charm does not equate to being right.

[@sydneymorey6059]

10

[@ninalib]

If this comment can ever reach dearest Mr. Fry: in the other side of the globe there is a fan who claims for more and more books read by you. Your reading makes the pleasure of listening to audiobooks even greater, even more enjoyable and gratifying, as reading can be, an enveloping experience that transports the listener. Thank you for all the good energy you put in your work. Sorry for my much perfectible English, just wanted to express my gratitude.

[@gedhayes-gerrard9990]

I’m from Birkenhead North, I never thought I would ever be so captivated by such a thing as Oxford Union. The richness of life, for which we should always be great full.👍🚲🐻

[@vagabondwiz]

Watching in covid times Stephen Fry-ing the coughers and sneezers in the audience. Gold.

[@briscocreek]

Oscar Wilde must have been a tremendously impressive person. My paternal great grandparents moved from Kansas to Ca. during his time in America. They were decent pioneer stock, she bore 16 children, he was Civil war vet. Rough down to earth people, but they named their youngest son, my uncle Oscar, after Mr Wilde. I was never told why, nor was Wilde ever mentioned that I remember. I only recently learned that his middle name was Wilde, so he must have made a positive impression considering the social back ground of my rural uneducated ancestors. I have learned never to take your early relatives for granted. I much admire Stephen Fry.

[@charliemorris2338]

"The only reason I'm a pervert is to lessen the impact of my greatness on other people." Oscar Wilde

[@albertrogers2506]

As a matter of what I've read, his name was Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde

[@charliemorris2338]

Well,groovy! I too am an artist and shunned the slavery of marriage because,"I've had but one craving my entire existence and that is for the power of self expression in some imaginative form."Colin Wilson.If you want to read book's about the lives of artists,"Religion and the Rebel" by Colin Wilson, come to mind and ,"The Outsider"his first bestseller back in 1953.

[@charliemorris2338]

Well groovy! I too,am an artist and have shunned the slavery of marriage for"" I have had but one craving my entire existence and that is for the power of self expression in some imaginative form."Colin Wilson.Wrote a series of books on how to become an artist called,"The Outsider Series"-Religion and the Rebel,The Outsider,The Occult,Mysteries,etc,etc.You may want to listen the Gary Lachman YT.He loved Colin Wilson very much.

[@murdochmclennan3510]

@@albertrogers2506 That is correct; 'O'Flaherty' is the correct spelling!

[@cboyle3701]

Oscar Wilde is a distant cousin of mine whom I have admired for many years even before I knew I was related to him. Mr Fry is a great man whom I also much admire and respect. To hear him talk of Oscar the man with such love and compassion is wonderful. Normally one hears how his plays and stories are extraordinary but too often so little about who Oscar was as a person across the years that were his life. I agree that Oscar was the Prince of Students in his day and for many generations since & I strongly believe if he was alive he would take that title and turn it into something even more beautiful. However, Oscar is no longer (and would never have been) with us even though, his works still enable him to live. The title Prince of Students I believe is a living title and although I know Stephen would not take it, it is a title that many would bestow upon him, for it is to Stephen Fry that we turn (myself included) to find a little of Oscar's wit and wisdom in the 21st Century.

[@nathan87]

Writes a paragraph for a youtube comment. I believe it.

[@amadan9999]

For such a small country Ireland has produced some of the world’s greatest writers,playwrights and poets. Oscar Wilde,Bram Stoker, James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw,W.B.Yates etc. What a country

[@benwu7980]

add some Beckett and Heaney... I'm proud as an Irish man, though I'll never be among those luminaries.

[@ashleybellofsydney]

Fun fact: The Queen refuses to give Stephen a knighthood because he has a criminal record. He was convicted of credit card fraud at the age of 19.

[@colinstewart1432]

Stupid bloody rule. Knowing him he'd probably decline it anyway.

[@queenoflammersland8562]

False. She has offered and he has declined. He is neighbors with the Royal Family and on friendly terms with them, including entertaining King Charles and his then Wife Princess Diana at his home.

[@ashleybellofsydney]

@@queenoflammersland8562 He is friends with King Charles Queen Elizabeth II never really liked him. It's unlikely King Charles will bestow a knighthood upon Stephen because they are so close.

[@ashleybellofsydney]

@@queenoflammersland8562 On what date did The Queen offer Stephen Fry a knighthood? I want evidence.

[@queenoflammersland8562]

@@ashleybellofsydney hi. Queen Elizabeth awarded him an Order of the British Empire title in 2003 or 2004. A knighthood is offered to men awarded this highest honor Her Majesty can bestow on a civilian. In later interviews he stated he declined the Knighthood because he would then have to worry about how he dressed at home and because he wouldn’t like being known by his first name “Sir Stephen”. She also bestowed on Stephen Fry the designation of National Treasure. Many citizens who were awarded the OBE declined the Knighthood that is offered with it. A dislike of feudalism, perhaps? And many criminal scoundrels in British history were titled people, whose crimes were swept under the rug because they were wealthy landowners. But that is a discussion for another time. Best wishes from a sister Stephen Fry fan.

[@dcbsmt]

I love this man so much. He's the one famous person where when I hear of his death I will cry.

[@Emma-pw8rt]

Fry and Attenborough 100% ❤️ x

[@dcbsmt]

@SvendBosanvovski What are you on about? Why would he hear about my death? I'm not famous and definitely not an aquaintance of his.

[@dcbsmt]

@SvendBosanvovski I'd say, it's your "problem" that you interpreted what I said in my comment. I do celebrate and enjoy him. But nobody lives forever. So all I meant to say is that I will be terrribly said if and when I hear of his passing.

[@dcbsmt]

@SvendBosanvovski My shirt is well and truly on, trust me. :) I wasn't implying that he'll kick the bucket any time soon. (Though considering he's tried it before he'll always be at risk of suicide, I guess.) I was merely talking about that when the day eventually comes, I'll be very sad.

[@dcbsmt]

@SvendBosanvovski Well, I'm definitely glad, that's sorted. :) Wouldn't want you to think I'm wishing death on this treasure of a human.

[@THEonionsack]

27:50-29:10 As he's relaying the anecdote about the Irish rugby players and Wilde: "Some people when they speak they make you feel (lowering his hand) that tall, because they're so brilliant; they know so much more than you and they're so much more capable of speech than you are. Others bring you up to their height because their talk is all-encompassing and all-engaging." What a perfect description of Fry himself.

[@mete1099]

I absolutely loved the quote from Shakespeare that followed right after

[@johngregg401]

I just cannot get tired of Stephen's eloquence. Such knowledge and competence in relaying it is rare these days.

[@sigridgry9981]

I aspire to be as well-read, articulate, witty and compassionate as Stephen Fry!

[@iamra8826]

I sneezed whilst watching this and then Stephen said Bless you. I like to think he was saying it to me

[@carmenismyname]

😂

[@vacation_generation]

What a brilliant fellow! You lucky people to be in his company.

[@teresajohnson5265]

As a simple Spaniish human female of 74 yrs o age, who managed to study Linguistics at UH at 40, while working as a AE language teacher and bringing up 3 fantastic human females, I MUST THANK YOU FOR GIVING OUT YOUR KNOWWLED WITH SUCH A VI RANT CAPACITY TO VONVEY EVERYTHING YOU FEEL AND ARE TO US. THANK YOU STEPHEN FRY!!!!!!!! Teresa [I would love to have tea a q-cumber sandwiches or scones with you any time!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤].

[@dnxls_]

I'm proud that my country is able to provide such eloquent, brilliant individuals.

[@amadan9999]

Presumably you mean Fry?

[@dinaheimann420]

Great talk, made me feel elated. An outstanding person with an amazing ability to use words, and an astonishing way of telling the story.

[@pauloliver1842]

a wonderful man a fantastic orator.... life will be so difficult without him

[@joslynaarons6885]

Steven Fry & Christopher Hitchens are the most brilliant and admirable persons of the Anglo speaking world. I could listen to them for hours. How inspirational. J. Aarons, Phd.

[@anuradhainamdar8967]

I agree entirely, Joslyn, these men are the intellectual who speak truth without demure, they are not afraid to tell truth. They tell it without rancor or grudge.

[@MiximusRider]

Jordan Peterson

[@karenkaren3189]

Listening to this wonderful man to try and keep my spirits up.

[@EdwardHowton]

Stephen Fry is pure charisma. Not that his secondary attribute isn't Intelligence, mind you. Does that make him a sorcerer?

[@mysnellvilleblog]

I'd totally have his baby if he would want to be straight for 15 minutes & if I could not be a dehydrated crone.

[@hedgehog1965uk]

+Darla Well I am a straight man, and still want to have his baby, so you still have a better chance than me of that ever happening. I'm sure you're not a dehydrated crone either.

[@charlesdavis7087]

Dear Edward; There are many kinds of sorcerers, wizards, magicians, etc. Among these are the bards, storytellers and enchanters. And yes, Stephen Fry is living proof that this ancient art still lives on Earth. Sincerely, CVD

[@sharonaldridge3332]

This video just went up to my 'favorites' to be enjoyed again at will.

[@DrumsTheWord]

This place of learning. This man. I'm very proud indeed.

[@wickideazy]

the way he ended his speech, with the concept of "freedom of thought" and entreating the listener to hold on to that visa to the land of the free thinkers and never buy a lawnmower...utterly, utterly brilliant. something about that just hits me. if people the world over would follow that advice, would exercise and hold on to their freedom to think for themselves, this would be a much brighter world.

[@joansmith3296]

I could listen to Stephen Fry for hours.

[@apesindrapes7462]

"Never own a lawnmower. It's the moment you die inside."

[@albertrogers2506]

I have a hand-forged scythe, and a set of tools for keeping it sharp.

[@janosk8392]

I have TWO and understand exactly what you mean, about to research a scythe and its maintenance.

[@signwriter1]

I do not have a lawn.

[@rc1952]

If you don’t own or borrow a lawnmower, who is going to mow your lawn? Is it a paid servant? Is it a relative or friend who, comes in to tidy your chaos? Stephen, I mow...therefore I am happy.

[@JJStarcade]

So underrated. This speech, this human... Society sucks. We're lucky to have Stephen Fry.

[@carmenismyname]

On what planet is Stephen Fry underrated? You can’t be serious

[@shaundstone]

A GENIUS, this man. I'm an actor and I was in a fantastic BBC comedy series called 'A Very Peculiar Practice' that he starred in. I sometimes look at the call sheet that I still have, to this day, and to see my name in the same cast list with Stephen Fry, is a brilliant feeling.

[@VLind-uk6mb]

I'd sure like to see that as he was never even IN that show, let alone starring in it.

[@2fast2block]

No, a loser. "The humanist view of the meaning of life is different. Humanists do not see that there is any obvious purpose to the universe, but that it is a natural phenomenon with no design behind it. Meaning is not something out there, waiting to be discovered, but something we create in our own lives." Stephen Fry Real science says nothing does nothing. Real science says if there was something there already it must fit with the evidence of what we know. We know the 1LT says there's a conservation of energy. It can change forms and neither can be created or destroyed. Creation cannot happen by natural means. The 2LT has various aspects, one being the universe is winding down, entropy. Usable energy is becoming less usable, so at one point usable energy was at its max. This all points to a supernatural creation, by a supernatural creator at a certain point in which matter, space, and time were created. When I read how it can happen otherwise, ALL the fools resort to science-fiction. Once a supernatural creation is accepted, then the next step is finding proof of what supernatural power did it. We can't even get science without God. The laws of nature only can come from a Lawgiver, God. Life only comes from life. Law of biogenesis. God is the reason for us and all we have. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJqwoq2ElL6Gjrc The odds are NOT there. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWLCfHiMlqisl6M kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4icmJStr79_qc0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpXEooarqdlol9k

[@nicolettacinci3053]

I have a pure adoration for Mr Fry 😊❤

[@torieadams198]

This was fascinating, thanks for sharing! Stephen Fry's interpretation of Oscar Wilde's life was both illuminating and very colourful. I liked what he said about nouns and verbs as well. People can become their labels if they use their labels like nouns instead of verbs (or adjectives).

[@matthewjames7268]

JasmineHoney Adams cool name

[@kimsherlock8969]

Thankyou for. A mind for not only those whom were given the opportunity to think but to those whom now can listen. You are a great teacher

[@user-jm7ri9vu8g]

Dear Stephen! You are superb - once you told how much you care about words since your young years, so, I can see this is rewarding - words love you, and so we, your fans, do it as well! You are completely worshipful!

[@robkunkel8833]

A wonderful story he told. Thank you!

[@daviddemar8749]

at 35 mins when his mind goes a little blank I think he's trying to recall the Doors' song Light My Fire. Although Fry didn't convince me that Oscar Wilde was as heroic a figure as Fry thinks he is this is still a beautiful speech amazingly done without notes! However, the last third of the speech in which Fry advocates that all of us continue to live in a land of open thought in our own lives is compelling and for me, surprisingly moving :-)

[@saundersbetty]

Stephen Fry has it all, he is respectful, compassionate, ethical, intelligent, learned, enquiring, composed, humorous, generous and a sensible, gentle person. I will always admire and appreciate him.

[@DrStephenT]

Stephen Fry is absolutely beloved. We love you! ❤️❤️

[@GK-ui8fv]

Just wonderful, absolutely spell binding. Listening to him brought home the loss of Christopher Hitchens as he is just as mesmerising as Christopher was.

[@raysgr]

God I wish he was Australian, but I guess its largely his British upbringing that makes him who he is. I cant think of a living person that is more universally loved and admired.

[@markuk7935]

I got no further than Comprehensive school and O level art, but I can appreciate and do appreciate this man. He is rare and he is precious.

[@dmisso42]

I own a lawnmower! It gives me an income (I mow other 's gardens) and it gives me great pleasure to leave a garden which was unkempt and overgrown, looking neat and structured. The process is, for me, a kind of Zen.

[@captpicard6894]

Don’t know about Oscar Wide, I think Stephen Fry rates pretty high on the exceptional and captivating public Speaking rankings as far as I’m concerned. Wonderful man😁😁

[@darthvader8433]

The awesome thing about Fry is that he could wax lyrical in the same way about dozens of subjects without research. Stephen Fry and (the late) Christopher Hitchen are a couple of the most entertaining speakers in living memory.

[@joslynaarons6885]

Steven Fry & Christopher Hitchens are the most brilliant and admirable persons of the Anglo speaking world. I could listen to them for hours. How inspirational. J. Aarons, Phd.

[@joslynaarons6885]

Envy is a noble virtue...

[@joslynaarons6885]

Envy is a noble virtue

[@joslynaarons6885]

@Jason Mckenzie...Envy is a noble virtue

[@thecolossus4244]

Hitchens sounds like he’s running out of breath and can not be asked to speak. Hardly engaging at all...

[@davidbrisbane822]

A wonderful address - thank you for posting it on KZbin.

[@aliciagardner3288]

Wow!! Welll said and so eloquently. It was about time, perhaps overdue, that someone had the guts to point out what needed to be pointed out. Thank you 🙏

[@fuchsiafreud]

Take a walk on the Wilde side.

[@Dani_London]

SIGMUND!

[@kimsherlock8969]

Sweet

[@daviddemar8749]

reply to Tom five days ago. I totally agree with your comment. I didn't feel I was being talked down to. And I'm intrigued enough that I'm going to read The Importance of Being Earnest

[@poppymoon777]

The ability to play gracefully with ideas 🔥

[@karnovtalonhawk9708]

living treasure, a master of comedy, a tower of intellect and an ambassador of learning. not a gay man but would happily spend all my days talking with stephen about everything under the sun

[@72secondprize]

Love how his shirt matches the walls. Attention to detail. Classic Fry.

[@Beevreeter]

Not to mention the spreading sweat stains

[@fads692007]

That was so inspiring.

[@alanbrazil9932]

eye opening as usual.Thanks stephen

[@dedos-pima]

Forged my visa half a century ago, still playing somewhat gracefully with ideas, and have never owned a lawnmower. If you heard the coughs, you weren't focusing enough. Don't let a word of this man, not just a wit, slip by.

[@samanthacreighton4062]

Utterly utterly broke my heart

[@peterclarke7240]

Obvious question is this: Why do you, who have everything, get Stephen Fry as well?

[@Arltratlo]

i just watched someone for 44mins and i think this 44mins was the best time i had this day!

[@leahdurkan28]

And yet you are a wonderful speaker, Mr Fry.

[@alanrobertson3172]

Fry is such a brilliant story teller.

[@NowFunStarts]

I totally agree, but why can`t our Politicians think like this? here we go.................

[@karlkingofducks5764]

Money and education whilst being told running the country is your entitlement hardly encourages ones perspective to consider others needs. I'd imagine that is why our Politicians can't think, they merely regurgitate and that is why our society will forever be stained with the vomit and excrement which seeps from their filthy caviar wreaking, wine swilled mouths.

[@stephenburgess5109]

Love Oxford amazing place

[@latikadhar73]

Just one word for him : Brilliant

[@saltburner2]

Fantastic and truly moving erudition.

[@inter-linked]

Some host! Rise to your feet man and extend a welcoming handshake to your guest!

[@petermatthiesen8288]

yes, it was a very bad welcome. I was thinking: Maybe they hate each other . . .

[@inter-linked]

Peter Matthiesen Perhaps; that said, hate is no excuse for a lack of etiquette.

[@petermatthiesen8288]

@@inter-linked true. but I found it odd and was looking for an explanation

[@languagefreeassangeteacher5338]

Dear Stephen Fry, I have always had the feeling that you defend freedom and that you support those in need. Today I would like to ask you to say some sentences in public demanding the release of Julian Assange. Assange has been fighting for free information and bringing war crimes to the eyes of the public. He is a journalist and helps all of us the understand what´s going on. Thus reducing wars and the possibilities of successful `war lies´. Thank you for your understanding and all the best. Michael Haas

[@michaelk6908]

A wonderful wonderful address by the incomparable Stephen Fry

[@Truthseeker371]

Her, wiz, I was born on August 24, 1955, the same birthday with Steven Fry, but two years senior! No wonder, I share the same kind of humour sense. Good for him, unique and inspiring in his own special way!!!

[@tompogson9755]

Who has Stephen in front of them and starts looking at their f'n watch??!!??🤪 Thanks, had to get that out. 😉

[@lynnsmithershubbard1896]

pity...they're young

[@MajorAskew]

What fabulous man. I love him.

[@philhmp4231]

To play gracefully with ideas. A noble aspiration of which Stephen Fry is a true master.

[@missdaniellegeorginalaine2948]

Oh 🤗 he always fills me with so much ❤❤❤

[@kateoneill7226]

He references Tertullian: "Nothing human is offensive to me."

[@maxbacon4828]

Tertullian has obviously never lived in a British council estate ,or a Northern "multicultural town ".Oh luvvy leftie!.How blind we are without your noble guidance!.

[@jefolson6989]

Twain said "Its enough to know someone is a fellow human being- he can't be ANY WORSE." I think I agree. EVERYTHING human offends....

[@Esther-ov4wn]

I looked that up, I could only find "I am human, and I think nothing human is alien to me", and it wasn't Tertullian.

[@pinezzzka968]

@@Esther-ov4wn TERENCE (the Roman poet) wasn't it? :-)))

[@Dirk80241]

45 minutes of stand up speech laced with comedy. Who can match that?

[@veemacks7255]

These Oxford Union question-and-answer sessions are amazing. Stephen brilliantly answers the question "please welcome Stephen Fry".

[@davidsalterego1]

What an amazing speaker.

[@MYB63]

Life in the Spirit...

[@12345jammy]

SO MUCH COUGHING

[@Alexa75777]

Ll

[@barbarannop1799]

Fred Versteeg corona virus maybe

[@Varksterable]

@@barbarannop1799 5 years ago? Yes, we Brits are _so_ far ahead in disease.

[@agamemnonpadar5706]

@@Varksterable Hahaha 😂😂😂

[@kingofgoogle7715]

It actually was corona. Corona is scary for common cold

[@Ninoluna1111]

Mr. Fry a true Gentleman and Scholar!!!❤😊♋✌

[@matthewcarr9561]

A privilege to be able to watch this - he is just wonderful