Russell Brand | The Cambridge Union

Russell Brand at the Cambridge Union, in conversation with Leo Kirby, Lent 2014 Speakers' Officer.
Maverick actor, comedian, author and burgeoning political activist, Russell Brand is a cultural phenomenon with a phoenix-like ability to rise from the ashes of his own self-destruction.
A former heroin addict, Russell has given evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee on drug addiction and is now fronting Comic Relief's Give It Up Campaign. Russell encourages abstaining from voting and holds 'not a flicker of doubt' that a revolution is coming.

[@laurapeterson5158]

He's quite a character but I wouldn't say he's rude... Right from the start, he pours water for the host before himself. Solid manners.

[@hanorabrennan8846]

His mother is an utter lady.

[@adamdrives365]

That moment when your carefully constructed opener goes completely unnoticed because everyone is too busy watching Russel Brand pour you a cup of water.

[@adamdrives365]

***** I am An Adam Holland, not sure about The.

[@oaktree1628]

1. Perhaps the introduction should have preceded the entry of Mr. Brand into the chamber, and 2. Perhaps the interviewer should be the one pouring the water for the guest.

[@dexterquotidian]

I like Russell's direct personal heart-to-heart way of communicating. It makes a lot of insincere people who watch this nervous and comment dismissively about Russell to hide their own insecurity...

[@KingHypnosOne]

Yea,i also believe that formality just comes in the way of understanding.

[@jwfb100]

ok

[@janisgroenewegen4138]

dexterquotidian reminds me of tupac

[@STARKILLER15100]

Russel Brand is the only guy who can crack jokes and remain serious at the same time in a debate. He's awesome!

[@rachellove7299]

+Northen Nord He's not the Messiah who's supposed to have all the 'answers', he caused debate & talk when everyone else was sat on their hands bleating, "Well there's nothing we can do." So bless his heart for his efforts to get apathetic people roused up a bit... There's too many people like you out there who sit there hiding behind whinging like little pussies.

[@STARKILLER15100]

+Northen Nord he is clearly defying the injustice and pyramid schemes erected by out governments and opposing the fact of which embarks governmental representatives on a higher pedestal over that of us "common people" of whom he is defending. When you look past your prejudices you will see the good he is trying to invoke on our society. I am no eluded by his abilities. 😒

[@brandycooksey5632]

I love Russell, but don't vote. People have given their lives to vote. If the poor refuse to vote, then doesn't that give more power to the rich, because the rich will continue to vote. This will give them ultimate power.

[@ayhamshaheed7740]

Brandy Cooksey yeah true I’m inclined to agree with you there. Not voting doesn’t help with anything. Not voting means you’re throwing away the power given to you by right.

[@giovannimazzocco499]

The communication skills of this guy are truly impressive.

[@hanorabrennan8846]

@willl 88 bitch!

[@ayhamshaheed7740]

willl 88 people hate him because they are either jealous or they can’t handle educated people. So you for example

[@ayhamshaheed7740]

willl 88 yeS

[@ayhamshaheed7740]

willl 88 I’m not lol. The guy’s just entertaining - that’s mainly what I watch him for. But I also do agree with some of the stuff he says. Not all of it, but generally speaking I agree with his viewpoints (except for the no voting stuff. And the revolution stuff)

[@holdtightadele8017]

willl 88 In other words your vocabulary isn’t vast enough to understand a word he says.

[@janiszambars6132]

If only we had more people thinking like Brand. As someone mentioned below, most of us at some point in our lives come to the realization that "we are born into a system designed to control, subdue, and mislead. A system designed to treat humanity as a commodity." the problem is that this realization doesn't hit everyone at the same time, with the same depth - so understanding between one and another is bound to be weak and varied.

[@denirobeckham1496]

There are a lot of people starting to think like him! Your post is evidence of this! Stay positive!

[@quertyjanerty6024]

***** he's not nearly as troubled as you seem to be mate..... you just said you dont like him, you pity him..... you're a sad human being and i pity you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MichailMolcanov]

***** I know what you're saying, but the truth is he is more honest with himself than most of the people are. That makes him a lot stronger. Like the time he said that he cannot trust himself that he wont go back to drugs. It is true, but he knows what drugs do to him and he knows what he has to do to stay off it. Everyone keeps saying that we need this and that and we can't have the perfect world cause everyone is different and there will always be bad people. Well the only way you can prove there are good deeds in this world is by doing them yourself. The REAL question is "What are YOU doing to make good in this world"? Or are you just gonna be a "nay sayer" on a youtube comment?

[@quertyjanerty6024]

Michail Molcanov perfectly put pal!

[@jhaslam0007]

Michail Molcanov I agree

[@light-wingeddryad7543]

This man is brilliant! And so hilarious! He talks sense when he becomes serious and carries weight and then suddenly he starts goofing around but in fact that goofing around (upon closer inspection) is deeply satirical! A truly brilliant guy who is shockingly flamboyant as well! I really admire his wit and intelligence!

[@jaderozner8535]

He knows how to be free and let his energy flow, instead of being dishonest, he states everything as it comes to him. Some might say that is a bad idea, but too many people live in a state of self-inflicted duplicity that they use to 'go along' with their 'peers' despite what they secretly think to themselves. Russell Brand helps lead people out of this self-imprisoned state of being. He leads by example.

[@HunterBelkiran]

What a magical man. He's like a machine gun of truth and profundity.

[@kcwliew]

God that kid interviewing him is just another young Cameron/Osborne/Clegg! They don't teach people to listen in Cambridge university? So much for a higher education...

[@thornbird6768]

And zero sense of humour 👎🏻

[@LDPink60]

Thank you, Cambridge Union Society, for organizing this wonderful dialog with Russell Brand! He was as enlightening as usual, and Leo and the group did a great job with your questions and was a great audience!

[@miikeV33]

Ha. They were expecting a blubbering nitwit and what they got was a man more insightful and intellectual than their professors.

[@geoffreycurrie5949]

Not true mate. What tripe.

[@googlem7]

@@geoffreycurrie5949 Sorry.... Professor?

[@jonnyrainbow1]

I think he is an excellent communicator who speaks from his heart. He readily admits his faults, and that he doesn't have all the answers, but the first step to finding a solution is to acknowledge it honestly. He has been drug free for over 10years,and his erractic craziness is part of who he is-not drug induced. He is obviously very intelligent,lucid,passionate and honest and I am more impressed with his thoughts on subjects of such importance than anyone I have listened to in my search for the Truth of what it means to be Human,and where we fit into the Universe.

[@blueslsd]

sack the sound guy!!!!

[@charlesmoxley8873]

Indeed!

[@arricammarques1955]

Does Cambridge offer an audio program? : (

[@decemberfriddle6988]

Just gotta say, Russell Brand is really super intelligent! I listened to him on another site that didn't allow me to make a comment.He is not a government shill and even though one year ago I would have called him a liberal weirdo,but I have progressed.He will be a leader soon!

[@markmill6655]

you r bitchs ?

[@tedtedster8644]

December Friddle ....YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!

[@rudiesan_89]

December Friddle You've allowed progressivism to blossom within you. And that's just beautiful dear. Your former you being some sort of judgmental a.hole is f@king irrelevant now.

[@MsSonictonic]

i just couldn't stop staring at the letter on the floor

[@stevenskds]

"Shut up, you Harry Potter poofs!" 34:05 Hahaha.

[@oilandstone]

Seems like the University of Life is a far better educator than an Oxbridge eduction judging by this interaction.

[@oilandstone]

***** Absolutely. I have had to unlearn a great deal of what i was taught to find the truth.

[@BALBIRSINGH-qf5ft]

Planet Bob Oxbridge education is one of the great opening for Life is beautiful.

[@BALBIRSINGH-qf5ft]

Planet Bob Of course life has its own advantage because it begins billions of years ago before Oxbridge education.

[@guusama3404]

720p ....one of the most important institutions in the world...GREAT SUCCESS!!!

[@jaxamilius5237]

man 7 year later i still come back to watch

[@truthbespoken333]

Nothing hotter than an intelligent man in my book. Love your heart and your humor RB, (and I bought your latest book an Addiction, haven't read yet.) And you guys should give that kid a break, Russell runs circles around almost every talk show host- let alone this college guy. I think he did well and held his focus. He is young and learning! And like another commenter on here, I also could sit listen to him talk all day & night. Brilliant.

[@skygazer6898]

Even more so when they can also make you laugh

[@polishbroadcast]

Nice work by the moderator! Great questions and followups to a wide-ranging conversation.

[@joeysipos]

He seems like he came out of some other relm! His spirit has so much energy and can connect with people to extreme extents. I think he is ahead of his time, he is right there will be a spiritual revolution. I personaly think he has seen the future some how! Sounds crazy but he is so removed from this society that he sees outside it. This world is all bullshit if you think about it. Times are changing for people to wake up

[@syritasdoneitgoodytwoshoes2471]

he is all for New World Order - Evil SOB

[@Nolangainsborough]

Linda Golding how have you gathered that

[@Nolangainsborough]

Linda Golding he talks about changing current political system where the rich get richer at the 13.30 mark, I doubt he would support the NWO where the people would be truly worse off

[@jayh9529]

Nolan Gainsborough trew world order 🙄

[@basementhermit3607]

Anyone know what the guy said at 44:48? Sounds like he was making a very good point but he didn't have a mic.

[@PedroCaiado]

Leo lost a gold opportunity asking stuff russell already had said previously. Even russell was disappointed when he wanted to ask about drugs. I understand that it's terrifying to interview him, but it was time to bring up CHALLEGING stuff. This is Cambridge university after all. Leo should be one of the one direction. He's hot. Haha

[@HM-yv9xk]

Its 3am and im feeling enlightened

[@aprisonerscinemastephenmur6932]

I'M 50 SECONDS IN AND IM LAUGHING ABOUT HOW UP TIGHT AND SERIOUS THIS STUDENT IS... I KNOW HE'S ABOUT TO BE RATTLED AND MADE SO UNCOMFORTABLE

[@yosse.mohnen7479]

"you and me and my mother" at 34:31 Had to post this cause I've rewatched this magical moment a million times already

[@sail1948]

I've stopped counting "paradigms".

[@enbutler9691]

"there is an elite so identifiable" yes, you're sat amongst its youth

[@tomclark15]

That's why this speech is so powerful.

[@enbutler9691]

***** who do you consider the real elite?

[@FeelGreatMusic]

Tom Jones yeah, who do you consider the real elite ?

[@russellcook4792]

@UnyieldingDefiance with what, his uplifting message

[@SharonBhara]

Acquired reality vs spirituality. I love u too bits hun youve hit the nail on the head. May u stay forever connected to the source

[@cornelius56]

Russell Brand is awesome!!what a true inspiration to our generation, a real example of the positive change that will inevitably take place in our unjust and corrupt world..

[@jamesrosales89]

what a legend ! speaks truth with genius and courage ! world needs more like him

[@ibanoffeepie6906]

It's a pity they don't teach microphone mixing levels at Cambridge.

[@GlasgowMick50]

I feel from watching this, whoever is interviewing is extremely intimidated by Brand (not surprising considering brands character) and Brand, when he pauses for thought is also aware he is talking to very intelligent people and almost wary of what he says.

[@tobydstreet]

No he’s aware he’s speaking to idiots, and so has to consider what they’ll understand

[@MrAtaguas]

I love how Brand has come to the "source", the "mother load" of rich people of Britain at Cambridge and is preaching "socialism" by belittling the very people he is talking to ... these people ARE the sub-components of the money hungry corporations of tomorrow lolz

[@MrAtaguas]

Mate i agree with you except YOU MISSED MY POINT ... I am not disagreeing with Russell I am just saying that he is talking to the WRONG AUDIENCE ... most of the People at Cambridge don't understand or care about the plight of common people...

[@MrAtaguas]

I agree with you in that he should stick to the UK ... in the sense that people can shoot holes in his argument much more easily if he tries to reform a system in a country that he hasn't spent too much time in (i.e. USA) and whose political and social complexities he does not completely understand. Even if he is right people will easily walk all over him... it is much easier to stand up for the community that he grew up in and people will align with him for the RIGHT reasons ... not just cause he is a celebrity and they want to be seen agreeing with him so that they can look cool (look at Rosie O Donell in Russell's "The View" interview, she's like a obedient dog that want's a treat)... and I agree with you when it comes to news media in the US --- in the sense that it is completely biased and manufactured for entertainment purposes ...

[@KbcBerlin]

*****"people are far too selfish and not cynical enough" I would say too cynical, too easily distracted,bought off, and too narcissistic.

[@arthurbosch1460]

Breathe, Mr. Ataguas. You're totally missing the point. Your pre-existing prejudices are preventing you from a new alternative. Lighten up.

[@MrAtaguas]

I don't think you comprehend anything I typed

[@asad5067]

i underestimated how smart this guy is. gonna have 2 watch his stuff.

[@charleslwanga1380]

it is so nice to know that there are people out there who think like i do, who can explore the many gradunarities ofthe mind, and have a common reference point to which they can come back to. the love of thought and the bravery to explore what the mind beholds :)

[@divyanarang]

Am I the only one that is bothered by the fact that Russell poured water for both people, but the interviewer didn’t thank him.

[@Luke-kp1px]

how can you dislike this ? everything he says is on point

[@melissahammons1142]

OMG I LOVE RUSSELL BRANDS MIND, LIFE, LIVING, ATTITUDE AND WAY OF THINKING!!!!

[@BrankoBrankov]

Melissa Hammons Can not agree more. He is also free and fearless.

[@melissahammons1142]

common friends, feel free to like me here, i love like minded individuals

[@DrBe-zn5fv]

it's great that that incredibly larger than life profane-yet-philosophical dionysis bloke who kept you so entertainedly captive down the pub that night has this great universal platform of internet and tv so we don't have to buy beer every time we want to hear him. That he should warrant the fawning appreciation of the Cambridge Union doesn't detract..

[@moss52]

So many famous people have a lot of power and a "big voice" and so few have the vision, desire or ability to use it for the greater good. Russell is going for it and I say "Yes, Respect!"

[@globaldigitaldirectsubsidi4493]

this is great!! this guy is a hero! he is ahead of our time

[@BirchBehav]

I could watch/listen to Russell for hours and hours. so many good ideas

[@A-Milkdromeda-Laniakea-Hominid]

Why is the only Q&A Russell seemed impressed with, the only one we couldn't hear?! Damnit!

[@TheBeatleboy64]

Everyone, you can hear the question if you just turn up your volume loads!! :) You might need headphones for it though.

[@A-Milkdromeda-Laniakea-Hominid]

Harry, could you just transcribe it? I already maxed my volume and couldn't hear it. Thanks in advance if it's not too much trouble!

[@A-Milkdromeda-Laniakea-Hominid]

Cool! Thanks! Are you saying YOU were the quiet guy? Really?

[@goodsirknight]

***** nice work Harry!

[@A-Milkdromeda-Laniakea-Hominid]

***** Yeah Harry, I forgot to say, your word is more than adequate haha!

HELLO MR. BRAND IT REALLY DOES ASTONISH ME THE FAST-TRACK WAY IN WHICH YOU REPLY TO THY INTERLOCUTOR. I WISH MANY MORE "FORMAL" UNIVERSITARIANS COULD ANSWER AS RAPIDLY AND BRILLIANTLY AS YOU DO, SIR RUSSEL BRAND, AS FOR ME, I AM SINCERELY BEDAZZLED BY THY SPEECH. CHEERS FROM MX CITY ° NAMASTE

[@charliec6036]

Are you 64 yet

[@Thecramps1982]

The best way to control the opposition is to lead it ourselves. ILLUSION is the utilmate weapon.

[@RossRossiter]

this ones for all you gucci bag carriers out there ,,,you got gooooooooooooooooood taste. well Im a human fly but I dont know why etc etc

[@Michael-xv1gn]

I did not expect to watch that entire hour of video footage. And it had nothing to do with politics, I just think he is a great rhetorician. That's not an insult, most of the great figures in history have been great orators. That's not praise either, most of the greatest villains have also been great orators.

[@chris060372]

Oh, Russell, the Selfish Gene isn't about the selfishness of the organism, but the selfishness of the gene in order to perpetuate itself. Read the book, not the title.

[@Lassebdj]

That is generally the issue with Russel Brand.. He's clearly very intelligent but lazy as hell.. While he even admits to not knowing a whole lot about anything, he's also sorting of just winging most of the stuff that comes out his mouth and has no solid answers for the the more specific questions.. It's pretty amazing to notice how many of the questions he's bullshitting his way through.. I can't blame him for being this way and I'm entirely with him on his notion, but I wish he'd make more of an effort and I tend to think this is also the reason so many people cant take him seriosuly..

[@chris060372]

Lasse Bjørn Duegaard Jensen very well said

[@garryechoe3269]

You condescending ball sack.. Russell has the full support of real people.. The way he held the room and talked with integrity in those surroundings was awesome, the bit about boy bands was funny as fuck, you come across like a prat.. Russell has been getting criticised a lot but as I said real people support him, very few stand ups that can touch russell at his best, really enjoyed this upload

[@chris060372]

Garry Echoe HAHA you knob.

[@garryechoe3269]

Oh Chadwick you silly silly goose.. That's what you sound like you fuckwit.. Condescending son of a yak

[@shamanahaboolist]

Nice one Russell... funny and enlightening to the youth.

[@Bigd203]

Quite ironic given Brand's beliefs that the event was sponsored by Deloitte!

[@KingKryse27]

What an awesome video man. Amazing. So informative and revolutionary! keep it up Russel!

[@davekent6023]

Fabooka De Stait I'm just curious, do you find it funny because he's talking about a revolution specifically in Cambridge, or is it the same with all other posh Unis in the world?

[@nerfherder9284]

Fabooka De Stait Next time write an essay on how fucking pointless the shit your saying is.

[@davekent6023]

Fabooka De Stait This is quite confusing your third comment, I mean

[@nerfherder9284]

Fabooka De Stait Benefits of taking drugs? Go take a look at what I said in that conversation you moron. It wasn't even about humans, it was a conversation about how some animals eat things we would consider drugs like cats liking catnip or dolphins eating poisonous fish. You are so stupid you don't even read something correctly.

[@tiriri221]

It is true that he is allowed to say these things on national tv when people who actually work to make practical changes are not. But like russell himself said, if you want people to listen..Make it sexy, fun and entertaining. I just watched this for 1hour easy. Everyone does their part, his part is to bring awareness and motivate young people and he's doing an incredible job as you can see everyone listens to him. Wrong to label him as a comedian... Just listen to the message

[@kwey07]

absolutely

[@iaingorry8659]

A university known for producing some of the greatest minds the uk has ,known for being one of the world's best learning establishments,,,and can't get the audio right on an upload, nah watched a few of these, all really good, especially enjoyed this one

[@veganath]

A study in Britain established that children who are intelligent have a greater predisposition to become vegetarians as adults, I can't figure if Russell is the exception to the rule or the epitome of this research...lol.

[@nazirkazi2588]

Go on then, link to the study.

[@sammylpt9076]

@Veganth - you should watch Joe Rogan Russell Brand podcast about how Russell views meat eaters despite him being vegan. He's not condescending in the slightest to his meat eating, animal killing counterpart. It's a shame most vegans can't communicate equally without having to resort to condescending remarks. Hopefully in your seven years since your post you have mellowed out somewhat and accepted people regardless of their path.

[@veganath]

@@sammylpt9076 *_"He's[Russell Brand] not condescending in the slightest to his meat eating, animal killing counterpart"_* and nothing I wrote in the OP should be subjectively interpreted as condescending, it was a joke and a reference to a study about kids with high IQ's predisposition to becoming vegetarians as adults. I would say I am the exception to the rule as they say correlation doesn't equate to causation...lol. But I have never forgotten that I once killed & ate non-human animals, so I understand the mind set of those that do and see myself in them.

[@buntselina]

Exactly Russell exactly! You vocalise many intrinsic beliefs I've always had & other perspectives I have come to embrace through life experiences. It's totally uncanny how everything resonates. It's all so sensical & intuitive to me that I can't believe the whole world isn't vibing in on it! What's going on with everybody!!! Wake up & smell the unconsciousness. Far out.

[@TheLetsbegin]

So much of this recording is distorted by a interferance of the sound quality. :/ missdirected

[@matthewtagg5923]

I feel that Russell is doing an amazing job of bringing spiritual thought to the masses. His knowledge is very extensive and he possesses a great gift to be able to present this in a comedic style. Whilst I agree with his disgust at the selfish corporations and politicians, I can't see a revolution happening. Whats needed is more compassionate, spiritually informed politicians to gain positions of power. This was an amazing talk which will inspire like minded people to work towards a more kinder, loving and fun society.

[@KingKryse27]

HES A NEW KIND OF SPEAKER. JUST FUNNY AND UNIQUE, REVOLUTIONARY COMPARED TO MOST...SO DONT TELL ME WHAT REVOLUTIONARY MEANS..CUZ I HAVE MY OWN DEFENITION

[@cotes42]

I completely agree!

[@09Ozymandias]

Agreed! "If I can't dance, it's not my revolution".

[@SxciiBiatch69]

One of the most charismatic, hypnotic speakers I have ever come across

[@DaStig]

Culture is our operating system and we do need operating systems, But we must remember that our essence is love... Brilliantly put

[@Mirrorgirl492]

Can anyone tell me if the sound improves at all?

[@woodenstairs2092]

Brilliant brand at his best.. So funny yet informative too

[@RayIrvine]

Well done Leo!

[@Mkay1808]

I tell you, when I listened Russell quoting Lord Krishna and Arjuna .. What a dude , very well enlightened and doing it on the basic level so every young human on earth can understand ...! God Bless man and the oxford union

[@daviddarran2136]

I just love this guy. Russell Brand, the counterforce to corrupt politicians. The GENUINE representative of people who belief that fairness is the hallmark of a good society. Where the less powerful in our society should not be at the mercy of the more powerful. Long may your efforts continue in shedding light on politicians who seek to deceive us into believing we are all in this together, when the growth of food banks so eloquently tell us that David Cameron is lying.

[@susanharr8404]

Well Done Leo What a nightmare !!! Think he did very well looking forward to hearing the release of Russell, Leo and his mother!!!!

[@MrApplesucksass]

Does anyone else think Russell Brand is like a modern day Nathaniel Hawthorne? The rambling prose and sentences - they sound nice sometimes, but other times they sound, convoluted, unremittingly long, and never seem to cease in their subtly insinuated highly praised praises of quiet undulations for concepts, notions, espoused senses of theosophical beauty; thus transmuting to a woe-begotten grouping of oppressed, repressed, obsessed, yet starkly emphatic, and undoubtedly well educated, philosophically literate, politically active users of the modern democracy, ready for a rough tumbling revolution of the likes seen in France during that time of great social upheaval for the down-trodden French proles of a 17th century 1984, Orwellian phantasmagoria of lowly served minstrels, bards and other common artisans representative of the common masses, audience - that meander and twist and turn and lose every available faculty of meaning, sense, and certitude. Alas, this mortal coil doth choke the tool of such sweet representation, such beauty of function of the likes only ever found in the lilting summer daisies, warmed under the lovingly expired rays of a burning, fiery sphere of golden purity, orbital in its journey through this hapless ocean of void-like curiosity. I get it. You've read a little bit here, a little bit there, maybe even a little bit everywhere. But why do I get the impression you still have no clue as to what you're really saying? To me it feels like he's blurting out a series of memorized blurbs that he happened to find in the theology & philosophy section of his local Waterstones (Barnes & Noble). If he loved words or communication or whatever it is he feels he "espouses", then why would he feel the need to butcher perfectly simple and plain ol' fashioned, easy-to-understand English? I think I can translate Russell quiet accurately: Brand: There should be a revolution! Person #1: Why? Brand: Cos love and greedy bankers and oppressed people...

[@Yoyimbo01]

I can't see how that comment and that username can possibly be from the same individual.

[@MrApplesucksass]

Batsinthebelltower Do they not teach irony in school anymore?

[@MrApplesucksass]

Erik Nilsson People in glass houses, Erik. People in glass houses. Or maybe in your case, I can see. Erik.

[@Yoyimbo01]

I feel exposed. Damn you Google. Oh, and touché.

[@EnginAtik]

This performance should be taken as theatre as opposed to prose to better appreciate the masterful use of Brecht's "distancing effect" by Russell Brand. In fact at times it felt like he was delivering an oratory in an ancient greek amphitheatre and at times it felt like a frank chat at a pub. He used drama masks for epic and lyrical emphasis. His main point is "different is possible" and he successfully delivered his point. I have known him as "the freak on the MTV awards" until I watched his "Messiah Complex" just yesterday - a brilliantly written and masterfully delivered performance which lead me to watch this video. He is not forcing anyone to watch his performances, people are free to read Robert's Rules of Order or Pikkety's Capital instead if they think it is a better use of their time.

[@tcritt]

Total misunderstanding of the idea of the "Selfish Gene".

[@bentaylor10]

+timcritt perhaps it was his own interpretation?

[@accorsistudios]

I've binged watched a lot of his videos and he needs specific clarity on what people are to do. There are far more beneficial actions to take than run for office. Organize a group of common minded people and speak, negotiate at a local provincial meeting, meet with representatives at their offices. Propose legislation and laws. Follow them all the way through the process. Its good there is rising awareness, but "professional action" as opposed to anarchist protest can get a great deal done.

[@dstreamerii3958]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and charm for the truth of our oneness Russell! You are great here. You are always great, but in the first 10 minutes you've already activated a lot of important consciousness. Cheers! Non-Compliance is certainly what we can do now to best be the change we want to see. As you said Liberate ourselves on personal basis and then as a tribe/society.

[@TruthSeekingElf]

Wow, the next Messiah!!

[@RossRossiter]

he;s not the messiah, altogether now...he;s a very naughty boy

[@asad5067]

im in favor of socialism too but not government owning and controlling everything that was a big mistake... workers need to own and democratically control the jobs they are at. 1 person 1 vote workered owned and run jobs. cooperatives. worker ownership. democracy at work. thats the revolution (or part of it), it really exists, and we need more of it.

[@TheBeardMachine]

I think you just described my ideology

[@MundaneAxiom]

pretty sure those are the foundations of modern socialist partys throughout the world

[@TheBeardMachine]

i am a modern socialist...

[@mindchimp]

Such a great speaker to articulate all these ideas, cant wait to hear him on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, the cave is lighting up!

[@unaanguila]

¡Excelente! Bravísimo. I adore every second of it. Russell is a very smart and funny person, an excellent human being. He is so elocuent to speak his mind and the way he thinks is really enlightening. Thanks for sharing!

[@ayayyay]

Don't be beguiled by the this man's vast diction and charm, he still chats shit and doesn't really know what he believes in or understand what he thinks he believes in. It's all one ego fest and he loves every minute of it.

[@dstreamerii3958]

if you think talking about Mother Earth and the need to stop allowing Corporate Cannibals to Plunder our Species out of Existence is an ego fest you are either have an inverted definition of ego, or you are intentionally trying to discredit a person sharing needed ideas to move beyond this decaying and imprisoning paradigm of lies that has been eating our future, and the health of our planet to the point that, as Brand says "We no longer have the luxury of saying things aren't that bad." He talks of Matrilineal, natural feminine values as a way to re-orient values toward sustainability and to cease being unsustainable and destructive to the planet and ourselves. we are in a patriarch, anti-nature religious structure a separate-maximization, slaughter house economic prison of artificially increasing consumption of precious resources to make short-term gains in a short-sighted authority game and the laws, institutions, and enforcers do not care for the people unless they are part of corporations, banks, or propaganda pushers. Earth cannot take anymore of us betraying our own wills and hating ourselves so that we can be kept as slaves and livestock of the lords of corporatism/fascism. if you have not got the call so far, you just got one from him, one from me. remember we are all the Family of Earth. in order to plunder and desecrate Earth we must first feel ourselves worthy of desecration and disdain. and our women - that is why the patriarchs attack the woman and our perceptions and respect of our sisters.

[@Reflix91]

I cant help thinking this guy Leo is just trying to be too intellectual instead of looking at things from a down-to-earth 'feeling' perspective. He doesn't sound like he has any emotion in his words yet Russell, although very intuitive and sharp, talks from the heart.

[@julie2991]

"you me and my mother " spontanuous soing sounded like it could be a peter andre hit record!!ha ha soooooo funny

[@MisterAdamApples]

i'm about 35 minutes in and they haven't cut to any of the other cameras. weird

[@dirty_cop3085]

I think the solution is to completely take money out of politics with no salaries and no corporate backing. It didn't used to be this way. No more career politicians and shorter terms is the way.

[@SteveGouldinSpain]

It did used to be this way. The Inca's had a moneyless society that co-operated in work, shared produce and cared for people who are too old to work. Capitalism only became possible a few hundred years ago when the Medici started banking in 17th century Italy. Before that, lending money at usury was banned by the Catholic Church and Islam. What we're seeing today is the resulting corruption of that change - debt is a form of slavery.

[@broskbenny]

Man I love this guy!

[@kittensugars]

It's a shame about addicts...many of them are genius types who are enhanced by their drug of choice, but -it's always temporary. Russell Brand saw that and is still alive, unlike many other famous addicts. He is highly intelligent, and very funny, and has a lovely spiritual side. Don't be a hater. :)

[@NichoandAdri]

Is it true that Bhagavad Gitas last words were "I remember"? I can't seem to find anything to confirm that on the web.

[@andrewstretton7149]

"in collaboration with Deloitte" probably isn't how Brand wanted it

[@mindtwisted6625]

Don't you hear what he's telling you... He's using every opportunity he can to wake ppl the hell up! Pay ⚠ attention... He don't take these kind of interviews seriously for a reason.. But he takes serious the opportunity to tell you, we are being hypnotized, bought off with the fulfillment of needless shit, entertainment ect...

[@KiiNGofLONDON]

does anyone know what the guys asking the question says @44:48

[@FuckFeminists]

26:24 Im also currently a student, and that is a really, really well phrased question. Nice interviewing!

[@lasttango4609]

10.00 et seq Russell misunderstands "The selfish gene". In fact, this book is all about altruism, and how the cooperative aspects of our biology can arise naturally out of genes which act to maximise their own propogation. Dawkins has often bemoaned the misunderstanding the title of his book. Genes are carried through time in containers which make up what we call bodies. The "host being" (in our case) is a social mammal and that sociality is a strategy which results in more genes being passed into the future. Other life forms have different strategies, such as parasitism, but they all share genes which are passed on and carried in bodies. Please someone explain this to Russell.

[@cosmogal.ashella1907]

In Russell's defense, he said "professor Dawkins' popular idea of the selfish gene" (underlining the word "popular"). His choice of words defines his rhetoric, hence I gave him the benefit of the doubt when he chose to use the word "popular". He certainly is not a professor Dawkins, that's why he refers to the way the masses misunderstood the key argument of that book. Then he carried on with "I don't think those ideas are true". I think Russell means that the popular culture of the selfish gene ( and not the scientific facts of biological research) has influenced the modern society. Society has duped itself in believing that the collective humanity / society is selfish. He is the self appointed messiah of the New Age, a jester, or what I call - a Shakespearean fool, not a scientist.

[@marronionline]

RB: "We need to be free!" Audience question: "Well would YOU consider running for office to make us free?".................... LOL, the conditioning runs deep with this culture.

[@theodorepapageorgiou2605]

Great stuff Russell,hopefully We can meet on the AKASHA Field.

[@SpiralSister]

I am all for voting on every issue. Yes! I know politicians are just like us, multi-faceted and flawed. All people make mistakes. We're all on a journey (some maybe ahead, or behind... on our journey) but none perfect. Who defines what "perfect" is anyway really? To raise our consciousness: be more compassionate and kind (including to ourselves) and work together, and like Russell says, get our priorities in order. Have fun and go "be" kindness. Take it easy. Namaste. Blessings to all.

[@BrankoBrankov]

Russell Brand BRILLIANT mind.

[@GamingLiveNFS]

06:15 to 08-40 Putting in to understandable terms, one part of the system we live in. Which in turn makes it 'the system' successful and puts us 'the people' in the position of slaves. russel brand...thank you for this ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (thoughts of this later) This made me think, Any university students out there, put together some of the finest minds you know in a bid to plan world domination. Put yourselves in the shoes of Independent millionaires, monarchs, banking families, CEO's of multi:national-international companies and any other people or groups that hold power or money in vast quantity. Take inspiration from Heads of countries and powerful families/companies throughout the past 500 years. Basic plans for control of "everything" should be drawn up - monetary assets fossil fuel extraction and production secondary energy concerns (power generation from perpetual-free sources) Government (education, health and agriculture to military, finance and politics) (Too many more to mention, Imagine what would be needed to secure the end goal) Speaking of which Contemplate the end goal it's self. To have anything your mind fathoms catered for in abundance, and therefor the highest level of technology that is attainable. Ask yourself what does a guy with a ten figure bank account want or dream of. (Secret bases as refined or more so than Groom Lake, Nevada -Area 51 would be interesting assets) The main purpose of this work would be in comparing your findings to the real world. The movement of power and money around the world or the combination of royal families. Companies merging with one another, around the world a web would form of said 'Conspiracy' to form a more powerful super structure of a still tiny elite. Love to All - Safe Journey

[@jasondaigle4718]

I notice when he is talking on the hand held mic it sounds like tapping on another mic...

[@okayjosem]

38:00 in, the question that girl asks brings out the sincerity Russell Brand has for the society and 'inner-society'.. I get where ppl say he's more a less a clown and part of the machine.. But I take everything in with a filter..and what's left is something that resonates with my soul.. He himself says clothes & desires are normal and even he's drenched in it, but he's saying to just be aware that there's more & it's all from a vacancy of real truths, truths like self love. Say what ya want, but that's a form of brilliance to me.. Just my personal opinion

[@stephenconley5173]

don't read the comments

[@stampy990]

So Russel Brand gives an emphatic opening comment about our desires and the construct of our primal reality and the follow up question from the "educated" is.... "Do you wish you weren't famous" Wow Now I know RB is no Nietzsche but holly crap put down the ipad and pry open your brain dude.

[@SiriuslyYours]

Cambridge is awful in its own way

[@jayraabbb3166]

Russell Brand isn't coming with a concrete alternative because if he did it himself then he wouldn't be any better than those he is blaming. He is trying to empower the people so that we realise that we must unite to create a solution that is created through the input of all of us....not just 1 solution, created by 1 man. We are stronger together, than divided. A revolution of love, not hatred.

[@LlWEl]

please answer, How many years does it take to graduate from the schools?