Why I'm Not a Scientist

I love science but not necessarily the process of doing science.
I partnered with National Geographic Channel for the launch of Genius
New episodes Tuesdays at 9/8c, and catch-up On Demand at natgeotv.com #sponsored

[@andyanon4081]

3:08 "Winderiffic" 10/10.

[@hannahl3456]

It's just simply amazing

[@Janfinito]

And thus A meme is born

[@aka5]

* 👍

[@moomoomoomuu]

+

[@krazykidkane]

missed opportunity for "winderful"

[@bielsabas4407]

I like what you've said before 7:05. I think that's what worries me about my current career. I find the process of making art / graphic design tedious but the end result makes it feel worth it --- until I have to work on a new project and go through the same thing again. But some days I just feel this is what I'm meant to do: if only I could find ways to integrate all my other interests. I'm so happy for you you've found how to mold two huge interests together. I wish I'd figure mine out in a few years.

[@QICjcuDsqN]

I was at your talk at McGill! This story is just as inspiring now as it was hearing it for the first time then!

[@K268H]

oh man this relates to me a lot. I've always been on the border of science and arts and the pull of the two have been my confliction for the last few years. I've been working in a lab for a bit and realized it's not the right science for me so in actually going back to school to develop a different field and create content that'll link the two passions.

[@Onebadterran]

I feel like your explanation is perfect for why I am drawn to KZbin as a whole. I love science and I am currently seeking out graduate programs to conduct science in business but once I get my PhD I don't plan on conducting more research. Research is too tedious. Rather, I am also drawn to the more artistic side. I've always loved KZbin and started writing scripts for videos but I also want to be a professor at a private college. The freedom to create is alluring and I hope I can create with KZbin while still being able to educate.

[@musa4539]

A quick note: My native tounge is Turkish and i'm 16. My ""dream"" job would be working on anything related to computer / software engineering. However the education system in Turkey combined with my personality won't let me do it easily. Instead, i'm thinking of becoming a translator or an interpreter. I truly believe i can do it well and without working as much as some students in Turkey would do (when you compare my level of skill with them) Family interventions do affect what I want to do in the future, they want me to do computer science. However, I think i can do translation alot easier and also enjoy doing it over and over again for the rest of my life. Let's see how the next two years of my life, and the last two years of high school goes... On a note: Our classes split into sciences, langauges and a class with everything in it but evenly distributed after the 2nd year of high school. It's not that i cannot do science but it would require more work than i already cannot accomplish. Yes i AM lazy when it comes to biology physics cehmistry and maths. Keep in mind that those 4 are ALOT harder than in America, or in alot of other countries. So yeah, I think i'll just focus on dominating English.

[@lass1234]

I think science on KZbin is even more important to us because KZbin is so popular almost everyone has access to it. You basically raise the base floor of scientific knowledge of many many people. More & more people know more about science by each of your uploads. I would rank you the same as the Mythbuster, inspiring and teaching science. Keep it up.

[@adamlowy3141]

Best Friend (The English Beat, 1980) I watch your videos twice, once for the material and again to study the technique, time well spent. Very good work, hazardous job though

[@JarrodBaniqued]

Just saw the SciShow Psych episode on IQ and motivation, and I have to say, it goes well with this video!

[@nesquikwoah]

Thank you for posting this particular video. I don't normally comment, but I do hope that this will reach you. I am certain that I'm not alone in the struggle of applying oneself into the field of science that would result in absolute happiness and daily inspiration. But that's why people like us watch these videos. To find inspiration from creators who have found that personal success in this field through their creative outlets. Continue doing what you do, you're creating more than educational videos. You also inspire creative applications of science and media in the Veritasium community, and daily inspiration for people. Thank you for everything that you do!

[@gigapede]

I had a similar thought as a kid and science continues to make its way into my art. Thank you for sharing your passion(s)!

[@IamRajanKhanna]

I think you should be proud that you are conveying the message from scientific community to the normal or general people.

[@loicvalenti]

i love those videos so much it helps me so much thinking about my life

[@sandy-ig6rz]

thank you for making this, im also caught between science and art and it was helpful

[@theadityasam]

Hey Derek...i know this might be a very stupid and personal question and you are free to not answer this, but just out of curiosity..... when did you first have a girlfriend... you seemed like a pretty cool guy from those videos... I'm sry for asking such a stupid question XD

[@sadik.oagile6779]

N K I may be wrong but I think he has a kid? He once posted a photo of himself on Instagram with a pregnant woman captioned "Babytasium"

[@JordanBeagle]

N K That's how he has a wife and son right? ; )

[@JordanBeagle]

Sadie Oagile Yes, he does

[@xs0ulLess]

I also was interested the same way lol ... it would be interesting to see the highschool version of him

[@Rinckon1]

instagram.com/raquelgnuno/ his wife.

[@pirate1234567891]

College Derek looks like a younger version of Ian Malcom from Jurassic Park.

[@Muonium1]

Can you comment on your recent participation in Bill Nye's new Netflix series? Surely you must be aware by now of the infamy which a certain episode regarding the "gender spectrum" and "my sex junk" has attained on the internet and on youtube in particular. It does not seem, shall we say, NEARLY up to your caliber of usual fare.

[@JackReacheround]

you went to Queens university ?! .. have you ever been to Belleville ? .. that would blow my mind

[@zagros24]

I'm was going to get a PhD in Call Of Duty but with infinite warfare I changed my mind.

[@vinayseth1114]

'Music and science are tied together'- Hmm, so does 50 Cent have it in him to be the next Einstein? :o

[@Raj-mo1pi]

plz upload your ninja, pirates, yeti,etc videos on this channel

[@whyp5445]

lol

[@small_SHOT]

Raj that would be cool

[@LuciaFiero]

Now you've done it.

[@LouisWongPhysics]

Can you upload those "trolling" videos you made in the college??? I think everyone would love to watch it lol

[@lyndonhanzpernites5860]

I agree.

[@Sander_Datema]

New channel: Veritrollsium

[@connorc1399]

For the Patreons!

[@Lordidude]

I have seen them. He goes to muslim and jewish girls and asks them to play a quick game for a quick kiss.

[@Technicity]

+

[@TheAmineamar]

Dude's become a pro in finding empty roads so no one looks at him like he's a freak.

[@haizi7179]

Lmfaooo

[@misanthropickryptonian2626]

@@haizi7179 laughing my fucking ass out out out?

[@night08755]

@@misanthropickryptonian2626 that's far out

[@shade9592]

Winderrific!

[@Leap6]

I see what you did there

[@tor2840]

you're a pretty cool guy

[@hannahl3456]

He's a pretty derek

[@thelonelygamer361]

Pretty boy Dirk from Veritablium

[@Nightingale_time]

thelonelygamer361 Been listening to Hello Internet? XD

[@samovarmaker9673]

*winderrific*

[@small_SHOT]

*laughs*

[@godassasin8097]

stops laughing

[@reenabalasarangi9331]

*LAUGHS EVEN HARDER*

[@seanp4644]

3:10. You missed a golden opportunity to say winderful. I'm a little upset.

[@whyp5445]

*Man , thank god you weren't born in india !* Otherwise video would be like - I liked science . I got 10 CGPA in class 10th and then I studied hard for IIT JEE . Although I liked physics I was forced to chose computer science since I would have got high package . I worked at Goldman Sachs and became Investment Banker . I then became a writer and judge a dance show now .

[@zhengqunkoo]

Sounds restricted and standardized

[@whyp5445]

Zhengqun Koo , you exactly got my point :D You chose science after 10th grade . your life is almost *restricted and standardized* ! You are driven by choices made by others , all you care is for placement package . Things go haywire you chose any random profession which is never linked with science . Kudos to those , who brush these all aside and do it well . *I aim to do so in future* My aim was to impose a satire on herd mentality of indians :)

[@RustyDustyCrusty]

totally true, happened to me as well.

[@pramitbanerjee]

india has one of the lowest research output

[@adiadiadi333]

Hahah no.... "I was forced to chose computer science I studied engineering in college and became engineer I couldnt get employed so I started youtube"

[@evattsalinger6381]

You are a complete inspiration to me. I doubt you'll ever see this comment. I've never commented on youtube before. I'm a double major in theater in physics, and I have never connected more with your story. I've always loved tutoring and teaching science, and have made a couple multimedia tutoring videos for peers. I don't know how else to say it, but I want your job. And am going to work so hard to achieve that dream. You're currently my inspiration, and I'm going to screenshot this so that I can put it in my video, years from now, when we collaborate on a project. Thanks Derek

[@LuciaFiero]

GOOD LUCK!

[@thommysides4616]

Thanks for sharing your heart and soul....

[@kek375]

So where did it go

[@aboldy]

Keep doing what your doing. You're exceptional at it. I love your channel

[@marcingr7293]

MashO Matic you are*

[@jurremioch316]

Youre're are*

[@marcingr7293]

((You're)'re)^re are

[@jurremioch316]

I see ((you're)'re)'re are a man of culture as well.

[@marcingr7293]

We are brothers now :)

[@Draxis32]

"You can spend 6 months on something and not work out." That is exactly what motivates me in science. Every result is an achievement in itself. The sad part is that Science has become less Academic and more Corporatism in recent times, in the sense that you do your best and your worst to prove that something falls within the hypothesis you're trying to prove, just so that some Science Magazine will publish your work. That's not the philosophy of Science in my opinion. I think Science is the work of developing a very comprehensible and reproducible method of extracting some information out of the world we live in, and try to puzzle that information you have in the big picture of the universe.

[@visashu]

Exactly ! I think people are tending to utilize science for monetary purpose because Research itself does not offer good compensation for those real scientists out there so they have to get it valued somehow and in that process the Science is sort of lost. I appreciate Veritasium for opening up about himself but I definitely need to appreciate those more who are actually involved in Research and that is what lacks in current system.

[@AttilaAsztalos]

Exactly, I was going "wtf do you mean 'doesn't work out'...?!?" - if you're doing it, you're interested in the result, not the "success". Whatever you end up with, that's what you were working for!

[@redragon_istaken]

You should remember that all research is pretty expensive. You need funding, especially in academia. While seeing failure to procure favorable results, as a result in and of itself sounds great, usually it just cuts your budget more and limits what you can do next. Especially if you only have a PhD, if you waste all your funding chances are you're not getting another grant, and there goes your career. Your next step would be to seek a job outside of academia, somewhere in industry, but since all they require is a specific level of knowledge that can be attained by people with a masters, you're just an unnecessary expense since they would have to pay you more for your degree. When most people think of research they only think of the discoveries and finding new things but in reality it's a very brutal field. You can't just have ambition, you need a plan to minimize your failures as much as possible. And even then you would constantly live based on how many grants you can get and how many new fundable ideas you could come up with. Even when you have a great idea you might still not get a grant. Furthermore now that we're in the 21st century and information is readily available, there are many times more capable researchers than in the past. This leads to 10 researchers working in a space for 5 with the budget of 2, making the competition to get most of the funding very intense. All of the researchers that I have met working in labs have told me one thing, never get a PhD alone, either get an MD, PhD, which would give you good job security and you can practice while doing research on top, or get an MBA, PhD and go into industry as a researcher/manager. So yea results do matter and mistakes are manageable but too many is not a positive thing. That being said it changes from field to field. There's a lot of funding going into cancer and degenerative diseases research but not nearly as much in vaccines for infectious diseases. Also to talk about journals and papers, while they are not perfect they are one of the main lines of defense against keeping corrupted or fake research from being passed. Again not perfect which is why you constantly have papers being retracted. They are also very important for spreading ideas and allowing others to gain the information you uncovered. That's one of the main reasons why we are having so many advancements, because people are sharing their research.

[@DvDick]

Redragon That's why I'm currently against our current economic system. Science is mainly done through cooperation, but since fundings, publications or anything else that involves money is based on principles of competition, scientist are forced to compete with each other, losing good minds, valuable data and potential world-changing discoveries, and sometimes even to play dirty to get funds, like manipulating data. I really would like to get a PhD and do research, but hearing the struggles that research requires by both the internet and my professors and considering that the amount of people working on scientific fields is only going to increase, putting even more pressure than there is now, is convincing me to follow other paths. I really like cutting edge science, but if it requires to get mad on a daily basis just for petty economic bs then I'd rather stick with more conventional stuff.

[@atwajesper9434]

Well, I see where you are coming from. Actually, in a class at my University a professor told us that there have been more inventions from the year 1990 to the present than in all human history until the year 1990. It sounded intriguing to me. Now, the corporate part that you speak of, may also apply to the fact that in the 1800's for instance, a scientist pretty much carried all the burden. The research, data processing, (repeated) experimentation, etc. Sometimes they found a 'sponsor' who would help with the financial aspect of it but at the end of the day, pretty much the results good or bad; or the invention remained his/hers. Today, inventors of the technology that we have been using the last couple decades are mentioned here and there but great part of the credit goes to the big company who hired him. It would be easier for our memory to pinpoint exactly who invented the car, the light bulb or the telephone.

[@souravzzz]

I might be the opposite of you, I loved and chose physics because that was the only thing I was good at. I liked the fact that I did not have to memorize dates and names; and I could derive pretty much any equation that I needed from basic facts.

[@narendernare9189]

Nd u shud endup making films u know wt i mean.

[@TheTurtleOfGods]

Not sure if you're going to read this, but you are such an inspiration, and your channel has taught me a lot. I always get sucked into watching your videos, along with others like vsauce, scishow, pbs space time, etc. And I really appreciate the time and effort youtubers like yourself put into all of this. I've learned way more just binge-watching all these interesting science-related videos than most people would believe. You're a great teacher, and I think that's awesome. Keep doing what you love!

[@vikranttyagiRN]

You just literally spoke out my situation. That's exactly what I have done

[@steffliot3788]

Really.

[@FuzzyLitchi]

Vertasium is confirmed number one

[@mydarxide]

how do you get such good audio outdoors?

[@zachburke8906]

Wind screens, aka the big fluffy things that go over microphones

[@veritasium]

rode videomic (pro?) not sure, it's been a long time since I bought this mic.

[@xs0ulLess]

I gotta say the audio is very good and I was fooled into thinking it was recorded afterwards xD

[@girlginsmash]

Magnets, man. How do they work?

[@IOwnThisHandle]

You know about this little site called Google? Yeah....

[@Ekaekto]

Bob thats a meme...

[@danteregianifreitas6461]

that's a pretty neat reference

[@piprod01]

Someone asked Feynman how magnets work, he couldn't do it.

[@ilhamabdulhakim9554]

magnets are dragon's heart that have hardened for centuries

[@DerNesor]

Science on youtube is doing all the cool stuff , doing actual science is sitting in a lab calculating for weeks, running a blackboxexperiment to enhance the accuracy of the method for measuring thickness of thin surfaces by 5% ....

[@fizikshizik]

Which may be extremely cool to do actually...

[@suhailmall98]

Der Nesor yep, people love "cool science", not the real thing

[@arslongavitabreves]

"Science is 99% boring. Any real scientists would know that." -Kurisu Makise

[@nitowa]

If you want to be a cool scientist you might as well just become an engineer.

[@GeorgeCVB]

lol, "cool" is such a personal word. I find youtube science the boring and most dislikeable part...

[@lowqualityshitposts8860]

and by making people interested in science, he is increasing the number of scientists and therefore, contributing to science, like Bill Nye the Science Guy

[@jojojorisjhjosef]

Bill Nye the social justice warrior! BILL! BILL! BILL! BILL!

[@pramitbanerjee]

be warned future scientists, never speak out on social issues, lest you be mocked by the keyboard warrior on the internet. Everyone knows being insulted on the internet is a death sentence.

[@JJAB91]

How is he a keyboard warrior for pointing out how goddamn stupid his new show is?

[@IrisBomber]

JJAB91 'oh no officer a snowflake landed on my face' you're a keyboard warrior cause every fascist knows minorities bite back in real life

[@eagle3676]

DPOH Productions bill nye has gone crazy. gender spectrum really?

[@martinowong]

Sincerely, thank you. I am majoring in physics and I haven't yet figured out what I want to do in life after that; I know that if I don't end up in research that wouldn't mean I am lesser that anyone who does, but it's very comforting to know this from someone else; maybe I will end up doing something like you, I have often wondered about that as well, we'll see; that KS again, and keep up with the awesome videos! Even if I don't end up in research, I am sure there are a lot of students who decided and will decide to major in a STEM subject thanks to people like you, so in a way, maybe you'll be the father of the next Einstein!

[@dupisdisasterpiece1058]

fat fat fat fat FART SHAT MESS

[@kimchikoalaa714]

I'm good for nothing

[@ECAPS.]

Kimchi Koalaa too real

[@NGEternal]

Kimchi Koalaa That's not true even if you'd like it to be. The first step is to have the balls to stop pitying yourself and to take a good hard look at the world around you. Find something that might interest you and explore/do it. Then repeat.

[@valebliz]

NGEternal most people are not talentless, but just extremely lazy. I know, i am.

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

There's also that third option... so damn frustrated with the other people we have to work around (working "with" proving itself impossible) that we'd rather sit it out on the couch... F- it... :o) Personally, I just blame Rome. It's usually about right.

[@NGEternal]

valebliz Yes that's the overt perception but it can also be fixed by finding/creating something you're passionate about. I don't believe anybody's predisposed to be lazy, just that we all have different motivations.

[@sansamman4619]

Most of the people who start science do it for the category for their selves, but those who end it do it as a sacrifice for humanity and our next generations to come . And the problem with this as much as inspiring it could be it can't be as well and just like that school and education can go terribly wrong , for some people studying and then getting good degree could be inspiring but for those who might never get a good degree they might not ever like it that's why they aren't getting it ... I think you should start talking about education more just like how people should take it more serious. For example in the movie genius school and studying for school was the most stressful because of how wrong it is .

[@mezzthedragon]

The cameras drunk, don't look at the background.

[@narutosaga12]

Mezz underrated comment

[@firstthingtocometomind658]

I just reslized it was groggy when I saw this comment

[@feynstein1004]

I'd love to spend six months on a physics topic, even if it didn't lead anywhere. I do like engineering but physics is just too grand and majestic.

[@saturnblueline02]

ill never get to meet you but i would love to shake your hand and thank you for what you've taught me.

[@slouch186]

college senior derek = mega hottie?

[@LollypopLama]

Can anyone explain whats happening with background? Why is it wiggling like that? Is it lens or video stabilization or both?

[@REDSTONE267]

Urrong it's both.

[@100DollarBillYall]

youtube has video stablization that doesn't work very well, imo

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Most of what I saw was "random jitter" as some of us call it. It comes from a variety of sources. Some of it's the way he's holding the camera in his hand (even with the appropriate selfie-stick doo-dah... Some of it's the wind also physically causes vibrations in the camera housing, and the internal structure of the camera has its own "shock decreasing" aspects so the lens is prone to some movements independent of the sensors and mirrors and (well a lot depends on the particular camera)... There are softwares (whole suites in fact) available to correct some of it. There's really no good way to get rid of all of the "jitter" but with a few very clever little anomalies, most of it can be gone. However, this also requires the investment (particularly timewise) in the software suite of choice to experiment with each camera, every setting, and all the hardware to figure out the best combinations to eliminate the most, eliminate "enough" most efficiently, and to eliminate a couple other degrees of more or less for "dramatic effect" ... In most cases, the time-wise investment is somewhat lacking on videos that haven't eliminated jitter to the greatest extents, but it comes with practice. Sometimes it's because the group has a relative noob' in charge of post-process and it takes time to build that person's confidence with the work up along with skills and personal techniques... Other groups just take turns, so if one person builds real skill at it, you end up with "hit and miss" variety in the videos... :o)

[@EllipticGeometry]

It's stabilization. Warping the frame to correct for rotation works pretty well, because the perspective remains the same. Rotation tends to be the worst aspect of camera shake, too, because it applies even to things that are far away. But here stabilization was partly influenced by Derek's face which was very close. Here translational movements become significant. Trying to correct those as if they're rotational causes everything to warp unnaturally.

[@veritasium]

there was no stabilization applied after the shoot. I think the warpy effect is from the internal 5-axis image stabilization.

[@mariekearney236]

You were getting a PhD while I was learning to pee in a toilet lol

[@Azoryo]

As a physics student I can only say that this is pretty inspiring. I'll think about it for some time

[@GaryStark]

I think it's admirable that you chose communicating science as your specialty. Too many scientists become lost in very esoteric minutiae and never sufficiently connect or communicate their discoveries to everyday life. As someone who sees ALL problems as science problems, I really wish scientists would be more vocal about everyday problems like world peace or overpopulation. While not necessarily their specialties, science is a process that applies to all problem solving. If mankind ultimately destroys itself because scientists failed to sufficiently communicate the value of species diversification or the dangers of nuclear war, all those esoteric discoveries risk being lost forever. So glad you took up communication as your specialty, but don't limit yourself to magnets or the direction of whirlpools. Apply science to the real problems facing us all.

[@arslongavitabreves]

I think there are some scientists who are specialists in everyday problems (KZbin scientists, maybe? Lol) But "real" scientists would deem such endeavour useless at the least and harmful at the most. They definitely need a lot of their focus, time and energy in their own scientific pursuits. Spending some time explaining various methods to increase the efficiency of a certain type of solar panel with laymen like us won't really help their cause to find new sources of renewable energy for example. Plus, we wouldn't really understand much about what they're talking about (heck I don't even know what I talked about here lol). So, yeah. Of course, there's always exceptions, etc etc. But hey, it's just a COMMENT. A KZbin COMMENT. Aaaaaaaanndd.. Press Reply Button.

[@GaryStark]

I agree, not all scientists can be great communicators. But some need to be, which I see as the weak link in science today. A perfect example is climate change. Sure, we keep hearing that 99% of all scientists attribute it to humans, but clearly millions of voters in this country remain unconvinced. It's easy to write them off as scientifically illiterate, but that's not getting the job done. We need a scientific breakthrough in the art of communicating science. It's hard to quantify, but each day's delay could very likely equals another species lost. This is dire stuff. Derek, are you ready to save the world?

[@pramitbanerjee]

while i agree with you, i am seeing a deep strain of anti-intellectualism in today's world. If a scientists speaks up, he will be drowned by the voices of people who want him to shut up and "focus on his work instead". These are people who have otherwise no interest in science, except to make that one comment because they are unable to tolerate opposing views. It's just too easy to get angry these days. As a species, i fear we will not have long to survive, may be another 100 years at most.

[@GaryStark]

I can't argue. Never said this was an easy nut to crack! Guess we need a scientific analysis of why Trump resonates so well with so many people, then do likewise. Or get Trump on the side of science. As insane as that might sound, it wouldn't be the first time he's completely reversed on an issue. Whatever it takes...

[@drizzlenumba1]

Gary Stark Science ce can be very utalitarian, you may not like the answers Science has for some questions that have to do with human life as the efficient solution that is sustainable may not seem moral. We are at a point in that problem where it's a sort of game theory battle between nature and humanity and if humans win they lose since humans can only live with nature and if we reach a Nash equalibrium then we need to dwindle the population quickly. Also many scientist don't WANT to communicate with other people. Keep in mind many if not most scientist dont like the whole stage thing trying to teach people about science that doesn't even think k climate change is real. And that's the group that actually needs the science, not people already interested watching KZbin videos on science they are fine. It's the others that need it and most scientist don't have the patience. If you watch Neil, Bill, Kaku etc you can see they too have their limits and don't like to be pushed. They will teach you, but you must be open minded and listen. They don't like interruptions nor do they like blatantly stupid people. They all have videos of them snapping on a few people.

[@meganscott96]

literally nobody makes me feel more understood than this guy

[@peterd-k853]

"I am a very competitive person *casually mentions that he was valedictorian* it's just that I was competitive"

[@migkillerphantom]

If you weren't top of your class you're too dumb to matter in life anyway. I'm pretty dumb and even I could pull it off lmao.

[@bulwinkle]

Science needs good communicators. Scientists are generally not known for their communication and people skills. I know that there have been some who have been or are excellent communicators, but most don't seem to be. Perhaps many are so wrapped up in their work that they see anything​ else to be a distraction.

[@cryora]

Part of that reason is due to the niche lingo that associated with specialized fields. They are used to communicating to a community that has a certain established background in the field or perhaps are doing research in the field. Certain terminology in one field of science could be unfamiliar to an expert in another field. Or the expert might be familiar with it, but simply does not have the time to step outside of their niche to really think about it.

[@wayneyadams]

You've been watching too much television and too many movies, That is a stereotype and far from the truth.

[@bulwinkle]

@@wayneyadams no, I have spent years working with scientists and engineers who were immersed so deep in their work they were almost monosyllabic.

[@wayneyadams]

@@bulwinkle It's still stereotyping.

[@Guilhermeabcd]

I've been thinking a lot about this after i resigned my job to get my mental health a treat. I've always thought that i wanted to be x or y, or this, or that. Perfeccionism, excellency, virtuosity are great things for me, but at the same time, i like a lot of things. I like doing things that are completely different, that motivates me in a different way. Maybe life is not about just doing the same thing and become a virtuoso on that. Maybe it's much more fullfilling getting absorved in different projects and carreers, even if this may pose a threat as i can become unfocused, or things may go south when i need exclusive attention on something. I don't know, i just think that life has a lot to offer and we shouldn't limit ourselves on things based on what the outcome could be. I'm pretty sure that i would be a much better analyst if a i didn't spend so much time playing drums, but at the same time, why should i be the next snowden? Why would i should take such responsibility? Just because i have potential to that or because my boss says so?

[@Chrisallengallery]

"Why I'm Not a Scientist" - Bill Nye

[@MrPhilsterable]

Lizard813 Well Bill Nye is an engineer, not a physicist or other scientist.

[@Acroanidd]

gasp... you don't say

[@gromann]

N K so what's your field

[@blitzen9849]

gromann Seems like the appeal to authority fallacy going on now. Doesn't matter what his "field" is.

[@edvink8766]

Zach Seymour, since N K is claiming Bill Nye is a disgrace to all "real" scientists it actually does matter what authoritative position N K is in to judge who is or isn't a real scientist.

[@beenaplumber8379]

I always wanted to be a scientist when I was a kid. I found I had a knack for biosciences, and eventually I got my PhD. When I landed in research, it suited my mind but not my personality. I became a research scientist because I could, without knowing what it would be like every day. You sure got it right - it's tedious! (I didn't care if I got bad results after working on the same experiment for a year though, as long as I got pilot data for the next grant!) But I felt like I was back in a factory working on an assembly line. You know you have to repeat a procedure on a lot of subjects to get meaningful data. Like you, Derek, I teach now, but we are both still scientists. We've got smart-guy papers to show we understand science and the values and limitations of the scientific method. We understand the process of generating and evaluating knowledge. We don't perform the research, but we teach the philosophy, which is why we get that little Ph before our D's. One does not have to conduct research to be a scientist. I wish I had half your talent for teaching though! You are really a gifted educator, and I envy you for knowing yourself so well, and so young.

[@ArattaTube]

4:31 Music and Science are often tied together !!!! - You got to read "The Birth of Tragedy from the Spirit of Music (1872)" - book by Friedrich Nietzsche

[@gonzaloromero3863]

Thank you for uploading these videos, they are very entertaining and I would like you to translate them into Spanish. Greetings from Ecuador. Thank you.

[@Excalibaard]

This is the video that completely describes how I feel at the moment... Thanks for the upload. I am in the process of writing my master's research thesis in Nanomaterials (chemistry & physics) but the last year of research was at many times very unpleasant. Even the small victories where my supervisor and I finally understood what was happening, felt very short-lived and I don't have the focus/motivation to 'just do science'. Writing the thesis about it is especially feeling like a trial and I'm not sure if I even want to complete my masters even though I'm so close to the end, which is how down I feel at the moment (upcoming exams too). I'm already overdue, but I hope I find a way to finish it before I begin my internship. There's no real point to reading all this personal stuff, but I felt like I needed to share it. Have a nice day, reader.

[@piteoswaldo]

Keep determined! When I passed through a similar situation (electrical engineering final project), I was under so much stress that I decided to take a break. I took a prolonged vacation, spent 6 months working with other things that I liked, and when I returned to my project everything was clearer and I had better ideas of how to solve the problems I was having. When under pressure, consider taking a break. You don't need to hurry, it is better for your research and better for your health.

[@gloriousg]

Hi ! not sure if you are reading this still but would love to hear your perspective on this subject 6 years later...

[@Excalibaard]

​​@@gloriousg Hi! I got a notification and got to watch this video again, thanks to you! The video is still very solid advice for anyone pursuing a career, science or otherwise. You need to find the motivation that works for you, and I've found out that I rather spend 99% with something rewarding day-to-day rather than chasing long term goals that may feel good 1% of the time. I assume you'd like to know the conclusion to the story: I did end up finishing my master's degree. It took 2 more years since that post. I interrupted my thesis to do the internship, which I thought would be fun. The internship actually brought me into a depression, but it also made clear that I needed to do something about this. I went to a psychologist, ended up getting assigned to a group of people that also had trouble with finishing their studies. I also got diagnosed with ADHD, the medication helps a lot. Finally I moved in with my new gf (now wife) in a different city, far away from my old uni. With all this support, I finished writing and got the degree with a 2.4 GPA. Nowadays I switched careers to software developer. As someone who liked to be at the computer, it was the easiest step and I found it an exciting new world. I still learn new things every day, but with much faster turnover than science. It suits me much better and I'm much happier than I was. Academia is a different world now, and it's almost unreal to me that I did it. Thanks again for triggering this trip down memory lane 😁

[@gloriousg]

@@Excalibaard Hi! Woah, thanks for the prompt reply, it is lovely to know that everything has worked out for you in the end. You are very welcome for a reminder to rewatch another fine production of Derek's :) I was asking your perspective because I, too, had found myself watching this video after having watched it at some point in the past. I graduated with an integrated master's degree (undergrad followed by a year of research - that is how it is done in the UK) in 2022 having spent much of my university time alone and miserable during COVID, and having decided that the whole university experience was depressive, I am now a Chemistry teacher in an academically selective school. So you see - I am looking at this problem from another perspective - stepping away from science - and have often found myself thinking about going back and completing a PhD in the past year that I have been teaching. I do like the work I am doing - teaching and communicating the wonders of science - but I also cannot stop thinking about research and have kept in touch with my previous supervisor and current research, but there are huge amounts of doubt within myself about if I am good enough for Academia, and the fear of visiting the depressive elements of my undergrad years if I ever go back... Alas. Not sure why I am ranting to someone over the internet but here you go! It is always lovely to hear people's stories and consider their perspectives...

[@ZANTLOZ]

I completely related to what you said about choosing you profesional career and what you'd like to spend the rest of your life doing. I sometimes only thought about what you said, the outcome of the profession, only to realize that whats supposed to inspire you is really the day in and day out of the work. Not saying the outcome doesn't matter at all, but you should definitely consider both of them. Such an important reflexion! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@devandevan1403]

My science teacher: Everyone is a scientist! Me: shows her this video Madlad

[@lukebarber3899]

I don't know quite how to start this, but thank you so much. I'm a 16 year old (as of two days ago) from England, being forced by the powers that be to choose my future and your words really resonated with me. I love Physics, my dad used to be an a level physics teacher and it makes me happy; recently I was asked to do a presentation for English and I taught my class about polarization of light 😅, so I love teaching too. Furthermore, I've been the lead/a main character in two school plays (and kissed two girls who were older than me 😅). On top of that? I make skateboarding vlogs on KZbin and I love doing that. What's the point I'm trying to make? I've always felt like I'd love to do so much and be good at, but finding motivation for the things I've felt I am 'supposed' to be good at it lacks a bit therefore this video has really helped me feel understood, which is difficult for me as an autistic. Sorry for the life story, but in general I love your vidoes

[@roy4173]

I think the term as used here is a little too vague or too broad. Science covers such a large spectrum of study, that I don't think it's entirely accurate to say someone is or isn't a scientist based on whether they are paid to do it, they do it recreationally, or do it in conventional ways, such as in the laboratory. Some of the early fathers of various current major schools of scientific study actually did science as a hobby, not as their day job. Yet no one would argue they weren't scientists. In the modern day, I imagine they might have found KZbin to be a very attractive platform to share their results. If we take the term 'scientist' in its purest form, someone who does experiments, repeats them, modifies certain elements to better understand the world around us, I think many will agree that this video isn't entirely accurate to how you describe yourself. Your video description claims you don't like the process of doing science, but that is all I see you do in these videos. You experiment with your content to see how to best educate your viewers while providing entertainment; you go on the opposite side of the globe and do simultaneous experiments with Destin to see which way the water swirls; you throw a slinky in zero gravity to see how its behavior differs than in normal 1g. These are all things that are at its core a science. That you do this over and over again only goes to show you're a scientist of a particular flavor, delusional.

[@Ludix147]

Roy but the process of doing science in academia is very different from doing fun science at home. It's very tedious, very competitive and very hard.

[@roy4173]

I agree, but it isn't the only kind of science, which is why I think the video could use additional qualifiers. Science is too often intimidating to people who might otherwise be interested in it. I would really like more people to be interested in the sciences in all degrees of intensity, be it academically or recreationally. And those who do good science for most of their day and also get paid for it (ie make a living off of doing science) should be considered 'scientists'. Getting your work published in a science journal shouldn't be the only prerequisite.

[@ashboon1625]

Recreational science, vs actual hardcore science

[@mushpi]

oh god. I totally can not relate a single thing

[@MrHarsh3600]

I enjoy watching non stop stupid videos on KZbin. But I don't think I can make a career out of it.

[@drakan4769]

become a reaction youtuber, you never know

[@nathanlee6654]

When I found out that Derek played the French Horn I was so happy!! I am a high school student who also plays the Horn and loves science!

[@easilyforgettableyoutubeco2149]

Being a science youtuber has many advantages over regular scientists. The flexibility of topics: KZbinrs don't have to discover something new, they just have to learn and understand previous knowledge and relay it to their viewers, allowing youtubers to cover a larger range of topics with less specialised requirements, it is much easier to do than going full hardcore scientist and trying to invent something new. (youtuber= high success rate, scientist= low success rate) Stable income: Well kinda, if wanted to, hosts (with experience hosting shows and making videos, talking to audience, no fear/ anxiety) can always start a TV show, more job options Maintained interests: New topics/ flexibility= interest in Science as a whole would probably never be diminished, since science is almost infinite. A conversation, evolving minds: KZbinrs have their mind open to the outside world (via youtube, comment sections, etc), rather than the hermits many scientists might be, so youtubers can communicate more, and gain some street smart in exchange for book smart (ideas and logic is always debated and improved) The science world is still a world of debate and reason, but youtubers get more conversations with people of all backgrounds, and ideas are exchanged more frequently with larger varieties of people. Inspiration: Probably the most beneficial, inspiring others to do great things, get interests and strive to make their dreams come true. Probably the most fufilling thing from many youtubers (gaming, science, comedy, etc) So unless you have stage fright, science youtubers might actually yield more benefits than regular scientists. But i am just a youtube commenter, what do i know? >.

[@1257mp]

Wow I did not know you went to Queen's! That is the university I am at currently! It's cool to find out someone you watch regularly went to the same place as I am now!

[@kcwidman]

I took AP physics this year just so that I could prove to myself that I could get a 5. I took the test 2 days ago and I'm pretty confident that I pulled it off.

[@Awesomeness156]

Kai Widman congrats! my favorite class in high school, I took ap physics b (which they don't have anymore) and then AP physics c senior year. tough classes but will help you in college SO much.

[@kcwidman]

The scores take 2 months to come back.

[@devesh7135]

Good luck! I hope you did well!

[@NoActuallyGo-KCUF-Yourself]

Kai Widman, if you feel good about it, you probably did well. If you at least attempted every MCQ, and didn't have to blindly guess very often, and have thorough (but not too long) responses to the majority of FRQs, then there is a good chance of getting at least a 4. I think the %correct to score a 5 is only about 65%.

[@EditEraseRewrite]

Kai Widman How'd it go?

[@LuisVasDeCamoes]

I was studying physics and I really like it, but I found out that on my free time I would spend most of my free time developing software and I was always fascinated by robots, so now I am studying robotics.

[@bladenmartin]

Seriously speaking. do check out Nat Geo's Genius . its awesome.

[@RobustFilms1]

Wow Queens Eng. my sister goes to Queens, and she always say that the students that walk around with the Queens ENG jackets are like superheroes to her.

[@Zeldaschampion]

So this guy is basically MattPat but without the gaming. Now everything makes sense...

[@skillrequired2466]

MatPat is way too childish.

[@novtag9724]

Zeldas Champion exactly

[@thiagobaldwin2700]

Lizard813 less puns? Winderrific?

[@squwuid]

same

[@Pianteo]

veritasium!! I never knew you went to Queen's university. I'm a third year biochemistry student at Queen's

[@NovaGN]

What if what you like is useless to society at large?

[@peardude8979]

Is it actually useless, or have just not found its use?

[@jonasstrzyz2469]

Science has lead indirectly lead to the improvement of humans who have money. Look at silicon, without silicon you would not be able to write your comment. Look at vaccines, disinfectant and many more products that have saved lives.

[@novtag9724]

This guy is naturally competitive and has narcissistic tendencies. He can't be working in a field where he can't excel, outstand or be the center of attention. And besides scientist work is mostly boring. KZbin is way better in ego-building. He loves science, meaning he loves the challenges and adventures. But doesn't necessarily like the process of doing science, because yeah it is boring.

[@FannyMMOs]

Novell Tagailo "You don't love science, you're looking at its butt when it walks by." Still love Derek though!

[@Hassenboy]

Why wouldn't you want to work in a field in which you are the best? It doesn't make you a narcissist. If Derek was a narcissist then why did he put this video in 2veritasium?

[@jojojorisjhjosef]

Can you blame the man for doing what he likes? I guess you can.

[@LuciaFiero]

Everyone who likes to take selfies is called a narcissist these days. The simple truth is that a face and a voice are very relatable things. I find Dr. Muller much more watchable than CGP Grey and any people in general with annoying voices. If you have a pleasant face and a pleasant voice as Dr. M does, you can use that to better engage people, and not only is there nothing wrong with that, it's proven science.

[@cryora]

The issue with science is that if you were to be absolutely precise in your language, it would be difficult to understand either due to its technical details or the level of knowledge needed to understand it. In order to make science accessible to the more general public, you need to sort of "dumb it down" or stretch the truth so to speak so that you can get to the important points without being bogged down by the details. The goal is to find a right balance between simplifying your communication and while not be so inaccurate that you invite criticism from scientists and make yourself look like you don't know what you're talking about.

[@sally.moonce3976]

I know my comment might be too late. But I feel like I really need to say thanks to you, Derek. Your videos are my favorite entertainment during this 4 years college. And your life story is my inspiration. I also struggle the similar thing to you: I like science, especially chemistry (I am in chemistry education major), I like all the things about education, but I also love art and music. I like drawing, painting, editing, take photos or videos, I like listening to almost all kind of musics, I like singing, I like movie, everything that is artistic, I always love it. I know someday I need to to choose like you. I need to discover, which one that will be my number one passion.. thank again, Derek for your inspiration. I'm glad to know Veritasium..

[@technicalmanusya6437]

I have the same hobbies science and videography but i dont think that any more channels like these are required 😭

[@ChendoSmit]

Huh, I'm pretty early aren't I

[@EclecticResearch]

Well, it's confirmed Derek has already accomplished more than I probably ever will. Keep up the great work ^.^

[@PhantomHarlock78]

Don't worry. In this days you just need make social justice. Real science is problematic.

[@zedmarks]

That's crap.

[@seishin4real]

BURN xD

[@TRBLarsen]

harlockmbb Care to give an example, as far as I know SJWs tend to be hyper aware of the current scientific understanding of the differences and intersections between sex, gender, and hormones.

[@JsoProductionChannel]

not true.

[@gamarad]

What?

[@chrispipo9304]

Congratulations on following your passionate interests and making it your work. That's a greater achievement than any of your others in the video. PS -real triple threat is phys, chem and math; understand those and bio will just happen ;)

[@schmetterling4477]

I have never even seen a successful combination of two in my life in one person. It does exist but it's exceedingly rare. Mathematicians, in particular, are having enormous problems with the way physicists think.

[@williamdeschamps4032]

As a fellow Canadian, I think you are truly an inspiration to not only for today's youth, but even for adults who love science. I wish I had a science teacher like you when I was young. Someone who could make the abstract concepts understandable, interesting and engaging. I love your channels on KZbin, and I hope that you keep inspiring, teaching and exciting new people everyday in the world of science around us. Thank you.

[@benmigliore]

Thank you for making this video, It really helps me in my life right now. I'm trying to work out my love for science and illustration

[@MartijnDeGussem]

this vid seems to have some weird immage stabalisation going on, or it's something else but it's weird :p first time i noteced it

[@CanariasCanariass]

What do you do when you just don't know what to do with your life, even though you are intelligent and learn quickly? :/

[@olliperez9022]

That was a very inspiring speech! Thanks for that

[@nachannachle2706]

Science is not challenging. Dealing with irrational illogical idiosyncratic human beings everyday IS the real challenge. I'm still working on the formula to solve that equation. Hence I'm not a scientist.

[@ryanjones6127]

Very useful video, thanks 👌

[@superj1e2z6]

Well I guess it's early-adulthood life crisis for me then.

[@NicholasG28]

Payed the French Horn and went into physics? You must really like challenges

[@romzcrazy123]

I've been having a really hard time during my first (current) year of my PhD, and even questioned dropping out and had a crisis over what I should do now. It's pure luck I saw this video just now as the feelings have been going on only a few days before you uploaded this video, because you have become so relatable to me in only a few short minutes and managed to clear most of my thoughts. Thanks for giving me a positive outlook to all of this - you're awesome at what you're doing, and you're shown me it's possible to finish the journey and to do what I love doing.

[@StSrMrDrProfJr]

As I go through my master's, I think about this stuff everyday in the context of myself. Inspiring video! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

[@Dami574]

Incredible, the same point of view as mine

[@Nathanaelsun22]

Loved that, very helpful for meeee:)

[@omsingharjit]

1:12 congratulation !! Bz you should felling Proud :)

[@MGSLurmey]

At around the 2-minute mark, when you say "competitive" I think you really mean "ambitious." An ambitious person sets difficult goals for themselves and wants to be successful, whereas a competitive person generally wants their opposition to fail while they succeed. If you're ambitious in school, you want to get the top grades. If you're competitive in school, you want to be the ONLY one to get the top grades.

[@yoshtg]

i am pretty competitive but i never was competitive at school, i did school because i essentially got payed for it. i was really good at the subject that made sense though like maths physics english etc. but did i get payed enough? idk... i honestly am not sure about that. i learned so much bs & went out of bed early which was really hard for me.. idk if i got enough money for that tbh

[@kennethirgendwas4616]

ok so i actually learned a little bit on diamagnetism in physics class lately. the magnetic field induces a current in the diamagnetic material which creates a magnetic field opposite to the one inducing the current. but i am a little confused right now. the graphite is no superconductor, but the current that is induced seems to keep flowing within the material even though its not beeing moved through the field. i may be a little stupid right now but why doesnt the magnetic field collapse?

[@Carnage2018]

why did this make me tear up?

[@DanielLee-gc2wq]

As an undergrad student in the pure science field thinking about pursuing a PhD degree, this video was very refreshing and inspirational. It addressed the "hard-to-reach itch" that I had but nobody would actually talk about! Thank you Derek!!