UPDATE: John Green’s Reluctant Rocket Ship Ride
2Digest
Steve Levitt, host of "People I Mostly Admire," interviews John Green, a renowned author and creator of the educational YouTube channel Crash Course. The conversation delves into Green's writing process, his experience with fame and its impact on his mental health, and his philanthropic endeavors. Green shares insights into his early days as a writer, the challenges of navigating unexpected success, and the importance of finding a balance between creative work and personal life. He also discusses the power of storytelling and its ability to connect with readers on a deep level. The episode highlights Green's unique perspective on life, his willingness to be vulnerable, and his commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode as an encore presentation of a conversation with author John Green. It highlights Green's impressive career as a novelist and educational YouTuber, emphasizing his ability to connect with a wide audience.
John Green's Writing Journey
This Chapter delves into Green's early writing career, starting with his first book, "Looking for Alaska." Green recounts his journey from data entry to becoming a published author, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and perseverance. He shares his experience with the slow but steady success of his first book and the unexpected impact of "The Fault in Our Stars."
Mental Health and Fame
This Chapter explores the intersection of Green's mental health struggles and the immense success of "The Fault in Our Stars." Green candidly discusses the challenges of navigating public life and the backlash that can accompany fame. He acknowledges the impact of success on his mental health but emphasizes the positive experiences and financial security it has provided.
The Enduring Power of "The Fault in Our Stars"
This Chapter revisits Green's novel "The Fault in Our Stars" and its lasting impact. Green shares his perspective on the book's enduring appeal and the challenges of rereading his own work. He reflects on the pressure he felt after the book's success and the impact it had on his writing process.
The Anthropocene Reviewed
This Chapter introduces Green's latest book, "The Anthropocene Reviewed." Green discusses the unique format of the book, which combines personal reflections with historical and scientific insights. He shares his thoughts on the challenges of writing a non-fiction book and the importance of vulnerability in his writing.
Scratch and Sniff Stickers and the Power of Smell
This Chapter focuses on Green's essay about scratch and sniff stickers in "The Anthropocene Reviewed." Green explores the chemistry behind the stickers and their connection to time-release medication. He shares his personal connection to the stickers and their role in his childhood, highlighting the power of smell and its ability to evoke memories.
The Rating System and Reductionism
This Chapter delves into the rating system Green uses in "The Anthropocene Reviewed." Green discusses the challenges of quantifying complex experiences and the potential pitfalls of reductionism. He reflects on the rise of rating systems in contemporary culture and their impact on our understanding of the world.
Harvey and the Importance of Kindness
This Chapter explores Green's essay about the movie "Harvey" in "The Anthropocene Reviewed." Green shares a personal story about his experience with depression and the role the movie played in his recovery. He highlights the importance of kindness and the power of stories to offer comfort and hope.
Googling Strangers and the Power of Empathy
This Chapter focuses on Green's essay about Googling strangers in "The Anthropocene Reviewed." Green shares a deeply personal story about a young boy he met as a hospital chaplain and his decision to Google him years later. He reflects on the power of empathy and the importance of making space for people who are different from us.
John Green's YouTube Stardom
This Chapter shifts the focus to Green's successful YouTube channel, Crash Course. Green discusses the origins of the channel and the collaborative effort behind its creation. He shares his perspective on the future of education and the potential of video-based learning.
Quitting and the Search for Enough
This Chapter explores the theme of quitting and the concept of "enough." Green shares his own experiences with quitting books that weren't working out and the importance of recognizing when it's time to move on. He reflects on the pandemic's impact on people's thinking about enough and the importance of finding a balance between work and personal life.
Conclusion
This Chapter concludes the episode with Steve Levitt's reflections on his admiration for John Green. Levitt highlights Green's openness and honesty, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in today's world. He also shares Green's thoughts on the conversation and its impact on his own creative process.
Keywords
John Green
John Green is an American author, vlogger, and educational YouTuber. He is best known for his young adult novels, including "Looking for Alaska," "An Abundance of Katherines," "Paper Towns," and "The Fault in Our Stars." Green is also the co-creator of the educational YouTube channel Crash Course, which has over 13 million subscribers. He is known for his engaging storytelling, his willingness to be vulnerable, and his commitment to social justice.
The Fault in Our Stars
The Fault in Our Stars is a young adult novel by John Green, published in 2012. The novel tells the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenage cancer patient who falls in love with Augustus Waters, a cancer survivor. The Fault in Our Stars was a critical and commercial success, becoming a New York Times bestseller and being adapted into a major motion picture. The novel is known for its poignant exploration of love, loss, and the human condition.
Crash Course
Crash Course is an educational YouTube channel co-created by John Green and his brother Hank Green. The channel features a series of videos covering a wide range of subjects, including history, literature, biology, and economics. Crash Course is known for its engaging and informative style, its use of humor and animation, and its commitment to making education accessible to a wider audience.
Mental Health
Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It encompasses a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Mental health is essential for overall well-being and can impact a person's ability to work, learn, and build relationships. It is important to seek help if you are struggling with mental health issues.
Vulnerability
Vulnerability is the quality of being susceptible to emotional or physical harm. It can also refer to the act of exposing oneself to potential criticism or rejection. Vulnerability is often associated with honesty, authenticity, and courage. It is an important aspect of human connection and can foster deeper relationships.
Philanthropy
Philanthropy is the act of giving money or time to charitable causes. It is a form of altruism that aims to improve the lives of others. Philanthropy can take many forms, from donating to a local charity to establishing a foundation. It is a powerful way to make a positive impact on the world.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is a country located in West Africa. It is known for its beautiful beaches, its rich culture, and its history of conflict. Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world, facing challenges such as poverty, disease, and corruption. However, there are also signs of progress, with improvements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The Anthropocene Reviewed
The Anthropocene Reviewed is a non-fiction book by John Green, published in 2021. The book is a collection of essays in which Green reviews various objects, phenomena, and concepts from the Anthropocene, the current geological epoch characterized by human impact on the planet. Green's reviews are both personal and insightful, exploring the intersection of history, science, and culture.
Enough
Enough is a concept that refers to a state of satisfaction or contentment. It can be applied to various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and material possessions. The idea of "enough" is often associated with a sense of balance and a willingness to prioritize what is truly important. It can be a challenging concept to grasp, as it requires a shift in perspective and a willingness to let go of the pursuit of more.
Quitting
Quitting is the act of stopping or abandoning something. It can be a difficult decision, but it can also be a necessary one. Quitting can be a sign of strength and self-awareness, as it allows individuals to focus on what is truly important to them. It can also be a way to free oneself from commitments that are no longer serving them.
Q&A
What are some of the challenges John Green faced in navigating the unexpected success of "The Fault in Our Stars"?
Green discusses the challenges of navigating public life and the backlash that can accompany fame. He acknowledges the impact of success on his mental health but emphasizes the positive experiences and financial security it has provided.
How does John Green's approach to writing reflect his personal experiences with mental health?
Green shares his perspective on the pressure he felt after the book's success and the impact it had on his writing process. He discusses how he felt a loss of escape from himself and became more self-conscious about how people would read him into the story.
What is John Green's perspective on the role of vulnerability in writing?
Green discusses the challenges of writing a non-fiction book and the importance of vulnerability in his writing. He shares his thoughts on the challenges of quantifying complex experiences and the potential pitfalls of reductionism.
How does John Green's essay about "Harvey" in "The Anthropocene Reviewed" reflect his personal journey with mental health?
Green shares a personal story about his experience with depression and the role the movie played in his recovery. He highlights the importance of kindness and the power of stories to offer comfort and hope.
What is John Green's perspective on the concept of "enough"?
Green shares his own experiences with quitting books that weren't working out and the importance of recognizing when it's time to move on. He reflects on the pandemic's impact on people's thinking about enough and the importance of finding a balance between work and personal life.
How does John Green's work reflect his commitment to social justice?
Green discusses his philanthropic endeavors, including his work to build a hospital in Sierra Leone. He shares his perspective on the importance of addressing global health disparities and the power of long-term investment in making a positive impact on the world.
What is John Green's perspective on the future of education?
Green discusses the potential of video-based learning and the role of technology in transforming education. He shares his thoughts on the importance of teachers providing human connection and support in addition to delivering factual content.
How does John Green's approach to quitting reflect his overall philosophy?
Green shares his own experiences with quitting books that weren't working out and the importance of recognizing when it's time to move on. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing what is truly important and being willing to let go of commitments that are no longer serving them.
What is John Green's perspective on the value of conversation?
Green reflects on the conversation with Steve Levitt and its impact on his own creative process. He discusses how the conversation was a gift that got better the more it was given and how it helped him to quit writing a book and pursue other projects.
What is John Green's perspective on the importance of sharing ourselves with others?
Green reflects on the conversation with Steve Levitt and its impact on his own creative process. He discusses how the conversation was a gift that got better the more it was given and how it helped him to quit writing a book and pursue other projects.
Show Notes
Author and YouTuber John Green thought his breakout bestseller wouldn’t be a commercial success, wrote 40,000 words for one sentence, and brought Steve to tears.
- SOURCE:
- John Green, best-selling author and YouTube creator.
- RESOURCES:
- "The Deadliest Infectious Disease Isn’t a Science Problem. It’s a Money Problem," by John Green (The Washington Post, 2024).
- “Tuition Inflation Isn’t as Bad as You Think,” by Felix Salmon (Axios, 2022).
- “Fast Facts: Expenditures,” by the National Center for Education Statistics (2022).
- “Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2021,” by the College Board (2021).
- “#37 John,” by Heavyweight (2021).
- The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet, by John Green (2021).
- “Scratch ‘n’ Sniff Stickers and the Indianapolis 500,” by The Anthropocene Reviewed Podcast (2019).
- “How Joan of Arc Conquered Mark Twain,” by Ted Gioia (America: The Jesuit Review, 2018).
- Turtles All the Way Down, by John Green (2017).
- The Fault in Our Stars, film (2014).
- The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green (2012).
- Looking for Alaska, by John Green (2005).
- All the King’s Men, by Robert Penn Warren and Noel Polk (1946).
- Harvey, film (1950).
- vlogbrothers, YouTube channel by John and Hank Green.
- Crash Course, YouTube channel by John and Hank Green.
- EXTRAS:
- “Peter Singer Isn’t a Saint, But He’s Better Than Steve Levitt,” by People I (Mostly) Admire (2022).
- “Freakonomics Radio Goes Back To School,” series by Freakonomics Radio (2022).
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