When I was little, my grandfather (who had Alzheimer's) would always greet me and then greet someone named Harvey, and when I asked him about it, he would tell me that a six foot tall rabbit was behind me. When I was really little it was terrifying, because I thought my grandfather could see a monster that I couldn't see, and as I got older it was just confusing. This video made me realize that the whole time it was just a movie reference. My life makes sense now.
For years, this video was one I would watch when I was feeling hopeless and lost. I kept hoping, like John said, that things would get steadily better over time. It came up in my recommended videos again recently, and I realized I hadn't watched it in a long, long time. Watching it again, I understand why: it happened. I stopped feeling quite that hopeless, and I have never felt so hopeless since.
This video altered my brain chemistry so that, in the 10 years since I originally watched it, despite the slew of mental illnesses I have struggled through, I never once doubted that I would not always be feeling the way I am currently feeling.
I wasn’t sure why the TH-cam algorithm wanted me to watch a seven year old vlogbrothers video I had already watched, seven years ago.... until I watched the video, and I see why. To all of you who may also have been brought here (by yourselves, your friends, or the indefatigable youtube algorithm): keep your perspective. keep your hope. I hope you’re well.
Yesterday, my friend Ben was taken by suicide. He was a 25 year old medical student, and now the world doesn't get to have him anymore. This video was the first real place I turned. I wish I could have reminded him of it before he fell down that deep dark hole all on his own and forgot that there was light at the top of it. Depression is a horrible, sneaky beast. Thank you, John.
Hello this is 4 years later. How has life been since? . It's so sad to hear what your friend had to go through . I hope his family and friends are doing okay
Aw, man! My drama class in High School put on Harvey a couple years ago! The theatre club there is doing it this semester and I can't see it because I'm away at college... wah!
This video just got recommended to me 9 years after it had been posted and I feel like it might be the universe telling me to finally stop “waiting for the worst” to watch Harvey
I came back here after today's video about Bill. I will watch Harvey. I'm really not doing well these days so I'm hoping this is my sign. My condolences again, John.❤
Okay, I'm having a hard time not freaking out about this video. Like...I relate. So freaking much. Like, in all rights I should not be depressed. I'm very intelligent, I have a really good economic situation, I go to a really good (like top 100 in the US) high school, and I have a great family. But I am still depressed. My mind moves in patterns endlessly and hopelessly repeating with impossible problems and questions. I find it impossible to trust myself and other people enough to actually make friends. I get so discouraged about the world and about humanity that there are times when I cannot find it in myself to do anything, which has caused my grades to come down and stress to increase and then the cycle just starts over. But the thought that someday, I might do something in the world that will decrease world suck like John Green does....well, I cannot tell you how much that helps. Nerdfighteria, I love you, and I'm so glad you are there. I don't know where I would be without you.
Marissa Oslick Hey. I just sort of stumbled across vlogbrothers and I've been binge watching them all day. Anyway, I hope after many millions of seconds, you're doing better. Cheers. - a new nerdfighter.
I know you posted this a while ago, but this is the first time I have seen this video, and therefore your comment. Your situation sounds so similar to mine. I have felt that endless, crushing hopelessness. You may never read this, you may never need this, but I want to say it. In the darkest of times, everyone needs a refuge. It doesn't have to be anything spectacular. And to clarify, a refuge is not a distraction. I used to dive into books when it all overwhelmed me, but in the end, it rarely helped my problems. Don't isolate, because in darkness your fears seem insurmountable. Find people you love and trust, maybe just two or three, and discuss your problems and solutions. It is amazing how much you can deal with when you have people on your side.
Hey Marissa, you wrote this 5 years ago and I am seeing it, and this video for the first time today. I hope the you of today is in a significantly softer place / has significantly more tender ways of dealing with herself / himself / themselves. One of my friends says that time is the most cunning magician, here's to hoping it did some wonderful magic for you. You're not a problem.
I remember the first time I watched this video last year and thinking that quote about being pleasant > smart wasn't that good. But since then, I've realised that my good grades don't make me nearly as happy as being a kind person and enjoying the pure company of other people/myself. I watched Harvey yesterday and I actually love it a lot. I'm thinking of getting "I recommend pleasant" as a tattoo with either a rabbit head or a vintage 1950s men's hat (like Elwoods). Thank you for sharing, John. Always appreciate you sharing the things you love.
There are times in my life when I come and catch up, and then a video grabs me and speaks to me and is that tiny catalyst that I need. And I know this is true for so many of us. This video really spoke to me, and I'm actually crying a bit. I feel a little less hopeless, now,
"Obsessive thinking patterns, self-focus, and inability to do anything". This sums up at least my depression perfectly. And I too have a depression / break up not sure which came first. And I too am about to move back with my mom. Just wish I was 24 instead of 40. Thanks for the humorous glimpse of hope...and perspective.
Looks like I'm back watching this video again. The first time I watched this, I had just discovered Vlogbrothers and I was a few weeks into my first job after college and I felt like it had none of the adventure and excitement I was hoping for. Now, I'm a year out from quitting grad school and abandoning my dreams in academia, and I'm still struggling to find a new dream, some new thing to make me want to push forward to my future. I really needed this video, back then and today and probably again not far in the future. Thank you, John.
I think the hardest thing in the world is to become. We spend so much time thinking about being - being happy, being successful, being smart - and it's easy to say that you're being something. But it's hard for humans to see the future because the future isn't tangible, isn't visible, isn't anything until it IS. Frankly, becoming is harder than being and you know what they say: anything in life worth having isn't easy to get.
The look on your face as you recited that last quote actually brought me to tears. I needed this video so much, and have watched it a dozen or more times. Thank you so much John
I'm sure no one will read this, but somehow I never saw this video when it was uploaded. I've been dangerously depressed for the past 4 months, today was the first time I've left my house in that time. What go me out? Needing to see paper towns at the movies with my niece (14). I felt proud somehow, not of me, but of John, who's wonderful characters I've been able to share. Thanks
I don't know you or your story but I have recently been given some of the best advice in a long time by an other nerdfighter "the only way out is through" -Robert Frost. I'm not sure why but it really helped me and I hope it can help you.
I think the fact that I happened to click this video was a wink from God, because it just what I'm going through in such a detailed personal way. God bless ya John & fellow nerdfighters
I'm going through a tough breakup right now- my first adult relationship break up. I have felt hopeless and lost and depressed for months. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You might be my Harvey. I guess I won't know until the future though.
I hope you feel a little bit better every day. Me and my first real boyfriend decided to break up this Tuesday and I feel miserable. I want to be happy again - but I guess time has to do it job.
I'm going to bookmark this video to rewatch again and again when I'm feeling down. I've had a really tough year - I quit uni after feeling completely screwed over, started working freelance, my grandmother got cancer, financial problems, other family problems - I slipped into a downward spiral of depression and anxiety. This week has been a pretty big week as I've finally taken my first step towards recovery. All I can say is, I tend to forget how far I've come from where I was several years ago. Stumbling across this video was perfect timing for me. Thank you, John.
I have sat for almost 20 minutes now trying to express, in words, how amazing I thought this video was. But I can't, so I'll just say thank you john. DFTBA
John, I must thank you. I know this doesn't mean much, but this video may have changed my life. I doubt you'll ever see this post. But if you do, just know I first saw it in a dark place in my life. I have been watching it a lot. While at this point it is a grandiose claim to say it changed my life forever. But it helped to convince me that if even a guy as good looking and as smart as you could succumbed to depression and need a medication for it. Then I a smaller, by every measure except weight, should be brave seek out the help for my troubles. John you while you may not have saved a life, you prolonged one and gave it change to continue and nerd-fight an other day. Thank you for all that you do in this world.
I honestly watch this video every week or so. It's so reassuring to hear you talk about life in a very real fashion. How things get better, but they're not all suddenly amazing. And how one actual "life changing" thing can ACTUALLY change your life forever. Thank you so much, John, for being so open and honest about your experiences, and offering happiness and hope to those out here who need it most.
I don't usually comment on videos, but I've been a sort of non-participatory nerdfighter for a long time. I want to thank you for posting this video, though. I'm twenty-three years old. I graduated from college back in May, and I recently ended a long-term relationship, which seems to have only added heaps to my feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and aimlessness. It's really a relief to hear that someone I respect and admire has been at a similar point at a similar time. Thanks for sharing. Guess I'll be watching Harvey this week.
I guess part of being human is going through these experiences... I'm going through it myself and I tell myself all the time that I can only do my best effort to overcome it.
I am currently about a month into being 25, and funnily enough, as I find myself dealing with a quarter-life crisis and a lot of lows - I auditioned for my local student theate society's production of Harvey and got a callback. Funny, because I probably watched this video a month and six years ago, but it took my boyfriend to call my attention to its existence and now I feel more hopeful than I have in a while. Thank you for the perspective past John.
I'm currently going through a tough patch in my life. Depression, suicidal, anxiety, and self harm is my everyday life. Has been for the past year. I'm only 14. But your video is the way I've been thinking for this past year. The reason I'm able to write this comment. So to have my hero understand this is amazing and I love it. So thank you
Sorry, but. . . I just can't scroll past your comment. I've been in a similar situation, and I was 14 when I attempted suicide for the first time. As a survivor, I have to PLEAD with you to get help for yourself. I kept my struggle in secret, and it was a horrible whirlwind of self-hatred that I'm still recovering from. If you don't feel like you can talk to your parents or family members, church leaders, or a trusted adult close to you, there are always school counselors or even school nurses that would be more than willing to get you the help you need. Please stay on this Earth. Please stop hurting yourself. You are beautiful and worthwhile, and you have no idea how many people will need you around in he future. It might be hard to see past tomorrow, but there is a future waiting for you, and it's lovely. I wish that someone would have told that to me years ago. Don't make my painful mistakes, please. You're a valuable thing to lose, and your life is just beginning. Stay here and enjoy what's coming.
Thank you so much. You're words helped so much they even made me cry. My parents are aware of problems just not all my thoughts, and I'm seeing a therapist. Thank you though so much. You are an amazing human being thank you so much! And if it means anything I'm a week with out self harming but thank you!
Just read the chapter Harvey in the book The Anthropocene Reviewed and was moved to tears. I haven’t picked up the book in a while and have been struggling lately, feeling so hopeless in my life. I searched for Harvey on TH-cam and found this video. Every day really is a beautiful day and I hope to figure out how to appreciate that truth in my life. Thanks, John.
Every time I go through a really bad depressive spiral it seems like nothing helps but then I watch this video. Every time in the past four years this is the one video that always makes me feel better during those periods. Not because it solves or fixes anything but because it makes me feel understood. Thank you, John. No matter what anyone says about you, your books and your videos have helped me through some very difficult periods of my life where I’ve felt very alone and hopeless. Thank you so much. ❤️
Nerdfighters, I had just watched the 1950 Harvey. I recommend it. For anyone who is going through a break up or depression, I've been fighting that battle myself. I've found my way out of the rabbit hole, and I'll tell you what I did. For the past month I've remade myself many times until I was someone I liked. That also means I had to let go of the past and kill of parts of myself I no longer needed. It is hard. Even a type of hell. Just know that you will get through this and cone out a better person.
Seriously, every time I watch this I'm on the verge of tears. I love this video a lot, and it always motivates me when I feel at my worst. Thanks, John.
I think about this video all the time. Three years ago, i was unemployed and moving back with my parents so I could go to intensive mental care. Three years late, I have a full time job I love, I'm in school, and I just applied for an apartment in my dream town
i keep coming back to this video, man, i'm not sure why. i was 13 in 2013 and life was just. so so bad, and i had no idea how to deal with any of it. it's been 7 whole years since then and i have my own place now, i have half a degree and 2 guitars and i'm not drowning anymore. not sure how to say what i'm feeling watching this again with the gift of hindsight so i guess i'll say: thanks? thanks for this community that made me feel less alone, and for this one video that reminds me how i'll never feel nearly as hopeless as i did back in 2013, 2015, 2017. we go forward
I am 24 and my long-time relationship ended a couple of months ago. I watched Harvey today. All I can do right now is to thank you John. P.S. I just realized that the relationship was 5 days old when this video was uploaded! Whoa!
This is my favorite video. I’ve come back to it so many times. I know there’s no way John knew the impact he would’ve had on me when he sat to make this, but, when I was a teenager learning about kindness, or as I was dealing with a very similar situation at the age of 24, or even now, reflecting as I look back at that time… this four-minute video of a guy talking to a camera has meant more to me than a lot of art out there, be it books, movies or whatever else you can think of.
For years now, I felt hopeless. It’s not the loud kind of hopelessness that screams out in pain or the silent one that quietly suffers alone. It’s the kind of hopelessness that grew up to be an unmovable, intrinsic part of me, that’s neither in hiding nor completely visible. It’s not cold or warm, just neutral, normal. It’s simply there, a presence that slowly but steadily replaces branches of what is me. I know there is something else at my roots, I understand there is hope, I can sense it carrying me but it seems to be ever so slightly out of my reach, out of my sight and I am never really capable to grasp it. Sometimes, no, so many times I have to force myself to keep trying, reminding myself with pure intellect, no emotion at all, that there must be something else than this void. There are many distractions; science, wonder, fascination. But the things that make me smile also make me wonder, what this smile never touches anything but my abstract understanding of what is grand and brilliant. There are many open arms; friends, family and the wet snout of my beloved dog. But the people who love me, whom I love so dearly, are also the ones that make me wonder why all this love can’t mend me. The thing with hopelessness isn’t the lack of hope for a better life; it’s the lack of hope to ever find a place in space and time where we can be able to be content. Not knowing if it is even possible for my brain to accept happiness. The thing with hopelessness isn’t fear, devastation or being sick of living; it’s the apathy of no longer believing that it would matter. Not caring if I’m in shock, pain or alive at all because there is not much of a difference to be felt. But at times I can see it, the hope that supports my roots, it reflects in tiny things and is so easy to miss. Yet it can make everything bright, just for a little while but that’s all I need, to remember it’s there. Maybe it’s a puzzle I have to solve; collect the small pieces and put them together to make a person that is filled with hope. Maybe there is nothing to solve at all; just enjoy the echoes whenever they appear and keep the memories of their perspective in mind. But whatever it may be, I decide to be grateful for those fragments every day no matter if they show up or keep me waiting. I think one day I will learn to find them everywhere, will become a skilled hunter of tiny tokens that will help me realise that I’m not here because I don’t mind being, just being. There will be a point in space and time where I will be touched by that smile given to me by our wonderfully complex and beautiful natural world, where I will be mended by love, able to mend myself and others. I have no hope this will happen, I do not believe in it but there is stubbornness in my metaphorical heart, the will to extend my arm and finally reach what seems unreachable. One day. I am sure. I will as hopeless as it appears to be, no, as hopeless as I live here on this grand world, find my hope. Dear John, your friend gave you Harvey and you gave it to me; another reflection, another piece and another glimpse into something that could fill the void. A tiny thing that could be so easily dismissed as insignificant but which has gotten so valuable through shared thoughts, shared hope. For that I am thankful. And I will do my best to share it too, to pass on whatever hope I find to others. So if any of you reading this are on the seemingly never ending quest for perspective, take it from a hopeless person who will always find a little speck of it while learning and being fascinated by this marvellous natural universe we’re so unfathomably, exceptionally lucky to exist in. If there is one thing to hope for, it’s for us to learn, grow and wonder together. Best wishes to all of you and have a lovely day in the Milky Way.
kindAhumaNbeinG Wow, I rarely comment but what you wrote really resonated with me and describes how I've felt for a long time. Nice to know I'm not alone. Thank you for that and I hope we can keep find that peace and happiness within ourselves someday.
kindAhumaNbeinG Hello there. I know, you wrote this comment a long time ago, but it resonates with me quite strongly, so I figured I'd reply nonetheless. I believe that sharing thoughts and feelings like these with people from across the world is extemely valuable and teaches us a lot, even if one may never meet them in person. I've recently been looking for a penpal who would enjoy exchanging emails with a German nerdfighter looking for answers, hope, meaning or just creative fun. (That'd be me.) You have a beautiful way with words, so I thought 'why not just ask?' And anyone interested reading this is absolutely welcome to contact me! DFTBA, said German girl
John, this gave me more hope than I can put into words. I attempted suicide last month and spent a week in a mental hospital. I'm in group therapy now and just trying to decide whether I want to live to turn 18. I admire you and everything you've done immensely, and hearing from you that my pathetic life is not quite so different from how yours once was makes me wonder how mine might look if I wait another 12 years. Thank you so much.
I cannot describe how much I needed THIS video RIGHT NOW as the worst of real life begins to settle onto my shoulders. Thank you, John. I always get so much from the blog brothers, but today I truly got perspective.
I don't know why but your story of depression, being with your dad, and the quote at the end... made me tear up... as someone who fights depression on nearly a daily basis, i could relate, and was moved. I would assume you don't make these wonderful videos to move people like this one did to me, but know that it did, and i am going to watch Harvey asap. thank you for all the wonderful videos.
I got really sad today, because of frustrating changes in my life. So I came back here again. "You can't know what an experience will mean to future you until you ARE future you." Thanks again, John. See you on Tuesday.
I finally watched Harvey, and I just had to come back and comment that it is a wonderful movie that everyone should watch and learn from. Thank you for the advice.
I would consider this video as video I needed to see, I am 24 and I feel like my life has really gone nowhere. I made some mistake academically that made me beyond a super senior, my job is WAY far from home, I work long hours for a paycheck that I can hardly pay rent with. Its easy to lose sight of how good my life is, I can still go to college, I have a job, I have a home to go back to. In many ways I am pretty lucky. Thanks for bringing back my optimism, John.
Thank you for this insight into your past. I'm so glad that I watched this today. Having this community surrounding me and having the pleasure to watch your videos every week have been invaluable to me. Continue to be awesome, guys.
"You can't know what an experience will mean to future you until you are future you. You need millions of seconds of perspective--which ultimately, only time can buy." I think this line just saved my life today. Thank you John.
Thank you for sharing this story! I too went through a serious depression and had multiple suicide attempts. Fast forward 6 short months and I have ended communication with an ex that was unhealthy, moved out of state for a promotion with my company, and met some fantastic people in my new neighborhood. I am happy and regaining confidence because each day I come a little closer to the idea of the person I want to be. D.F.T.B.A. :)
I'm 25, depressed, and just got dumped from a 7 year relationship. If a man as awesome as John Green can overcome so much and evolve into the internet sensation that he has become... maybe I can get my head strait.
I hope that you've found some joy and purpose and stability. I hope that you can look back at the place you were in when you wrote this comment and know that you were strong enough to make it through. I hope you know that you'll make it through again, no matter what mountains life requires you to climb
I watched this video when I was 16, very depressed, and completely unable to navigate what was happening to me. I’m now 22, and Harvey has become my comfort blanket; I’ve seen it at least 7 times, and I always watch it if I’m going through a particularly dark period because I know, at least for a little while, that it’ll bring back the sun. I’m currently writing an article about ways I’ve learned to cope with grief and trauma (particularly in this new, messy world we’ve found ourselves in) and I came back to this video (because I wanted to talk about Harvey), and it still has the same effect on me as it did then: reminding me that there is hope even during the strangest and scariest of times. Thank you.
Harvey is one of my favorite movies of all time, and definitely my favorite Jimmy Stewart movie. That's saying a lot, because Jimmy Stewart was freaking awesome!
John your video really gave me perspective. Ive been having a rough time after my first college year and have fell into a depression as well. Watching this video really made me see I am not alone and this is all rain to help me grow. I love how you said everything didn't suddenly become better because I needed to realize that it wont happen fast. Watching this puts me at ease and I will watch Harvey. Thanks john.
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I love this video so much. Never get tired of watching it.
This one is going on my 'inspirational videos' playlist for when I'm having a bad day. Thank you John for sharing. :) (Yes, I know it's an old video, he won't see the comment, but I'd still like to thank him)
While everyone's sitting here citing how influential this video has been for them which, let's be clear, is certainly the case for me, I can't help but comment on the sheer skill of the script in this video. I mean this has to be the best 3:29 of offhand talking, disregarding movies and spoken poetry and the like, on TH-cam. Really, it gives pretty much every legendary and inspirational vlogbrothers video a run for its money. And I can't help but feel lucky that I am one of the probably less than million (at this time) people to have watched this work of art. Besides the great anecdotal advice this video provides, strangely it also is the strongest piece of evidence I've found supporting the idea that perfection is a real thing. It's so clean, so precise, just wow. Cue the applause. Three and a half years late.
I got to play Elwood as my last role in a 7 year school theatre career. Theres alot more I could write about it, but it makes me so happy that is your favorite line, because it was my favorite to say.
I've been going through a lot of difficulties recently, and this video came up on my FYP. I've always loved listening to John, there's something comforting about how he talks. While I had heard the Harvey story before [The Anthropocene Reviewed is one of my favourite books] This video really helped me. And yes, I own Harvey and have watched Harvey long before Jogn told me to. But now, I've reached a point where I only think of watching Harvey when John mentioned Harvey. It's funny, this has to be the third or fourth time I've had, not what you'd call an "epiphany," but certainly clarity after one of John's "Go watch Harvey" videos. Thank you, John.
It's so encouraging not only to hear that there's another side to this place I'm in, but also to read through the comments and see that even if I can't see them, there are other people working through this place, too.
Harvey has always been one of my favorite films. It is a great pick-me-up movie that gives you a positive outlook on life. Love it! And that quote is my favorite :)
The amount of times I find myself coming back to this video
Me too
***** I wonder if John has any concept of how important his decision to make this video was
Me too!!!
Yes.
By far my favorite Vlogbrothers video of all time... Maybe even video by ANY creator EVER...
When I was little, my grandfather (who had Alzheimer's) would always greet me and then greet someone named Harvey, and when I asked him about it, he would tell me that a six foot tall rabbit was behind me. When I was really little it was terrifying, because I thought my grandfather could see a monster that I couldn't see, and as I got older it was just confusing. This video made me realize that the whole time it was just a movie reference.
My life makes sense now.
That's so beautiful
I have typed and deleted about 20 different comments for this video, but I think the only thing I can say is thank you.
Aww I love this comment of yours..
Why did it made me tear up slightly
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^
exactly
Yes!
Almost a year later, this continues to be the video I turn to when the times seem unbearable. Once again, thank you John.
same here!
So much agree!
o.... than you must meet my friend Harvey!!
Same!
me too. Its 2018 and i still watch this video
Every time I start to feel hopeless, I come back and watch this video.
For years, this video was one I would watch when I was feeling hopeless and lost. I kept hoping, like John said, that things would get steadily better over time. It came up in my recommended videos again recently, and I realized I hadn't watched it in a long, long time. Watching it again, I understand why: it happened. I stopped feeling quite that hopeless, and I have never felt so hopeless since.
I am so happy for you.
I’m happy for you.
4 years later, I hope you are continuing to do well, my friend. Rooting for you.
It's hard for me to describe how much I appreciate this video.
➕
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This video altered my brain chemistry so that, in the 10 years since I originally watched it, despite the slew of mental illnesses I have struggled through, I never once doubted that I would not always be feeling the way I am currently feeling.
Damn..
I have watched this every few months since that October I first saw it.
I wonder if John's aware how unbelievably important this video is
me too.
This video should be used to treat depression.
Dude. Who said it hasn't. I watched this about eight times when I wound up homeless and foodstamps after leaving an abusive husband.
That's what vines are for
Hi Susanne I’m sorry to hear that. I hope things are better for you now.
I wasn’t sure why the TH-cam algorithm wanted me to watch a seven year old vlogbrothers video I had already watched, seven years ago.... until I watched the video, and I see why. To all of you who may also have been brought here (by yourselves, your friends, or the indefatigable youtube algorithm): keep your perspective. keep your hope. I hope you’re well.
Yesterday, my friend Ben was taken by suicide. He was a 25 year old medical student, and now the world doesn't get to have him anymore. This video was the first real place I turned. I wish I could have reminded him of it before he fell down that deep dark hole all on his own and forgot that there was light at the top of it. Depression is a horrible, sneaky beast. Thank you, John.
Hello this is 4 years later. How has life been since? . It's so sad to hear what your friend had to go through . I hope his family and friends are doing okay
Agreed
How are things now? Wishing you the best.
How are things doing for you today?
In which John Green talks about his life 12 years ago. (If I can pass along just one piece of advice: Watch Harvey.)
Perspective
Why is John talking to his brother Hank and saying "my dad" instead of "our dad"?
maybe they don't have the same dad?
Because he's not only talking to Hank but to the rest of nerdfighteria as well
Aw, man! My drama class in High School put on Harvey a couple years ago! The theatre club there is doing it this semester and I can't see it because I'm away at college... wah!
Could do with an epiphany right about now to sort my life out.
This video just got recommended to me 9 years after it had been posted and I feel like it might be the universe telling me to finally stop “waiting for the worst” to watch Harvey
I came back here after today's video about Bill. I will watch Harvey. I'm really not doing well these days so I'm hoping this is my sign.
My condolences again, John.❤
How are you doing now? Sending love and hope
Okay, I'm having a hard time not freaking out about this video. Like...I relate. So freaking much. Like, in all rights I should not be depressed. I'm very intelligent, I have a really good economic situation, I go to a really good (like top 100 in the US) high school, and I have a great family. But I am still depressed. My mind moves in patterns endlessly and hopelessly repeating with impossible problems and questions. I find it impossible to trust myself and other people enough to actually make friends. I get so discouraged about the world and about humanity that there are times when I cannot find it in myself to do anything, which has caused my grades to come down and stress to increase and then the cycle just starts over. But the thought that someday, I might do something in the world that will decrease world suck like John Green does....well, I cannot tell you how much that helps. Nerdfighteria, I love you, and I'm so glad you are there. I don't know where I would be without you.
Marissa Oslick Hey. I just sort of stumbled across vlogbrothers and I've been binge watching them all day. Anyway, I hope after many millions of seconds, you're doing better. Cheers. - a new nerdfighter.
Resonates also with me, and my sister. Not that I have a good economic situation though (lol?) :D
I know you posted this a while ago, but this is the first time I have seen this video, and therefore your comment. Your situation sounds so similar to mine. I have felt that endless, crushing hopelessness. You may never read this, you may never need this, but I want to say it. In the darkest of times, everyone needs a refuge. It doesn't have to be anything spectacular. And to clarify, a refuge is not a distraction. I used to dive into books when it all overwhelmed me, but in the end, it rarely helped my problems. Don't isolate, because in darkness your fears seem insurmountable. Find people you love and trust, maybe just two or three, and discuss your problems and solutions. It is amazing how much you can deal with when you have people on your side.
Your now is nothing your forever, friend.
Hey Marissa, you wrote this 5 years ago and I am seeing it, and this video for the first time today. I hope the you of today is in a significantly softer place / has significantly more tender ways of dealing with herself / himself / themselves.
One of my friends says that time is the most cunning magician, here's to hoping it did some wonderful magic for you.
You're not a problem.
I remember the first time I watched this video last year and thinking that quote about being pleasant > smart wasn't that good. But since then, I've realised that my good grades don't make me nearly as happy as being a kind person and enjoying the pure company of other people/myself.
I watched Harvey yesterday and I actually love it a lot.
I'm thinking of getting "I recommend pleasant" as a tattoo with either a rabbit head or a vintage 1950s men's hat (like Elwoods).
Thank you for sharing, John. Always appreciate you sharing the things you love.
If you really get that tattoo, I wanna see it! I think it would look amazing. :)
Hello from the once distant future! Did you ever get that tattoo? I hope so. Either way, dftba :)
There are times in my life when I come and catch up, and then a video grabs me and speaks to me and is that tiny catalyst that I need. And I know this is true for so many of us. This video really spoke to me, and I'm actually crying a bit. I feel a little less hopeless, now,
"Obsessive thinking patterns, self-focus, and inability to do anything". This sums up at least my depression perfectly. And I too have a depression / break up not sure which came first. And I too am about to move back with my mom. Just wish I was 24 instead of 40. Thanks for the humorous glimpse of hope...and perspective.
I'm back again - I think I'll be back to watch this video every few months for the rest of my life.
I recently made the “I recommend pleasant” quote my senior quote. It really has changed my life too. Thank you John and thank you Elwood
Looks like I'm back watching this video again. The first time I watched this, I had just discovered Vlogbrothers and I was a few weeks into my first job after college and I felt like it had none of the adventure and excitement I was hoping for. Now, I'm a year out from quitting grad school and abandoning my dreams in academia, and I'm still struggling to find a new dream, some new thing to make me want to push forward to my future. I really needed this video, back then and today and probably again not far in the future. Thank you, John.
hell yes. i hope it all worked out
I think the hardest thing in the world is to become. We spend so much time thinking about being - being happy, being successful, being smart - and it's easy to say that you're being something. But it's hard for humans to see the future because the future isn't tangible, isn't visible, isn't anything until it IS. Frankly, becoming is harder than being and you know what they say: anything in life worth having isn't easy to get.
I watch this at least once a week. Thank you , John.
This is still my go-to.
+Sarah-Louise Kelly I've watched this countless times
+
So. Many. Times. So great to see how many people come back to it just like I do. DFTBA, guys.
I think this video may have just gotten me through another day.
Thank you John
8 years since and I still go to this video to hear about millions of seconds of perspective and a reminder to watch Harvey
Every time I find myself on the edge I once again find myself here. John you are my Harvey.
The look on your face as you recited that last quote actually brought me to tears. I needed this video so much, and have watched it a dozen or more times. Thank you so much John
I'm sure no one will read this, but somehow I never saw this video when it was uploaded. I've been dangerously depressed for the past 4 months, today was the first time I've left my house in that time. What go me out? Needing to see paper towns at the movies with my niece (14). I felt proud somehow, not of me, but of John, who's wonderful characters I've been able to share. Thanks
I don't know who you are, but I'm proud of you for having the courage to share your experience. We in Nerdfighteria love and support you. :)
dersitzpinkler Thankyou
I don't know you or your story but I have recently been given some of the best advice in a long time by an other nerdfighter "the only way out is through" -Robert Frost. I'm not sure why but it really helped me and I hope it can help you.
+Marjorie-anne gardiner I hope you are feeling better. You should be proud of every small step, for yourself! I wish you well.
+Maggie Dowling thanks
I think the fact that I happened to click this video was a wink from God, because it just what I'm going through in such a detailed personal way. God bless ya John & fellow nerdfighters
Came back to this video 9 years later to say thank you, John
I'm going through a tough breakup right now- my first adult relationship break up. I have felt hopeless and lost and depressed for months. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You might be my Harvey. I guess I won't know until the future though.
I hope you feel a little bit better every day. Me and my first real boyfriend decided to break up this Tuesday and I feel miserable. I want to be happy again - but I guess time has to do it job.
I'm going to bookmark this video to rewatch again and again when I'm feeling down. I've had a really tough year - I quit uni after feeling completely screwed over, started working freelance, my grandmother got cancer, financial problems, other family problems - I slipped into a downward spiral of depression and anxiety. This week has been a pretty big week as I've finally taken my first step towards recovery. All I can say is, I tend to forget how far I've come from where I was several years ago. Stumbling across this video was perfect timing for me. Thank you, John.
I have sat for almost 20 minutes now trying to express, in words, how amazing I thought this video was.
But I can't, so I'll just say thank you john. DFTBA
John, I must thank you. I know this doesn't mean much, but this video may have changed my life. I doubt you'll ever see this post. But if you do, just know I first saw it in a dark place in my life. I have been watching it a lot. While at this point it is a grandiose claim to say it changed my life forever. But it helped to convince me that if even a guy as good looking and as smart as you could succumbed to depression and need a medication for it. Then I a smaller, by every measure except weight, should be brave seek out the help for my troubles. John you while you may not have saved a life, you prolonged one and gave it change to continue and nerd-fight an other day. Thank you for all that you do in this world.
Thank you for having the strength to look for help, and thank you for accepting that you deserve it
This video keeps showing up on my feed every few years and I just want to say thank you. It always shows up when I really need to hear it.
I honestly watch this video every week or so. It's so reassuring to hear you talk about life in a very real fashion. How things get better, but they're not all suddenly amazing. And how one actual "life changing" thing can ACTUALLY change your life forever. Thank you so much, John, for being so open and honest about your experiences, and offering happiness and hope to those out here who need it most.
I don't usually comment on videos, but I've been a sort of non-participatory nerdfighter for a long time. I want to thank you for posting this video, though. I'm twenty-three years old. I graduated from college back in May, and I recently ended a long-term relationship, which seems to have only added heaps to my feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and aimlessness. It's really a relief to hear that someone I respect and admire has been at a similar point at a similar time. Thanks for sharing. Guess I'll be watching Harvey this week.
I guess part of being human is going through these experiences... I'm going through it myself and I tell myself all the time that I can only do my best effort to overcome it.
I am currently about a month into being 25, and funnily enough, as I find myself dealing with a quarter-life crisis and a lot of lows - I auditioned for my local student theate society's production of Harvey and got a callback. Funny, because I probably watched this video a month and six years ago, but it took my boyfriend to call my attention to its existence and now I feel more hopeful than I have in a while. Thank you for the perspective past John.
Thank you for hope.
Came back to watch this after hearing about Robin Williams. Nerdfighters, take care of yourselves. You are loved.
I'm currently going through a tough patch in my life. Depression, suicidal, anxiety, and self harm is my everyday life. Has been for the past year. I'm only 14. But your video is the way I've been thinking for this past year. The reason I'm able to write this comment. So to have my hero understand this is amazing and I love it. So thank you
Sorry, but. . . I just can't scroll past your comment. I've been in a similar situation, and I was 14 when I attempted suicide for the first time. As a survivor, I have to PLEAD with you to get help for yourself. I kept my struggle in secret, and it was a horrible whirlwind of self-hatred that I'm still recovering from. If you don't feel like you can talk to your parents or family members, church leaders, or a trusted adult close to you, there are always school counselors or even school nurses that would be more than willing to get you the help you need.
Please stay on this Earth. Please stop hurting yourself. You are beautiful and worthwhile, and you have no idea how many people will need you around in he future. It might be hard to see past tomorrow, but there is a future waiting for you, and it's lovely.
I wish that someone would have told that to me years ago. Don't make my painful mistakes, please. You're a valuable thing to lose, and your life is just beginning. Stay here and enjoy what's coming.
Thank you so much. You're words helped so much they even made me cry. My parents are aware of problems just not all my thoughts, and I'm seeing a therapist. Thank you though so much. You are an amazing human being thank you so much! And if it means anything I'm a week with out self harming but thank you!
No problem! DFTBA.
19 now, damn..
Just read the chapter Harvey in the book The Anthropocene Reviewed and was moved to tears. I haven’t picked up the book in a while and have been struggling lately, feeling so hopeless in my life. I searched for Harvey on TH-cam and found this video. Every day really is a beautiful day and I hope to figure out how to appreciate that truth in my life. Thanks, John.
Every time I go through a really bad depressive spiral it seems like nothing helps but then I watch this video. Every time in the past four years this is the one video that always makes me feel better during those periods. Not because it solves or fixes anything but because it makes me feel understood. Thank you, John. No matter what anyone says about you, your books and your videos have helped me through some very difficult periods of my life where I’ve felt very alone and hopeless. Thank you so much. ❤️
Nerdfighters, I had just watched the 1950 Harvey. I recommend it. For anyone who is going through a break up or depression, I've been fighting that battle myself. I've found my way out of the rabbit hole, and I'll tell you what I did. For the past month I've remade myself many times until I was someone I liked. That also means I had to let go of the past and kill of parts of myself I no longer needed. It is hard. Even a type of hell. Just know that you will get through this and cone out a better person.
Seriously, every time I watch this I'm on the verge of tears. I love this video a lot, and it always motivates me when I feel at my worst. Thanks, John.
I watched this video 2 years ago.
I finally just watched Harvey, and felt the need to return.
I am feeling a lot of different things right now.
I think about this video all the time. Three years ago, i was unemployed and moving back with my parents so I could go to intensive mental care. Three years late, I have a full time job I love, I'm in school, and I just applied for an apartment in my dream town
i keep coming back to this video, man, i'm not sure why. i was 13 in 2013 and life was just. so so bad, and i had no idea how to deal with any of it. it's been 7 whole years since then and i have my own place now, i have half a degree and 2 guitars and i'm not drowning anymore. not sure how to say what i'm feeling watching this again with the gift of hindsight so i guess i'll say: thanks? thanks for this community that made me feel less alone, and for this one video that reminds me how i'll never feel nearly as hopeless as i did back in 2013, 2015, 2017. we go forward
I am 24 and my long-time relationship ended a couple of months ago. I watched Harvey today. All I can do right now is to thank you John.
P.S. I just realized that the relationship was 5 days old when this video was uploaded! Whoa!
This is my favorite video. I’ve come back to it so many times.
I know there’s no way John knew the impact he would’ve had on me when he sat to make this, but, when I was a teenager learning about kindness, or as I was dealing with a very similar situation at the age of 24, or even now, reflecting as I look back at that time… this four-minute video of a guy talking to a camera has meant more to me than a lot of art out there, be it books, movies or whatever else you can think of.
This easily my favorite Vlogbrothers video of all time.
I just watched this because it popped upon the autoplay after a current video. I needed this. Thank you.
For years now, I felt hopeless. It’s not
the loud kind of hopelessness that screams out in pain or the silent one that
quietly suffers alone. It’s the kind of hopelessness that grew up to be an
unmovable, intrinsic part of me, that’s neither in hiding nor completely
visible. It’s not cold or warm, just neutral, normal. It’s simply there, a
presence that slowly but steadily replaces branches of what is me.
I know there is something else at my roots,
I understand there is hope, I can sense it carrying me but it seems to be ever
so slightly out of my reach, out of my sight and I am never really capable to
grasp it. Sometimes, no, so many times I have to force myself to keep trying,
reminding myself with pure intellect, no emotion at all, that there must be
something else than this void.
There are many distractions; science,
wonder, fascination. But the things that make me smile also make me wonder,
what this smile never touches anything but my abstract understanding of what is
grand and brilliant. There are many open arms; friends, family and the wet
snout of my beloved dog. But the people who love me, whom I love so dearly, are
also the ones that make me wonder why all this love can’t mend me.
The thing with hopelessness isn’t the lack
of hope for a better life; it’s the lack of hope to ever find a place in space
and time where we can be able to be content. Not knowing if it is even possible
for my brain to accept happiness. The thing with hopelessness isn’t fear,
devastation or being sick of living; it’s the apathy of no longer believing
that it would matter. Not caring if I’m in shock, pain or alive at all because there
is not much of a difference to be felt.
But at times I can see it, the hope that supports
my roots, it reflects in tiny things and is so easy to miss. Yet it can make
everything bright, just for a little while but that’s all I need, to remember
it’s there. Maybe it’s a puzzle I have to solve; collect the small pieces and
put them together to make a person that is filled with hope. Maybe there is
nothing to solve at all; just enjoy the echoes whenever they appear and keep
the memories of their perspective in mind. But whatever it may be, I decide to
be grateful for those fragments every day no matter if they show up or keep me
waiting.
I think one day I will learn to find them
everywhere, will become a skilled hunter of tiny tokens that will help me
realise that I’m not here because I don’t mind being, just being. There will be
a point in space and time where I will be touched by that smile given to me by
our wonderfully complex and beautiful natural world, where I will be mended by
love, able to mend myself and others. I have no hope this will happen, I do not
believe in it but there is stubbornness in my metaphorical heart, the will to
extend my arm and finally reach what seems unreachable. One day. I am sure. I
will as hopeless as it appears to be, no, as hopeless as I live here on this
grand world, find my hope.
Dear John, your friend gave you Harvey and
you gave it to me; another reflection, another piece and another glimpse into
something that could fill the void. A tiny thing that could be so easily
dismissed as insignificant but which has gotten so valuable through shared
thoughts, shared hope. For that I am thankful. And I will do my best to share
it too, to pass on whatever hope I find to others. So if any of you reading
this are on the seemingly never ending quest for perspective, take it from a
hopeless person who will always find a little speck of it while learning and
being fascinated by this marvellous natural universe we’re so unfathomably, exceptionally
lucky to exist in. If there is one thing to hope for, it’s for us to learn,
grow and wonder together.
Best wishes to all of you and have a lovely
day in the Milky Way.
really touched and hope all is well.
fantastic imagery. i think you have more hope than you think; if you didn't have any you wouldn't do anything at all.
kindAhumaNbeinG Wow, I rarely comment but what you wrote really resonated with me and describes how I've felt for a long time. Nice to know I'm not alone. Thank you for that and I hope we can keep find that peace and happiness within ourselves someday.
kindAhumaNbeinG Hello there. I know, you wrote this comment a long time ago, but it resonates with me quite strongly, so I figured I'd reply nonetheless.
I believe that sharing thoughts and feelings like these with people from across the world is extemely valuable and teaches us a lot, even if one may never meet them in person.
I've recently been looking for a penpal who would enjoy exchanging emails with a German nerdfighter looking for answers, hope, meaning or just creative fun. (That'd be me.)
You have a beautiful way with words, so I thought 'why not just ask?'
And anyone interested reading this is absolutely welcome to contact me!
DFTBA,
said German girl
Hey, let's be penpals!
Im in 2021 and this beautifully random video popped up in my feed... honestly needed this. Thank you
John, this gave me more hope than I can put into words. I attempted suicide last month and spent a week in a mental hospital. I'm in group therapy now and just trying to decide whether I want to live to turn 18. I admire you and everything you've done immensely, and hearing from you that my pathetic life is not quite so different from how yours once was makes me wonder how mine might look if I wait another 12 years. Thank you so much.
I cannot describe how much I needed THIS video RIGHT NOW as the worst of real life begins to settle onto my shoulders. Thank you, John. I always get so much from the blog brothers, but today I truly got perspective.
I don't know why but your story of depression, being with your dad, and the quote at the end... made me tear up... as someone who fights depression on nearly a daily basis, i could relate, and was moved. I would assume you don't make these wonderful videos to move people like this one did to me, but know that it did, and i am going to watch Harvey asap. thank you for all the wonderful videos.
I got really sad today, because of frustrating changes in my life. So I came back here again.
"You can't know what an experience will mean to future you until you ARE future you."
Thanks again, John. See you on Tuesday.
I finally watched Harvey, and I just had to come back and comment that it is a wonderful movie that everyone should watch and learn from. Thank you for the advice.
I respect your parents so much. That was a really amazing parenting move.
I would consider this video as video I needed to see, I am 24 and I feel like my life has really gone nowhere. I made some mistake academically that made me beyond a super senior, my job is WAY far from home, I work long hours for a paycheck that I can hardly pay rent with. Its easy to lose sight of how good my life is, I can still go to college, I have a job, I have a home to go back to. In many ways I am pretty lucky. Thanks for bringing back my optimism, John.
This is 5yrs old now, and I just found it, but I have to share! Too many people are depressed not to try to help, so I'm recommending you and Harvey!
Thank you for this insight into your past. I'm so glad that I watched this today. Having this community surrounding me and having the pleasure to watch your videos every week have been invaluable to me. Continue to be awesome, guys.
This is the video I show people when I want to explain why I like Vlogbrothers
AAHHHH I need to keep this handy for literally every single situation that I feel sad
"You can't know what an experience will mean to future you until you are future you. You need millions of seconds of perspective--which ultimately, only time can buy."
I think this line just saved my life today. Thank you John.
Thank you for sharing this story! I too went through a serious depression and had multiple suicide attempts. Fast forward 6 short months and I have ended communication with an ex that was unhealthy, moved out of state for a promotion with my company, and met some fantastic people in my new neighborhood. I am happy and regaining confidence because each day I come a little closer to the idea of the person I want to be. D.F.T.B.A. :)
I'm 25, depressed, and just got dumped from a 7 year relationship. If a man as awesome as John Green can overcome so much and evolve into the internet sensation that he has become... maybe I can get my head strait.
I hope that you've found some joy and purpose and stability. I hope that you can look back at the place you were in when you wrote this comment and know that you were strong enough to make it through. I hope you know that you'll make it through again, no matter what mountains life requires you to climb
Amazing. I hope it can get me through this rough patch too. I always come back to this video to remember the whole perspective thing...
I watched this video when I was 16, very depressed, and completely unable to navigate what was happening to me. I’m now 22, and Harvey has become my comfort blanket; I’ve seen it at least 7 times, and I always watch it if I’m going through a particularly dark period because I know, at least for a little while, that it’ll bring back the sun. I’m currently writing an article about ways I’ve learned to cope with grief and trauma (particularly in this new, messy world we’ve found ourselves in) and I came back to this video (because I wanted to talk about Harvey), and it still has the same effect on me as it did then: reminding me that there is hope even during the strangest and scariest of times. Thank you.
Harvey is one of my favorite movies of all time, and definitely my favorite Jimmy Stewart movie. That's saying a lot, because Jimmy Stewart was freaking awesome!
John your video really gave me perspective. Ive been having a rough time after my first college year and have fell into a depression as well. Watching this video really made me see I am not alone and this is all rain to help me grow. I love how you said everything didn't suddenly become better because I needed to realize that it wont happen fast. Watching this puts me at ease and I will watch Harvey. Thanks john.
I love this video so much. Never get tired of watching it.
I come back to this video at times when I'm at my worst. Thanks for sharing this. Harvey was a great movie.
This one is going on my 'inspirational videos' playlist for when I'm having a bad day. Thank you John for sharing. :)
(Yes, I know it's an old video, he won't see the comment, but I'd still like to thank him)
This video is a gift.
I like rewatching this video when I'm depressed. It gives me hope
This has gotten me through half of university so far.
While everyone's sitting here citing how influential this video has been for them which, let's be clear, is certainly the case for me, I can't help but comment on the sheer skill of the script in this video. I mean this has to be the best 3:29 of offhand talking, disregarding movies and spoken poetry and the like, on TH-cam. Really, it gives pretty much every legendary and inspirational vlogbrothers video a run for its money. And I can't help but feel lucky that I am one of the probably less than million (at this time) people to have watched this work of art. Besides the great anecdotal advice this video provides, strangely it also is the strongest piece of evidence I've found supporting the idea that perfection is a real thing. It's so clean, so precise, just wow. Cue the applause. Three and a half years late.
I think I'm going to watch 'Harvey'.
this whole video is the entire introduction to the 10th year anniversary copy of looking for alaska
Been one of those days, I needed this!
I got to play Elwood as my last role in a 7 year school theatre career. Theres alot more I could write about it, but it makes me so happy that is your favorite line, because it was my favorite to say.
I come back to this a lot.
You should totally do a video about anxiety disorders, depression, and general mental health awareness.
Margaret Lynch there's a Wimbly Womblys video about mental health and specifically depression which is very good
+Jesse Knapp Can you give me the name of the video?
+RyanX1231 "how to treat and cure depression" or something along those lines. If you search depression hankgames you'll find it.
You know how you guys every once in a while ask what kind of videos you need to make more of? You need to make more of these.
I've been going through a lot of difficulties recently, and this video came up on my FYP. I've always loved listening to John, there's something comforting about how he talks. While I had heard the Harvey story before [The Anthropocene Reviewed is one of my favourite books] This video really helped me. And yes, I own Harvey and have watched Harvey long before Jogn told me to. But now, I've reached a point where I only think of watching Harvey when John mentioned Harvey. It's funny, this has to be the third or fourth time I've had, not what you'd call an "epiphany," but certainly clarity after one of John's "Go watch Harvey" videos. Thank you, John.
i still come back to this video when i need it / can't rly put into words how its affected me over the years
me too
"Everyday is a beautiful day."
True...True...
It’s been 283,351,056 seconds since this was uploaded ❤
it's wild that a person was here 30 mins ago
It's so encouraging not only to hear that there's another side to this place I'm in, but also to read through the comments and see that even if I can't see them, there are other people working through this place, too.
Nice words, sensibility. Congrats and keep walking, *****! Following you now.
este video vino en el momento en el cual debo empezar mi vida adulta, así que lo que necesito es algo de perspectiva, así que gracias por eso dftba
Thank you for this.
Harvey has always been one of my favorite films. It is a great pick-me-up movie that gives you a positive outlook on life. Love it! And that quote is my favorite :)
i think your video made my life a bit better, i need some time to know for sure tho
this is my most rewatched vlogbrothers video
RIP Bill.
I always find my way back to this video, and each time I watch it, I feel changed.