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'The Interview': John Green Knows That No One Really Loves You on the Internet

The Daily

Nov 22
The Daily

The Daily

Nov 22
In a reflective and candid conversation, John Green opens up about the tension between despair and hope, shaped by personal trials, parenthood, and his evolving relationship with storytelling and digital culture.
John Green discusses how his experiences as a hospital chaplain and a parent have deepened his understanding of suffering and connection, leading him to reclaim writing not as an escape but as a means of engagement. He critiques political rollbacks on global health programs, emphasizing that every life has equal value. While acknowledging the internet’s dual nature—offering community yet fueling anxiety—he values its potential for learning and authenticity. Green reflects on the emotional honesty of adolescence, which continues to inspire his work, and describes profound, non-religious experiences of the sacred found in human dedication and presence. Ultimately, he advocates for stepping into discomfort, embracing real-world relationships, and recognizing transcendence in everyday moments, especially through the unfiltered lens of young people.
00:00
00:00
Humanity can't afford despair, even when it feels inevitable
18:45
18:45
The internet is a flawed but valuable force, worthy of a three-out-of-five-star rating.
23:00
23:00
Online success doesn't fill the inner void
28:42
28:42
I used to give class updates on whether I'd had sex — I'm horrified now
37:52
37:52
Transcendental experiences are real even without belief in God
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41:19
Getting more sacred experiences comes through practice.