Reading Fiction is Helping Me More Than I Knew

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  • Опубликовано: 3 дек 2024

Комментарии • 728

  • @thejohnfish
    @thejohnfish  6 лет назад +1121

    You might think that it was an editing error at 4:08, but you'd be wrong. I wasn't reading notes, I was actually reading an entire novel in 20 seconds. I know, it's impressive, but when you read 1000 books a day you develop some very impressive speed reading techniques.
    jk yeah I messed up but RUclips has a cool new editor so it should be fixed soon, thanks for pointing it out everyone ❤️

    • @ROCKSWOT
      @ROCKSWOT 6 лет назад +23

      I think it was a cool moment, seeing you relaxed, pacing a little bit and then onward you go again.

    • @IG.8qlin
      @IG.8qlin 6 лет назад +23

      It's joke? I actually believed you although I had my doubt. You just sound very convincing most of time

    • @duwiraa4775
      @duwiraa4775 6 лет назад +2

      Doesnt matter i found it cute lol

    • @gayatrimandhane3087
      @gayatrimandhane3087 6 лет назад +5

      Spoiler for people who read comments before watching

    • @thehowardshow1095
      @thehowardshow1095 6 лет назад

      MorrelGayLife shut up

  • @fatmaalwahaibi3191
    @fatmaalwahaibi3191 6 лет назад +670

    I once came across a post that says:"We fall in love with stories... not because we understand them, but rather because we feel understood" and thats so very true. When I am so busy with my studying Fiction sets my mind free... fiction shows me that there is more in this life than the hectic work I am surrounded with. XD and its quite refreshing... Great video!

    • @mohammedsharikuzama5518
      @mohammedsharikuzama5518 6 лет назад +5

      Sometimes taking a break from nonfiction helps me. Fiction is like a Break. A break that's quite interesting and someway teaches a life lesson. Have a great day!

    • @Zannet24
      @Zannet24 6 лет назад +1

      Do you have any book recomendations? :)

    • @biancaaguglia3742
      @biancaaguglia3742 6 лет назад

      @@Zannet24 What kind of stories do you like? Mystery, science-fiction, romance?
      Start with a genre you're interested in and look on Amazon for the best sellers in that category. Or do a google search for "top 10 detective stories", or "favorite detective stories", etc. That's a good start. :-)

    • @Zannet24
      @Zannet24 6 лет назад +1

      @@biancaaguglia3742 yeah I'll try, thanks for the help :)
      I would like something with all of that maybe. I really love doctor who. So some mystery, aliens, robots and so but also a little bit of romance.

    • @fatmaalwahaibi3191
      @fatmaalwahaibi3191 6 лет назад +1

      Zannet24 I am currently reading 40 rules of love... and I am enjoying it really. “The shock of the fall” and “A monster calls” were great reads.

  • @Julian-mg4lf
    @Julian-mg4lf 6 лет назад +1198

    You always remind me to read more. I really like reading but never take the time.

    • @KostiDerBoss
      @KostiDerBoss 6 лет назад +11

      So true

    • @thejohnfish
      @thejohnfish  6 лет назад +147

      I'm so happy to hear that. I feel like we all struggle to take the time, but we're always glad when we do... sometimes a little reminder is all you need!

    • @KostiDerBoss
      @KostiDerBoss 6 лет назад +2

      @@thejohnfish do you pick books just by how you feel or is there a limit of sites for you etc?

    • @haretztj4682
      @haretztj4682 6 лет назад +6

      Julian i end up reading yt comments....

    • @KostiDerBoss
      @KostiDerBoss 6 лет назад +1

      @@haretztj4682 hahaha

  • @DBxRedBull
    @DBxRedBull 6 лет назад +358

    Favourite fictional quote from Skyrim:
    “What is better - To be born good, or to overcome your evil nature though great effort?” - Paarthurnax

  • @tromeos5234
    @tromeos5234 4 года назад +37

    "That is part of the beauty of literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong". F. Scott Fitzgerald

  • @Carlejandro
    @Carlejandro 6 лет назад +293

    Glad to see you posting again man! I'm doing a speech on you and how college vloggers helped me achieve my dreams of getting to college in my Intro to Public Speaking class next week. Thanks for the inspiration man, I'm using your growth book as a visual aid haha.

    • @thejohnfish
      @thejohnfish  6 лет назад +47

      So amazing! You should get someone to film it and post it, I'd love to see it!

    • @xoxokyle95
      @xoxokyle95 6 лет назад +2

      That is so cool! It never occurs to me to do that kind of content for my assignments. It's true tho, loads of college vloggers helped me too. All the best for your speech!

  • @bernadettban8309
    @bernadettban8309 6 лет назад +13

    I have been reading fictional books since I was 6, so when I found your channel I saw you weren't really reading those and I felt that I was behind you as a person. I started reading non-fictional books but MAN they felt like chore so I stopped it after a few weeks and I stopped counting how much I read a day because it just stressed me out. Never been more proud of re-reading Harry Potter for the 10th time. Thank you John for making these videos!

  • @DavidVre
    @DavidVre 6 лет назад +33

    Your openess and humility is magnetic!

  • @cuyaCT
    @cuyaCT 6 лет назад +95

    I’m glad you made this. I’m passionate about making films and writing stories, but I used to be embarrassed about my passion. Everyone in high school wanted to be a lawyer, work in STEM, be a teacher, something useful. It wasn’t until I went through some rough times and coped by immersing myself into works of fiction that I realized a key value of entertainment. The reason why we love the characters on TV, stories, etc. is because we can empathize with them. When we go through rough times, it’s sometimes difficult for the people around you to understand, but we can all perceive music and stories in our own way, a way that makes it seem like the work itself empathizes with you, like support to hold you up.

    • @michaels-meditations
      @michaels-meditations 6 лет назад +4

      In this day and age there is more emotional support needed than ever. You're actually on a very useful path, if you do it right you may even change peoples lives for the better.

    • @collynchristopherbrenner3245
      @collynchristopherbrenner3245 6 лет назад +1

      @cuya_ct That's crazy, I was going through some rough times personally and the only thing that brought me relief and stability was reading too. I agree, we do undervalue the usefulness of entertainment for that reason, that connection to stories that often we consider to be trivial.
      Love this channel, love you for leaving this comment.

    • @304_studios
      @304_studios 6 лет назад +5

      "I used to be embarrassed because I was just a comic-book writer while other people were building bridges or going on to medical careers. And then I began to realize: entertainment is one of the most important things in people’s lives. Without it they might go off the deep end. I feel that if you’re able to entertain people, you’re doing a good thing"- Stan Lee

    • @sierra3644
      @sierra3644 5 лет назад

      so what do you do?

    • @cuyaCT
      @cuyaCT 5 лет назад

      @@sierra3644 what do you mean?

  • @mariaeduardabarbosa9615
    @mariaeduardabarbosa9615 6 лет назад +16

    Every good fiction has a message, the art is in how the author tells you this message. My humble recommendation is Mistborn from Brandon Sanderson!

  • @studyflicks
    @studyflicks 6 лет назад +6

    Honestly one of the best videos I’ve watched on RUclips. I agree so much with what you mentioned in the video because I used to do the same thing. Disregarding fiction and solely focusing on nonfiction books was so foolish. There are just things you have to learn through fictional novels and characters that help your understanding on topics that reading solely nonfiction can’t provide.

  • @dennism5144
    @dennism5144 6 лет назад +42

    John! Welcome back we've missed you!!!

  • @lucasdupont2209
    @lucasdupont2209 6 лет назад +83

    Im a french guy who learning english by looking your videos. I love u John

    • @zediogo_t
      @zediogo_t 6 лет назад +14

      Start reading more in english too. It helped me a lot. I'm Portuguese.

    • @rachelmuller5541
      @rachelmuller5541 6 лет назад +2

      Sweet

    • @danielbincoleto7152
      @danielbincoleto7152 6 лет назад +1

      I like to learn my listening watching videos too, and his videos are pretty easy to understand

    • @fessenic
      @fessenic 6 лет назад +2

      @@zediogo_t Olá, não és o único pt aqui

    • @chillwavegeneral6522
      @chillwavegeneral6522 5 лет назад +1

      I'm in Ukraine and fully switched my you-tube contant in english. This is effective decision. I'm agree so reading a books significantly improving language skills

  • @matteo5399
    @matteo5399 4 года назад +4

    Literary fiction is so powerful and influential. It is no wonder dictators burn fiction - literature contains all forms of human thought and experience. It uses language and human creativity to examine our condition as people and individuals navigating existence. Literature is a manifestation of our desire to understand and to be understood. We cannot have empathy without literature.

  • @JulietteTLin
    @JulietteTLin 6 лет назад +9

    "The value of fiction comes through building empathy with human characters." Love that. So true! Fiction is great :)

  • @souda2276
    @souda2276 4 года назад +6

    fiction books are like cheat sheets for life that are fun. you learn about different types of people, understand them, and in the best readings, understand yourself more clearly

  • @anketheron2967
    @anketheron2967 6 лет назад +4

    You have discovered the exact thing, which is the reason why I have chosen to study literature and literary theory. Fiction/literature is the key for us to come to grips with life. Be that through different view points, different religions, convictions and different experiences. Great to have a video from you again! Been having some similar struggles with "where to next" and "what do I realy want out of life". Best of luck with your journey 👍😊

  • @aldinhasanbegovic2137
    @aldinhasanbegovic2137 6 лет назад +3

    Man,I just want to thank you for everything that you have done for me this year and the years to come,now I am set to be a very motivated student and athlete . Jhon Fish I wish you the best year of your life and keep up the great work. Sincerely from Croatia 🇭🇷

  • @fridagonzalez9392
    @fridagonzalez9392 4 года назад +23

    My mom loves the fact that I read and she is very supportive but my family always tells me that it’s a waste of time... they say that I should read good books that teach me something such as science, math, or history.
    I think that’s some bs... anyways, thank you for this video. I feel better about what I reads now!

    • @michaelokeke4976
      @michaelokeke4976 3 года назад +1

      You can gain a lot mor reading fiction than textbooks. So you keep doing you. Trust me the pay off is worth it. Whenever I see anybody reading anything, even if it’s a fiction novel, I smile. P.S I am also an avid fiction reader myself

    • @maksymshevchenko5304
      @maksymshevchenko5304 Год назад +1

      Read both, that’s the best advice I can give you

  • @nadiyaahmed9838
    @nadiyaahmed9838 5 лет назад +1

    Definitely admire your vision, level of intellect and the way you express. Keep making these videos you won't believe how much it helps.
    And the best part is that I'm on the same path and point in life as you, but not as sophisticated or dedicated. so you motivate me alot!
    KEEP DOING YOUR THING!

  • @ROCKSWOT
    @ROCKSWOT 6 лет назад +3

    Hey John! Great to hear from you! John, dig deep into the power to choose context for your mind. That helps choosing and shaping identity! To increase ones own initiative to choose context to think about. Power of Initiative to make choices for quality of context for the mind leads to quality of identity. Consistent identity leads to quality of life! I hope everyone reading this can be inspired into ever evolving journey with ones own identity! Enjoy the ride!

  • @misterdeluxia5948
    @misterdeluxia5948 6 лет назад +22

    Another thing that reading fiction does is stimulate your creativity. Seing something with another pov is super helpful in some instances, i really enjoy reading fiction. It takes me to another "state of mind" and my brain get super creative. Also reading a lot of fiction makes it easy to write fiction, you can have super original essays.

    • @aaron6087
      @aaron6087 6 лет назад +2

      It also helps with connecting words to pictures, since you're visualizing the scenes yourselves rather than being given the scenes from videos/movies.

    • @misterdeluxia5948
      @misterdeluxia5948 6 лет назад +2

      rex4522 totaly agree!

    • @nellsea8086
      @nellsea8086 6 лет назад +2

      Also helps to understand others

  • @ArlinMoore
    @ArlinMoore 6 лет назад +15

    Love this John! Excited to link back in Boston!

  • @cd6581
    @cd6581 6 лет назад +44

    I liked how organic and insightful this vid was

  • @misssunrise3717
    @misssunrise3717 6 лет назад +176

    I highly recommend reading fiction books as they are one of the best way to learn about human beings, feelings, morals and interactions🤔 we, as humans, love to see ourselves in some characters and imagine what we gonna do if we were in their position
    Personally I notice that I've become more calm and kind to others merely by reading fiction, I found some role models that I wanna be and I become more understandable. Reading fiction helps me to understand why people do the things they do, why we are different, why we suffer and so on🙂
    Also fiction is a great way to get into reading and enjoy it and have fun. The problem that almost many readers face with reading is time. We want to finish as many books as we can in each year so that we learn more, but then we feel depressed and we see reading as a chore that we have to do otherwise we may fall. However, this is completely wrong since what we do by that is suffering, reading is not a war we wanna win, it is a family that teachs us, changes us, makes us happy and what's more importantly help us to think,deal , express ourselves and know our purposes in life 😥
    my advice to all readers is to read once you feel you're in the mood of reading. it's ok even to read one book in a month, at least you'll enjoy more, and you'll understand the significance of the book. I mean there must be a story, an idea or a message the author wanna send😊

    • @aaron6087
      @aaron6087 6 лет назад +5

      You have a really good message going there, it's so easy to breeze through books without learning anything. Even I am guilty of it from time to time. Yet fiction can be whatever we want it to be. It can be an object of adoration, a way to better ourselves, or simply an escape from reality for relaxation and entertainment. There's no wrong way to read, and as long as you get what you wanted from the book, that's all that really matters.

    • @cartonet8186
      @cartonet8186 6 лет назад +1

      Isn't it a good way of indoctrinating yourself? I mean you're just taking in what some other person thought up. It could influence you negatively or at least you should read a variety of things.

    • @aaron6087
      @aaron6087 6 лет назад +1

      Kalton est I'd like to understand your idea better, would you be able to elaborate your idea more? Since for fiction books 99% of them are about a character overcoming a challenge, I'm not completely sure how it would influence someone negatively, unless the protagonist is doing bad things like manipulating people to get what they want. I could definitely see you idea applying to other literature like the Communist Manifesto, considering how that idea has been the catalyst for millions of deaths.

    • @cartonet8186
      @cartonet8186 6 лет назад +3

      @@aaron6087 Well, authors have a certain degree of discretion to choose how the "good guys" live or what they believe and also how they cast the "bad guys" or struggle. Especially nowadays with Hollywood you often see almost exact parallels with politics or whatever politically correct message might be put forth. For me, art works best when it separates itself from what we are and creates its own world and leaves itself as open-ended as possible. So, you can't really relate to one or another side more and so that you can actually feel like you're in another and not in anyway influenced by our world.
      I also feel like our entire structure of storytelling has become lazy. Good vs. evil (instead of more mixed or gray ideas) and stories that are structured around similar plot points of have to find something or retreading adventure stories like Pocahontas/Avatar. I guess these are more a consequence noticing patterns on my part. I'm sure for a younger audience they might not notice.
      I do think storytelling is amazing and people do love hearings myths, but we need to be critical observers. Art is supposed to be that way. You're not supposed to agree or like everything in a story or book. It's okay to take what you like and take out what you don't.
      As far as consuming media and books, I think it's good to do, just so you can indulge and understand what it is, but then you also have to treat it just like you would any other distraction. Books are not any more "intellectual" than video games or any other hobby. Books can be addicting and time-wasting as well and as a person, I would hope people would work on their goals and make sure they don't spend too much time reading. Keep an account of how you organize your time and you'd be surprised at how much time you spend doing things that are leisure and also how much time you spend doing routine things (bathing, commuting, eating) and then figure that you probably spend very little on actually accomplishing y our goals. This is where we need to pay attention and sometimes cut out books and distractions.
      I think it's good to indulge in life's pleasures, but then reach a point where you focus on yourself as well. You won't be able to read all the books you want and do everything. Maybe you can come back to it later, though, after you've focused on your own career/goals.

    • @aaron6087
      @aaron6087 6 лет назад +2

      Karlton est I can definitely agree with you on how books, movies, and other forms of art shouldn't need to cater towards being politically correct, as that would counter the whole point of a book being a form of escapism. For the structure of storytelling and good v.s. evil that's more on personal preference. I can always enjoy a book from the villain's PoV, and even though they may be a rarity there are still hundreds to choose from due to the wealth of literature in general. There will definitely be books focusing on grey ideas considering that's an even less nichey topic, even if it is still a minority. Though books can be a source of addiction--as many things can be, I wouldn't categorize them as being time-wasters. There's numerous benefits you can get from reading, and I find that as long as it makes you happy that's all that really matters.
      Similarly to you though, I generally get caught up in my own goals, and my own leisure goes on the back-burner from time to time. There's nothing wrong with wanting to accomplish your goals, but personally, I find that it shouldn't replace your happiness. Accomplishing your own goals may very well bring happiness itself, and often times it does, I still wholeheartedly believe that leisure time is necessary. Whether you think reading fiction isn't worth your time, and that you'd rather be accomplishing something is completely up to you. What you spend your free-time on is your decision, just remember that you shouldn't let your goals overshadow your own personal life. As long as you're not consolidating your life to a checklist and secluding yourself from others, you'll be much happier in the future.

  • @awindham1
    @awindham1 5 лет назад +1

    This is the first RUclips channel I’ve ever seen of its kind. I’m mind blown that this content exists. It’s meaningful, personal, relatable, wonderful speaking/story-telling. But I think my favorite part of this is that it feels genuine....it’s refreshing to see a RUclipsr who doesn’t just put out clickbait/mindless content for views.

  • @celine1680
    @celine1680 Год назад +1

    reading something more specific, more concrete in the way that self-help books do not work

  • @pinkopat
    @pinkopat 6 лет назад +6

    I honestly love fiction so much, it's what I read most. I have always found it way more helpful to get through a story and then come to my own conclusions about human behaviour, society and even myself. A book that really made me think and feel empty inside is Nothing New On The Western Front (I'm not sure if this is the English title, I just translated) by Erich Maria Remarque. It really made me think about what I'm doing with my life and about what chances I even possibly have. I'm around your age, so I'd really suggest you read it, but I live in a completely different place with different worries, so I'm not totally sure if it would have the same effect.
    I'm glad to see you're posting again!

  • @nehalgohel842
    @nehalgohel842 6 лет назад +10

    Please read "The perks of being a wallflower" if you haven't already. I love that book. I wasn't into reading books (both fiction and non-fiction) but after reading this, it changed me.

    • @drinkurtishi8735
      @drinkurtishi8735 4 года назад

      I started it 2 hours ago, im halfway through, crazy book..

  • @tristanR7435
    @tristanR7435 6 лет назад +16

    Yay! John is back!

  • @erikadalcortivo4034
    @erikadalcortivo4034 6 лет назад +1

    You’re my favorite motivational speaker. I literally always feel so incredibly inspired after watching your videos, whether they’re vlogs or whatever. Keep going, you’re amazing

  • @ibiza09putitthisway
    @ibiza09putitthisway 4 года назад +1

    Honestly this is the most inspiring content on RUclips. Thanks so much John. Keep up the great work!

  • @AA-xk1uv
    @AA-xk1uv 6 лет назад

    Your videos are helping me more than i thought.
    Never a fan of "reading". It always felt boring but i have started reading more and more rather than spending all day on videos and social media. Oh boy it did bring such a change.

  • @hopscotch3570
    @hopscotch3570 6 лет назад +592

    i ate 7 fruit roll ups watching this video

    • @echase3785
      @echase3785 6 лет назад +17

      Idk why, but I thought this was really funny!😂

    • @hopscotch3570
      @hopscotch3570 6 лет назад +3

      Timo Tini thanks man i appreciate it, ill try and break my pb and eat 8 next time

    • @clumsydnkey29
      @clumsydnkey29 6 лет назад +3

      omg same but ate two perfect oranges

    • @jomana1109
      @jomana1109 6 лет назад +6

      If you ate 7 fruit roll ups, and this video is 7:25 min; then you ate one every 1:03 min

    • @thejohnfish
      @thejohnfish  6 лет назад +42

      Big if true

  • @omarmagana773
    @omarmagana773 6 лет назад +1

    I completely empathize with everything you convey in this video. Please keep making videos and upload what you’re reading?? I’m in the process finishing up Crime And Punishment, and like, it’s oddly cathartic haha

  • @rebecca5230
    @rebecca5230 6 лет назад

    This is by far my favorite video you’ve made so far. The content is authentic and personal just as fiction is. Thanks for the inspiration!

  • @rumeysaalarcin7336
    @rumeysaalarcin7336 6 лет назад +2

    A few days ago, i quarreled with one of my friends bc he had such a shallow perception about literature. He said he was disgusted by romanticism, thinking literature to be only consisting of stupid best seller love stories and such. I was irritated bc literature is very important to me, it has taught me so many lessons that i couldn't have learned otherwise, so I acted aggressively. Seeing this video cannot be a coincidence, I know, we haven't talked for days, i hope things will turn out alright. And thank you for always reminding us the gravity of reading, actually I'm a book worm but sometimes bc of school work and other things in my life I just cannot find the *inspiration* to read. It's been kinda like that recently but I hope I'll start again soon ✨

  • @Bnelen
    @Bnelen 6 лет назад

    Glad to hear you rediscovering fiction. I doubt if many people are ready for the most valuable lessons in fiction.

  • @ralig4879
    @ralig4879 6 лет назад

    You inspire me John, I had a Literature class this semester and this video had me nodding in agreement with you. Fiction can be the most effective resource for Human consciousness and human values. I love how you understand this and I hope people listen to you.

  • @jennascott9280
    @jennascott9280 6 лет назад

    i'm glad you made this video, because it's an issue that comes up a lot with the people around me. i go to an engineering school where i interact with a lot of incredibly smart, passionate people. people ask me what i do in my free time, and my answer is always "read!" and then when i tell them what books i've been reading lately, stuff like thrillers and contemporaries, i can tell that they become more dismissive of me, and sometimes i even get responses like "oh, it must be nice to have time to read stuff like that" which is super frustrating! because i think that reading fiction definitely has made me more empathetic, and more interested in other people, and kinder and in general a better person. so when people tell me that i'm a good listener, they don't realize it's because i read fiction. it's super duper frustrating and something that i wish stem people in particular would be more open to, because i think that the human experience is learning about other human experiences and letting yourself look through the eyes of someone else for a little while, even if they're fictional. also i got into this school by writing about how much i cry when i read so CLEARLY it's working for me lmao

  • @pastelarvocado2475
    @pastelarvocado2475 6 лет назад

    You're completely right about finding a bit of ourselves in each character of the fictions. But for me personally I like to find a little bit of the author in each character, settings, plots. It amazes and interest me how one person could develop such creative different things in one story flow yet each piece of it explains a bit of the writer itself, which no writer, no individual has ever been the same. I think that what makes fictions so rich, immense, fascinating, and addicting. I hope rather than focusing on what parts that are similar to ourselves or our own views, we shouldn't miss out a whole bunch of new different ideas and minds out there. Fiction is a very wonderful way to be connected with others.
    Btw I really like and support your contents. Best of lucks on your channel, I will be waiting for the next videos!

  • @SareFarkas
    @SareFarkas 6 лет назад

    I've been convinced from watching your videos that you almost always have the solution to negativity, unproductiveness, and bouts of sadness. It's defiantly inspiring but also a bit hard to put into action when you're going through a rough time. You alluded to some of your struggles and honestly I am so glad you did. Knowing that even the people I look up to or those who inspire others have "weird" months with struggles reminds me of the importance of allowing yourself to be human and not having everything sorted out all the time. Reading fiction will definitely help me feel understood, but so will watching your videos! Keep it up ❤️

  • @arifbakhsh2518
    @arifbakhsh2518 2 года назад

    Thanks. All my life, I read non fiction, thinking reading fiction was a waste of time. But I realize now that human character interactions and connections could be better understood through fiction. Thanks for explaining so beautiful. God bless!

  • @nnicsu
    @nnicsu 6 лет назад +1

    I've been dealing with things by reading fiction this fall as well :) I think fiction is very beneficial in that it allows one to see a point of view very different to their own. If understanding each other isn't one thing we need more in this world, I don't know what is!

  • @kristengibson6824
    @kristengibson6824 6 лет назад +1

    The way you talk about your future is how I talk about mine as well, just asdfghjkl excited about what's to come. Also, I've always only read non-fiction books because it was easier for me to pay attention since I knew it would be useful to my life. I had trouble with fiction books because I'd always be wondering, "But how can I apply this to my life?" So since it's always been a challenge for me I've been trying to read more fiction. I think it's healthy to escape reality for a while and work your imagination. Definitely a relatable video.

  • @color2066
    @color2066 6 лет назад

    Ever since I watched your video about pledging to read a book per week, I myself have been doing so as well!! Thank you so much for the continuous motivation! You’ve really inspired me and impacted my life positively :)

  • @greenthumb1523
    @greenthumb1523 5 лет назад

    I love that you find lessons within every aspect of life and share that new found knowledge with us. As you grow in your journey, you help others grow in theirs.

  • @Nonsense116
    @Nonsense116 6 лет назад

    What a wise, calming guy. I love watching your videos whenever you put them out.

  • @madeleinemancuso1107
    @madeleinemancuso1107 6 лет назад +368

    do you got a podcast? cuz you really have a calming voice and you words are so thoughtful you’d be amazing ;))

    • @timhaiii730
      @timhaiii730 6 лет назад +12

      Madeleine i agree, he needs to make his own podcast haha awesome

    •  6 лет назад +11

      Why does no one notice he has a bad lisp.

    • @natelivas3961
      @natelivas3961 6 лет назад +11

      @ So what!

    • @musictime4222
      @musictime4222 6 лет назад +12

      @ I noticed it, but it doesn't bother me/

    • @suckkmycandles
      @suckkmycandles 6 лет назад +8

      Classic we don't care and it's cute 🤷🏾‍♀️

  • @OlivierDouillet
    @OlivierDouillet 6 лет назад

    Yes ! Fictions are absolutely amazing :) I’m an American and British Literature Student and when you go into the details of the stories, you can find elements that you would never have noticed just reading the texts. What is interesting is that behind the books there is always a story, an history, an author, etc and all of that adds another level to the books and it’s soooo interesting :) and sometimes life changing !

  • @redvinenerd
    @redvinenerd 6 лет назад +22

    Hi John! Not sure what your thoughts are on poetry, but Walt Whitman has really helped me think about some of these questions that you're thinking about. Whitman's works are so thought-provoking and definitely aren't what you would think about when you think about poetry.

    • @bonbonvrock84
      @bonbonvrock84 6 лет назад +3

      Hope S. You're the second person today I've come across talking about Walt Whitman. Also came across his name while reading When Breath Becomes Air. Gotta check this Whitman guy out~

  • @liambromley7933
    @liambromley7933 6 лет назад

    Your videos help me so much with school and life,before watching these I wasn’t taking the time I needed to to take care of myself which made my mental state a mess,but then I watched your videos and now everything is fitting into place,thanks John 🙂👍🏼

  • @gauravsinhamahapatra3155
    @gauravsinhamahapatra3155 6 лет назад

    I wish you strength for whatever you are going through. You are an inspiration. Thank you for helping me and I hope you help yourself too.

  • @swagatikapanda1520
    @swagatikapanda1520 6 лет назад

    It's good to see your video again .. one of the reasons I go to fictions is to seek an escape from real world and immerse myself in a different world. Another reasons is that it lets me imagine, and visualize which is relaxing and stimulating at the same time. Developing empathy and understanding why people do what they do is also an important reason. But the most important one is to learn from others' mistakes and triumphs.. instead of always learning from my own mistakes

  • @justinjoy1471
    @justinjoy1471 6 лет назад +4

    I relate so hard with this. I don't personally hate fiction or necessarily go out of the way of avoiding it I naturally find non-fiction to be more enjoyable. I'm usually buzzing with ideas and things to do right after reading a good non-fiction book.

    • @aaron6087
      @aaron6087 6 лет назад +3

      Gotta say that I've had trouble finding enjoyable non-fiction books, and I've begun to avoid a lot of it. Any recommendations of nonfiction books you fell in love with, I'd love to broaden my perspective of them.

  • @cagemitchellgaming461
    @cagemitchellgaming461 6 лет назад

    Every video he makes hits home for me. His struggles, his successes. I love it

  • @johnlou844
    @johnlou844 6 лет назад

    Welcome back John...
    Keep taking care of yourself.
    In the end the people that truly enjoy your journey will always be here.

  • @РинаЛисовская-щ9г
    @РинаЛисовская-щ9г 6 лет назад +1

    Hi! I live in Belarus and i like your videos. I don't understand everything you're saying because I don't know English vey well. But your video I'm ready to watch for a long time.
    fiction reading is my passion and relaxation. When I'm going to Uni on the bus or just tried of the rutine it helps me escape from reality into world of my throughts. Fiction helps not only to understand yourself but also world around you.
    Thanks for great video.

  • @kerryd7
    @kerryd7 6 лет назад

    I picked up on the struggling in your personal life and the issues you’ve been facing. Some use RUclips to explore their issues or to provide examples for others. I think the word you use more than once that is so critical to your self - to who you are and how you’ll develop is empathy. Very few people can be truly empathetic. They can be sympathetic but empathy is a whole different thing. You’re excitement in your self exploration is nice as we loose that as we age. the being buffeted around cn be to much fr soe to take so they hang on to something which feels safe but doesn’t solve anything. I’m

  • @hawdy5it895
    @hawdy5it895 6 лет назад

    There is a soothing magic happening while you're talking. For non-english speakers like me found it helpful simply just to listen to your voice.

  • @jordaneisenman4894
    @jordaneisenman4894 4 года назад

    You naturally know more than you can say, and fiction, I believe, brings you through the process of being, acting, and thus knowing.

  • @kaivanakiri5174
    @kaivanakiri5174 6 лет назад

    People should subscribe to you for your genuine opinion and insightfulness. I am glad I did

    • @kaivanakiri5174
      @kaivanakiri5174 6 лет назад

      @@mohammed_haddad anybody! You can learn only by trying and doing ;)

    • @kaivanakiri5174
      @kaivanakiri5174 6 лет назад

      @@mohammed_haddad sorry, didn't get it at first! I am English learner

  • @benhersheyloves
    @benhersheyloves 6 лет назад

    I have gone through the same exact process this year too! ...personal development book after book, and you end up losing the value of a truly meaningful story. This is awesome!

  • @hitori8730
    @hitori8730 6 лет назад

    “It’s about building empathy and understanding who you are through seeing yourself in other characters” hits me deeply.

  • @diansapuart
    @diansapuart 6 лет назад

    new video .. oh thank you John :) me too! I'm reading a fiction book, it helps me to be a good person. so many lessons I can take. Keep helping people by sharing your thought !

  • @meowsaki
    @meowsaki 6 лет назад

    so happy to see a productive channel reading fiction! i don't know why reading fiction is not that popular in usa/canada, compared to those productivity & self-improvement books but reading good fiction is one of the most beautiful things in life. you learn so much from a novel then you can learn in a whole course maybe. it helps you to understand the world, the people around you, and helps you to develop a different angle on many issues. it helps you to be more empathic, because in good fiction there are many complex characters and they show you that world is not black and white. most people are grey, and you can learn that through fiction. books let you to have many more experience than you will ever have in your life. keep going!

    • @meowsaki
      @meowsaki 6 лет назад

      and DEFINITELY read classics if you did not, there is not enough time for a college student to read ALL, but find what you like most and definitely go through them. and i'm saying that as a philosophy major, sometimes just one novel can teach you more than a couple of philosophy books, because as you read you develop a bond with the characters and that helps you to internalize more.

  • @clover4135
    @clover4135 6 лет назад +817

    What does this video promote.. to
    Read more

    • @rhiannajanepike
      @rhiannajanepike 6 лет назад +81

      Took me a good 35 seconds to get this joke

    • @germagla
      @germagla 6 лет назад +7

      Joke of the year

    • @ileniag2555
      @ileniag2555 6 лет назад +1

      This was a bad joke 😭😂

    • @MrYap123456
      @MrYap123456 6 лет назад +2

      Took me two scrolls. Scrolled once and I thought it was the Read more joke. And then the second scroll... OH...

    • @ariwolfe412
      @ariwolfe412 6 лет назад +1

      Ace Spade a

  • @graemetooley4934
    @graemetooley4934 6 лет назад

    Awesome to see another video come out John!! I really enjoyed your thoughts on how we can relate to Fiction more then we think we can. As an avid reader myself it gave me an interesting perspective to think about. You are a huge inspiration to me and I can't wait to see what you come out with next!

  • @Jeffbasill
    @Jeffbasill 6 лет назад +3

    the contents are in such high quality as always.

  • @JurbzMUSICoh
    @JurbzMUSICoh 5 лет назад

    that feeling that he's looking at you straight to your soul!

  • @andrejmarkovic1816
    @andrejmarkovic1816 6 лет назад

    Welcome back man , whatever is going on. , just keep pushing ,keep grinding , we are all here supporting you !

  • @corykiesling
    @corykiesling 6 лет назад

    Thank you for this post! Had the same perspective on fiction; hadn't yet reached a conclusion. I look forward to what I might find, now.

  • @JapePelaa
    @JapePelaa 6 лет назад

    YES - fiction stimulates the brain so SO much more than anything else. You have to use your imagination to bring things life, all the smells, tastes, visuals, everything between pages. And that builds up towards the analytical/logical side of your brain, too

  • @juliam2222
    @juliam2222 6 лет назад

    Good to see you back! This really makes me think about fiction reading in a different light. Until now I most of the time saw it as something to shut off my brain for a bit, but you are right, there is so much to learn from fiction as well! Thanks! Looking forward to seeing the next videos! Also, I am very happy that the Growth Book is now available for international shipping. Definitely going to get one as soon as they are available! :)

  • @rabindhamala9990
    @rabindhamala9990 6 лет назад

    I am happy that you are back . Hope you start uploading weekly .

  • @qis7527
    @qis7527 5 лет назад

    fiction books are really awesome, it’s a place you can wander and explore around freely, glad people understood more about this

  • @neist
    @neist 6 лет назад

    Your experiences have been very fascinating. In many ways, your experience reading various types of books echoes my own experiences, albeit nearly a decade before yours. Thanks for sharing.

  • @marvidsson1
    @marvidsson1 6 лет назад

    Nice to have you back Johnny!

  • @massarrabenayed8258
    @massarrabenayed8258 5 лет назад

    i just checked your to read list and seeing the qura'an made me so happy . i am sure that when you'll read it you'll find most of the answers to your big questions if you really pay attention to details and get deep into its meanings .

  • @kalaskarswatej9640
    @kalaskarswatej9640 2 года назад

    John u always motivate me for reading new stuff.
    I recently fell in love in reading books be it fiction or non fiction
    But i started this journey at the end of lockdown post pandemic and my college started and i couldn't get the time to read. But now i have vacations starting after my mid terms and your video has given me the inertia to start reading again
    Will make sure to add a dedicated reading time everyday even after school re starts

  • @barryfitzpatrick7448
    @barryfitzpatrick7448 6 лет назад

    Great stuff, John. Even the plug for Audible which is a great resource for readers. Happy reading. Always look forward to your posts.

  • @adbullio9466
    @adbullio9466 5 лет назад

    Men, I m 15 years and I enjoy your videos so much, you inspired me to include some habits in my life and want to say, thank you

  • @motionblues
    @motionblues 5 лет назад

    Thanks! Finally someone says it! Im tired of people saying fiction reading it's a waste of time, I've been reading a lot since I was a kid, enjoying all kinds of books, and I can say that fiction books made me learn and question a lot about life in general, emotions, problem solving, understanding other people... and lots more

  • @gavinrode9153
    @gavinrode9153 10 месяцев назад

    "Science may set limits to knowledge, but it should not set limits to our imagination." -Bertand Russel.
    beautiful words here. thanks John.

  • @danielpanasenko1963
    @danielpanasenko1963 5 лет назад

    I resonated with this video 100%.
    Your previous videos about reading got me into reading in the first place. Like you, I also enjoying reading nonfiction, mostly religion, history, self-help, and psychology.
    Then I picked up a copy of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” at the thrift store.
    You know how they say the Bible was given by inspiration from God? I think this book was also a bit divinely inspired too.
    I ended up learning more about religion, politics, self-help, and phycology through the characters of that novel than I would have reading hundreds of books on those subjects.
    Time to get on the fiction train!

  • @cinnamonamqr
    @cinnamonamqr 4 года назад

    Good timing I was struggling with whether I should read fiction or not. Thanks for your insight.

  • @nathanbixby5067
    @nathanbixby5067 5 лет назад

    Literally just finished Brave New World. Amazing book and the first fiction book I've read in years and I now understand the value in fiction. We can see the power of the individual, that evil lives in even the best of us, and that in life we have the choice between pleasure and happiness or fear, devastation, and fulfillment of deeper meaning. Amazing book.

  • @Jopt05
    @Jopt05 6 лет назад

    I got motivated with your challenge about reading a book per week. It's kinda sad because I only read science fiction/fantasy books (i'm starting the mistborn saga) but I promise i'll jump to ones like A Brief Story of Time.
    Greetings from Mexico and keep posting videos, they're always amazing!

  • @rosamontes5657
    @rosamontes5657 6 лет назад

    I'm glad you are back!

  • @97Andras
    @97Andras 5 лет назад

    Man I hope you read this I really want u to read this.
    So it was around 3month ago when i first stumbled upon your videos and to be honest i wasnt really impressed. But somehow RUclips’s algorithm did not let me ignore ur videos, and I started to think why. RUclips’s recommendation system is based on what I search mostly on google and here on RUclips so I thought to my self alright let’s give this another chance. So I basically started watching 2-3 videos of your channel a day. And I’m so glad I did. The reason I did not like it the first time was because u reminded me of who I was a couple years ago; ambitious, longing for knowledge and succes, organized etc. and I couldn’t help but realize that I am not that person anymore, but more so I realized that I wanna be that person again. Through these videos I started missing my crazy-organized self who finds the beauty and comfort zone in studying and bettering myself. Your videos create value on so many levels. They are educational and motivational. Your content is exactly what I have been needing. I’m really really thankful for you, because whenever I find it hard to study for finals or just getting my daily chores done, I remind myself, like hey this guy is going somewhere and u should be like that again too. Please always create such high value content and never change my man. I’m sure I’m not the only one your videos help finding their old habits and motivations and roots. Thank you x

  • @sanskrutidas2965
    @sanskrutidas2965 4 года назад

    My love for reading started through reading Fiction only. It's like living the Authors experiences while reading them. You are at places only you can go through your imagination.

  • @thewomanwithclass466
    @thewomanwithclass466 6 лет назад

    welcome back john.. and thank you for this inspiring video!!

  • @uncommonmix
    @uncommonmix 3 года назад

    Your channel is a gem man.. take care!

  • @fadwawleed2764
    @fadwawleed2764 6 лет назад

    This video is significant ✨
    actually i’d the same idea about fiction but I believe now fiction is just a special mirror , if the actual mirror can reflect our appearance the special one can do more .

  • @hellojonnyhoskinghello
    @hellojonnyhoskinghello 6 лет назад

    What an inspiration. You are a legend Mr Fish.

  • @大国盛世万国来朝
    @大国盛世万国来朝 6 лет назад +2

    bro, you're back finally. I miss you so much!

  • @alanalvarez7811
    @alanalvarez7811 6 лет назад

    Glad to see you still making videos :)

  • @marikarla3336
    @marikarla3336 6 лет назад

    I love the way you inspire me to always read more and more

  • @beau4588
    @beau4588 6 лет назад

    I'm living for a new upload and this Beard Fish!!

  • @Natalia-hb7pk
    @Natalia-hb7pk 6 лет назад +3

    I don't how much you're into cinema, but Ingmar Bergman is a director who talks about existencialism. for starters I usually recommend Persona (the first one I saw), Winter Light and Autumn Sonata. they're kinda heavy, but I believe you'll feel connected to its characters and be able to understand yourself better :)