John Green is a prolific author, content creator, and human rights activist who has been a part of the Gen Z zeitgeist for years. With his younger brother Hank, Green started two YouTube channels: “vlogbrothers” and “Crash Course.” The former is an ongoing digital conversation between two brothers, while the latter is a library of easy-to-digest educational videos.
Green’s focus has shifted from global health initiatives to fighting tuberculosis over the past few years. He visited a hospital in Sierra Leone and met Henry, a patient who shared his son’s name. Green was struck by Henry’s quiet optimism and authority despite being 17 and emaciated due to TB.
Green’s project, Everything Is Tuberculosis, aims to raise awareness about this devastating disease. He believes we know too little about it and that the real cause is us – our societal systems don’t value all human lives equally. Green advocates for affordable treatments, saying cancer patients are not told their treatments are cost-effective.
In contrast to internet clout chasers, Green stands out for his humility and kindness. He frequently thanks his loyal audience and mentions how grateful he is for their support. The recent ban of books with racially sensitive content has sparked controversy, but Green remains vocal about defending authors’ rights.
Despite his busy schedule, Green’s enthusiasm shines through. When asked what he would show aliens first, he proudly displayed a graph showing the decline in child mortality over the past 30 years. Green is passionate about saving children and making a positive impact on society.
Throughout the interview, Green’s humility and sense of purpose are evident. He talks about his love for Dr Pepper and being humbled by the experience of being “the tail to Hank’s comet.” John Green’s work is quietly powerful because it highlights our capacity for love, failure, and growth – and the importance of striving for a better human existence.
Source: https://www.34st.com/article/2025/04/john-green-interview-adam-grant-everything-is-tuberculosis-vlog-brothers