I know people often make jokes when writers try to do things with numbers -- understandably so, since it tends not to be our strong suit generally -- but math is really nothing more than an alternate means of viewing the world. Through the lens of numbers rather than words, it's possible to recongize patterns, gain a deeper understanding of why certain things work the way they do, and gain insight into creative solutions to the world's biggest problems. See? I turned math into something almost literary. Numbers aren't the enemy we often think they are!
Welcome (or welcome back) to Vlogbrothers Rewatch -- which isn't about math mostly ever, I promise. This is, instead, an ongoing series of articles in which I document my long journey through rewatching every Vlogbrothers video on YouTube (because why not?) and share my thoughts, reactions, and commentary. Using this playlist, I am going through one video per day in chronological order starting from the very beginning. Care to join me?
Hank and John Green talk noticeably faster in more modern videos, and it becomes quite evident in videos like the one above. John is going through calculations quite slowly, speaking as if he's unsure. But the reality is that he's speaking slower because I, at least, am used to hearing them cram as much information into short video as possible. It's one of those little things that makes you appreciate how much, and how little, has changed on the channel since 2007.
John and I have exactly two things in common: We don't love math and we often speak too quickly. I both understand and appreciate the struggle. But like I said before, numbers add something unique to larger discussions about the world no matter the speed at which we communicate them.