ReThinking John Green on fighting diseases of injustice
23 snips
Jul 15, 2025 
Join John Green, best-selling author of 'The Fault in Our Stars' and co-creator of Crash Course, as he discusses his book 'Everything is Tuberculosis' and the fight against diseases of injustice. He highlights the inequalities surrounding tuberculosis and its impact on vulnerable populations. Green also delves into the issues of book banning, the creative process, and the importance of embracing imperfection. Along the way, he shares personal anecdotes and strategies to stay motivated and find meaning in the writing journey.
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TB Treatment's Unjust Valuation
- Tuberculosis is curable but treatment is long and costly, requiring months of antibiotic regimens.
- Despite this, TB treatment is undervalued compared to diseases like cancer due to unequal valuation of human lives.
Prefer Private Talks to Advocacy
- John Green prefers private conversations over public shaming when addressing pharmaceutical companies.
- Private dialogues often achieve meaningful change in making drugs more accessible.
Writing as Marco Polo Game
- Writing is like playing Marco Polo: the writer calls "Marco" in solitude and joyfully hears "Polo" when readers respond.
- This dynamic illustrates the intimate, sometimes slow nature of creative work, contrasting with instant digital feedback.
