ReThinking John Green on fighting diseases of injustice
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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Henry's Story Inspires TB Focus
- John Green met a young tuberculosis patient named Henry in Sierra Leone who looked younger due to malnutrition and TB.
- Henry's story revealed the harsh reality of TB treatment difficulties and motivated John to write about the disease.
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.
