Worklife with Adam Grant ReThinking: John Green on fighting diseases of injustice
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Jul 15, 2025 
John Green, best-selling author of 'The Fault in Our Stars' and co-creator of Crash Course, dives into impactful societal issues. He discusses his book 'Everything is Tuberculosis,' shedding light on health inequalities and the pressing need for systemic change. The conversation touches on the creativity behind writing, the challenges of book bans, and the intersection of personal experiences with OCD and disease fascination. Green also shares fun anecdotes about innovative inventions, all while promoting empathy and action against injustice.
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Henry's Story Inspires Advocacy
- John Green met a young tuberculosis patient named Henry in Sierra Leone who showed him around the hospital.
- Henry's story, especially his struggle with drug-resistant TB, inspired John's book and advocacy.
Inequality Undermines Tuberculosis Cure
- Tuberculosis is curable but neglected because treatments are costly and prioritize profit over human lives.
- Healthcare systems don’t value all human lives equally, leading to preventable deaths from TB.
Crucial Role of Public Investment
- Public investment is essential to fighting TB and has historically saved millions of lives.
- Interruptions in treatment due to defunding cause deadly drug-resistant TB outbreaks, risking global health setbacks.
