David Bull - The Meaning(s) of Life

This is a bit of an 'off the wall' video for Dave - there is none of his usual printmaking content at all. It's a one-hour presentation in which he puts forward some thoughts on a couple of ... 'big questions'.

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Dave's woodblock print publishing venture - Mokuhankan - in Asakusa Tokyo:

Dave does a Twitch stream a few days a week, with the camera pointed at his workbench:

Dave's old and ramshackle personal website, dating back to 1997 ...

0:00 Introduction: Cultural Differences
9:48 Part One: Life in the Universe
28:21 Part Two: Life… For You and Me

[yewty]

receiving sacred wisdom from the wizard of printmaking

[seseragistudio]

Wonderful commenting happening here - thank you all very much!

Of course I am unable to reply to every comment and begin a ‘discussion’ with each one, no matter how interesting the content, but please understand that I _am_ reading them all, and am happily taking in your viewpoints. It’s fun to read those in accordance with the ideas I expressed, but perhaps even more interesting to read those from people who express alternate/different/opposite viewpoints … this is what I _wanted_ when I initiated this little experiment.

[reedmohlman]

I'll be honest Dave while I love the woodblock videos, the walkthroughs of the processes and the detailing of the history, the main reason i come back to this channel is YOU. The way you compose yourself, your cadence, your tone of voice, your perspective, your passion, you're a born presenter and I have so much fun watching you gush about your interests. Keep up the wonderful content, we'll all keep watching!

[Adrastheus]

"There is no destination. It is all about taking our turn in this hugely interesting drama being produced for the benefit of no audience, just for the performers on the magnficent, glorious stage that is this planet of ours"
(David Bull)

[rylieshea]

I used to watch these videos just to sleep. Now I come back over and over to watch them just because they’re so amazing to listen to. David Bull is the most wonderful storyteller I’ve ever heard.

[betmynamespookedyou]

Stopped everything I was doing and *RUSHED* here upon seeing a David Bull notification!!!

[hitandrunboy]

two hour long videos in a week? you’re spoiling us dave!

[Sm-iwvh]

I have asked people for a while now, " Nice to meet you, what's your hobbies?” I know it's a bit weird but I can't stand hearing about peoples job or talking of mine, I like the enthusiasm that comes with someone explaining a hobby....I'm sure you learn more about them this way too.

[fakemoviesrealtrailers]

I had a terrible day today. Had to stay over an hour late at work, got really injured, and had to cut ties with a close friend. I’m just glad one of my favorite content creators posted. I really needed this tonight. Thank you.

[kojote]

"I'm just a simple woodblock printer" you're completely underselling yourself, Mr Business, Programmer, Marketing Genius, Guitar Maker, Musician, Father 😉

[danieloostinga]

Dear David, dearest Dave, my dear goodness brother. You make me want to fly to Japan. It is 6.49 AM over here in The Netherlands and i find myself listening with a grin from ear to ear. We have an expression over here that goes: "This is one big celebration of recognition." My name is Daniël Henry John and you Sir David, remind me of my good old mentor, counselor, coach, guide, comforter, and above all, my dear friend, who has left this world last year. For 12 years, we have been investigating life, science, history, culture, religion, humanity, creation, Creator and the wonders and mysteries of The Great I Am. Who is always the same and always different at the same time. Now this is at the same time! let's take it one step further shall we? What if all contradiction is happening because of Unconditional, Infinite, Everlasting, Endless, Boundless, Supreme, Ultimate, Pure and Perfect Love? Would that not change everything? You know that magical feeling that we get when we create something. When we are in our best possible state of being, and all of a sudden, something simply takes over and our hands follow the flow of energy and love. When we become completely one with everything, with The One who is all. Like in the movie "The last Samurai." How was it.... "Please to many mind... mind of sword, mind of people mind of enemy! To many No Mind!" that sums it up now doesn't it. Thank you for coming into existence my old friend. Blessings to you and your kin. Good tidings are upon us indeed. Amen. 🙏😇❤️

[nostalgia_provider]

I'm a biologist and your comparison of the formation of rivers to the formation of life was great!
i loved listening to this with a cup of coffee.
Definitely make more videos in this style if you find enough time!

[Snarfdiska]

This is by far the most interesting channels I’ve ever subscribed to.

Wish I could find it for the first time over and over again.

[Mdigi]

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting David on a recent trip to Tokyo. His shop was beautiful and the art is even more impressive when seen in person. I highly recommend that anyone planning on visiting Tokyo takes the time to visit the Mokuhankan shop. Thanks David!!

[kevincarlton]

My favorite videos of Dave’s are those in which he just talks. His wisdom, gentle mannerisms, and ASMR inducing speech are easy to listen to for hours on end.

[vashnator]

I am a chemist by profession, and stayed THE WHOLE video and LOVED it... cheers from Berkshire UK!

[GlassesnMouthplates]

Read the title and I can already tell this video is going to give me a brand new perspective to life, if not finish watching it as a new man.

[adamwest]

I once read how the internet has murdered debate. We don’t argue over what is the most popular car in history or discuss which is the wettest city in the world. The answer’s a google search away. I prefer to think that we can now discuss the why and what if the meaning behind a given thing rather than spend time debating the nature of the thing itself.

[parkerbuchanan]

I feel like when I watch your videos, I’m not listening to a YouTube personality expressing their passion, but rather I am listening to a friend. Thank you for making these great videos and for expressing your love of print making with the world.

[amarug]

Just a small note base on my own very subjective perception: I have the feeling the issue of direct discussion and honest interaction is slowly changing a little bit. Being exposed to a lot of western media probably helps to orchestrate this shift. Many of the younger people that I met at work, for example, seem to have fewer issues going into "deeper" discussions and expressing themselves more assertively. Of course still in the very polite Japanese way, but still, a bit shifted from what it used to be. Even if you watch a silly reality show like Terrace House, they often have quite candid talks with each other. Of course, this a TV show and they know it should be entertaining, so take it with a grain of salt, but it still reflects a bit what I have seen in younger people.