What to Do If You Run Out of Hope 

How to Survive If Your Parachute Fails: Step 1: Have an Existential Crisis

Imagine watching this midair and a 1 minute unskippable ad comes up

"Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable." Cesar A. Cruz This video is art, my friend.

Imagine someone about to go skydiving, legitimately looking for a video on "How to Survive If Your Parachute Fails" and finds this instead.

Oh! Time slows down! I was in a car crash 15 years ago. I clearly remember looking, out the passenger window, at the driver before he hit me, the realisation that I had killed myself and my passenger, and I was more sorry for that than myself. Then I accepted it. It was weirdly peaceful. I knew it wasn't survivable. My brain checked out then. I made peace with my life and everything I had done and hadn't done. All of that in what was probably no more than 3 seconds. I still remember every moment of it with perfect clarity.

If your parachute does fail, you have the rest of your life to fix it.

Your ability to turn complex topics into beautiful narration is something I envy you for, the skill to inform the less informed is truly a wisdom gift! I often reference your videos when trying to convey (ex.) the complexities that one may face in life.

*Me who just wanted to learn how to not to die as I pummel towards the ground:*

I’ve been really struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts mostly related to the meaningless of life and I can’t tel you how much this video has comforted me today. Thank you

This reminds me of the monologue at the end of Blade Runner: “I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die.”

The doggo never seeing me again is a thought that’s heartbreaking in itself. That poor dog.

What to do if your parachute fails: "I guess I'll die"...

I find it difficult to describe exactly how your work makes me feel. I was over joyed to hear you've written two books and also couldn't believe i had not heard about this sooner. Thank you for the exceptionally mentally stimulating content.

This channel is always so deep I don’t know what to believe anymore

Is different when you've always felt like nothing matters. When you've tried to kill yourself and failed. When you can't even try because other people depend on you and are a chain to this place, this world. This video is for people who still have some hope. When you have no hope nothing can save you

He who has a why to live can bear almost anyhow - Friedrich Nietzsche

I’ve almost drowned and I’ve almost been killed by a mortar. Both were the most accepting and relaxing moments of my life.

This basically exemplifies my anxiety about the future and death. The fact that there is no hope of escaping time and death, but we must face it anyway. This really helps, loving the work, really enjoying it :)

Couldn't help to think about "The view from halfway down" from Bojack Horseman Beautiful video, thank you

Life gets filtered through your belief system. So much of reality is what we believe about it

Can you please remember that some people genuinely and very seriously searched for what they need to do now that they've actually lost all hope? And they do not have the dog or the friends or the money or the apartment that you have? Can you think about that? Before titling an eleven-minute video "What to Do If You Run Out of Hope" when you literally do not answer the question of what to do and not only that- this was a fiction. I guarantee many people found this video out of a true plea for help only to be confused by this... massive ad. Congratulations on your two books.

His voice it’s just god tier

This is a paradigm I have personally lived. About eight years ago, I went out for a walk in the early evening. I found myself suddenly jumped by two muggers. I was very depressed and life felt meaningless at that time. They beat me viciously, and aimed a gun at my face. Only in that moment, of staring down the barrel of that deadly weapon, did I realize that I had any desire to live, because in that moment, it occurred to me, all through my life, I had never truly lived. I lived in fear, and for others, never allowing my self to take any chances or seek any opportunities. As I looked down the barrel of that weapon, I pleaded with them not to kill me, even knowing they were gangsters with a reputation for killing their marks. Amazingly, although they beat me even more, they did not shoot me. I've had my share of traumatic memories since then. But that moment, it changed me irrevocably. Since that time, I have reconsidered everything. I have allowed the ego of the old man to die, and in place of that, have discovered a true self I never knew I had. I have written an autobiography since then, which I hope to publish soon. I have created a gaming system, and am writing fiction books. I can't say for sure if I will be materially successful, but I value that experience, because it revealed in me my true spirit, that of an artist. Without my brush with the possibility of death, I could have never learned to live. Thank you for sharing this. Namaste.

for being a fictional story i was in a state of anxiety the entire time, very well done writing

This channel and its content really has a way of perfectly articulating my inner turmoil. And the fact that so much people can relate just shows that, while it feels like it, it isn’t a unique turmoil. Not that I derive joy from other people’s pain or anything, but it feels good to not be going through things alone, even if we’re not directly talking about our issues with those around us and just communing in the comments section of a YT video 😄

I just cried tears of joy for the absurdity that we live in for the first time in a while, thank you.

this is about how to deal with running out of faith, not running out of hope.

Me; struggling to survive till the weekend Meanwhile Pursuit Of Wonder:

“Well the good news is.. you have rest of your life to fix it.”

When he’s talking about that realization that ; when you die, you won’t get to see/do anything anymore is deep. I understand that feel. Yet, I’ve accepted that, I got past it. See you on the other side, friends 💕

Imagine your parachute failing and then watching this thinking you'll get you'll answer for the situation as you fall but end up getting insight for the life that's probably about to be cut short😕

I dont remember the last time I cried its been years, and this video made me cry so hard. Thank you for this video it was definitely a piece of what I needed right now.

"If at first you don't succeed then skydiving definitely isn't for you." - Steven Wright

finished reading the book book "Notes from the end of everything", loved it, 100% recommended. also, Albert Camus supremacy .

When we look at the world around us, at the people around us, at ourselves and contemplate over our experiences in life, it's hard not to see any meaning in life, some grand purpose. We ask why we exist, why are we alive, why we survived and what we're meant to do and it's almost saddening to come to the realization that ultimately, it doesn't matter. We're here and that's all there is to it and it's up to us to make something of this experience we call life...

This is the earliest I have ever been to one of your videos. Sometimes I think about how you touch your videos as they upload to youtube, and how it touches us as viewers. A brief but impactful moment of connection. I’m forever grateful for the amazing content you put out on this channel. It’s saved me more than once

That's cool and all but how do I not splatter on the ground rn

"What to Do If You Run Out of Hope". . . Me: adds to "watch later "

You never know how much something matters till its taken away...

I love how he puts everything into perspective as he's falling seeing everything from his apartment to the most inanimate objects. Suddenly he realized what even the most simple of things meant to him and that he would never experience it again. This will happen to all of us, and when we die we wont know we are dead, we wont know that we ever lived or existed. All we have is the here and now. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone so this very moment is all we have. If this all seems depressing just remember that after you die you cease to exit and therefore wont be depressed anymore because you no longer exist. Just like before you were born.

That escalated quickly.. From parachute to existential dilemma

I lost my 13-year-old daughter to suicide last year. Every day since her death has been a struggle just to get up and keep pushing forward. To anyone who finds this comment on this video: please keep going. You are loved. You are important. You are not a burden on those around you. Stay.

"My story is a hymn for the absurd." - Robert P. The more I hear this video the more optimistic nihilism comes to mind. Thank you P.O.W. for such thought provoking videos!

I wish I could truly care about life again. It feels like the only thing that motivates me is the fact that I probably won’t be dead soon in the immediate future, and there’s no point in me staying alive if I’m just going to do absolutely nothing.

I really needed to watch this video. I have 5 mental illesses and I'm dealing with family problems among other things. But I do my best to keep the faith, hope, love and Positivity. One Love y'all ♥️✌️💜☯️🖤💯💯💯♠️

After all those nihilistic and existential stuffs, this surely was an eye opener! Thanks

How to survive if your parachute fails: You Don't.

Steps to survive a parachute failure: 1. Do not panic. 2.Tuck your head between your legs. 3. Kiss your ass goodbye.

I come back to this video every so often. The first time watching it helped me in ways no one else could and i could relate to what was being said. Thank you for making this video and all your other videos they have a special place in my heart. And to everyone who also feels like this video speaks to their soul, i hope you realize that you’re here and you’re leaving your mark in this world. What you take for granted is what brings us happiness.

“You’re flying now, you see things much more clear than from the ground. It’s all okay, it would be, were you not now halfway down.”

If yall like this story, give the book of Ecclesiastes a quick read. It addresses the same nihilism, with the same reassurance that what matters is the arbitrary meaning you give your life while you're still actually alive. Great piece by Pursuit of Wonder as always. Thanks for putting this together.

While I wouldn't normally admit this, you have just fecking caught me properly with this video, the piano piece at the beginning completely caught me offguard and I've been wiping automatic tears from my eyes even before I properly realized what was being said in the video, all the music in this is so beautiful and tragic and hopeful and longing and just fucking fantastic, thankyou sos much, think I needed a good cry, don't tell anyone tho.

Honestly, this video is the definition of blindness. Imagine going through an experience like this and then all you get out of it is that "Things dont need grand reasons or explanations beyond themselves " and "these questions get you nowhere with nothing". Wow... If an experience like this didn't open your eyes then nothing will...you are truly lost.

I wish I could say this video helped me,but I can't. I've been screaming,and practically begging for help,but nobody listens or even cares. The only reason I won't just pull the trigger isn't fear of hell, it's the fear of how it would affect my kids. So I just exist. I put on that "I'm a happy guy" face when my kids are with me,but they only come around once or twice a month. So when they aren't with me I'm just HERE. Life is short,but in some cases,not short enough.

Sounds like a psychedelic experience told in the form of a creative narrative-- very similar to a trip I had before and came about realizing similar truths.

The problem is not dying, but surviving and being crippled for the rest of one's even more miserable life...

I've been skydiving and I had my chute fail...twice in the same day. First jump chute failed, hit the ground at like 15 mph. Once I calmed down, I got back in the plane and jumped again. Failed again, and just like the first time I got my chute back in order. But as I was coming closer and closer to the ground I knew I was gonna splat. But a gust of wind caught me as I hit the ground, it lifted me slightly. Just enough to sit me on the ground like I'd been standing there all day. I still plan on going again, the peace in those few moments were some of the best ever.

"Only if I knew the view from half way down" - Bojack Horseman

I'm in a really dark place right now, this helped remind me of some things. Beautifully put together.

We're all in freefall bud. There are no parachutes.

The best part of this video is that it does actually tell you how to survive if your parachute fails

Oh my god! This is a masterpiece!. I was totally speechless and amazed!!!. I also wanted to say this is a inspiration to appreciate everything and to live in the moment again.

This video reminds me of why I love optimistic nihilism and absurdism so much.

my favorite story youve done in awhile!

This one brought me to tears 😥

Did anyone else instantly thought about the AustinMcconnel video?

What to do if your parachute fails: Step one: EGGS-IS-TENTIAL CRISIS

"In the darkest time, hope is something you give yourself, that is the meaning of inner strength" -Uncle iroh

There is no escape. This is 1 decade of constant suicidal thoughts. I was born broken

This is so deep and I can relate with my entire life (even the parachute event, somehow). However, I continue struggling with it. Our parents should have been more realistics when raised us, but I know they didn't know what they were doing. We shouldn't seek for abstract meaning everywhere... this is not natural, and this is why we suffer. Everything is material, crude and brutal sometimes. There is no meaning, no clear goal, things won't get better just because we want it or believe it. THIS IS THE ULTIMATE TRUTH, and I'm OK with it most of the time... ...but my brain was trained and conditioned to seek meaning and unfortunately it stills doing it in some hidden stance. It's like a fucking disease or disorder, and makes me sad sometimes. But I won't give up. I can overcome it.

The thing is that even if someone has that realization during the incident, he could still continue having these existential crises and questions 'eating' his brain after. It would be possible that the realization would be for nothing; a temporary realization for nothing.

Hope is a drug. I don't use it. Being hopeless doesn't mean despair, it means acceptance.

Ok, what in the actual hell?? - I come from a religious family and was mostly Christian for 12 years (like the guy) - I recently became an atheist because of religion trauma - I too am not suicidal, just don't care if I die - My #1 go-to "death" has always been falling down from somewhere high Why do I relate to a RU-vid video so much??

just hit the trees. hitting the ground at terminal velocity will kill you but hitting a tree branch will slow you down enough to survive

Whatever happens in your life never lose these 2 things hope and faith

Kudos sir..🙏🏽 Life isn't meant to be figured out. Question the one that wants to figure it out.

Almost every other video I watch from this channel makes me tear up and have a break from the numbness I usually feel towards everything. Thanks for helping me feel something

I'm still a strong Christian, as I found answers to my questions.

I'm a skydiver. You cut away and pull your reserve. If that fails, don't worry about it, you will cease to exist in a few seconds...

That's my favorite RU-vid channel! My regards from Brazil!

The obsession with oneself and one's feelings lead to despair. Those who know the secret of happiness , know that it is about loving and being useful to others which makes one truly happy and life meaningful.

Was the title changed?

When u get notification from this channel you know you must watch it.

Someone once said it is just as arbitrary to lose hope as it is to have it

*Austin McConnell intensifies*

There really is nothing to get in this life, only something to give because in the end, either we will be buried or cremated.

another fantastic video thank you and please keep them coming

I’ve spent three days so far watching his videos (with breaks and stuff of course) but I’m slowly making some little sense of this world

This is very upsetting and mind-blowing.. The quality content of this video.. just.. how ?

I find myself afraid to watch your videos and I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to be proud of myself in small ways. When I watch through one of your videos I've faced something I don't want to face.

Do you ever feel like in any moment now there will be something apocalyptic and you'll be lying helpless with chaos all around

To rephrase a popular quote: "Not everything is a lesson. Sometimes you just fall".

those dislikes are from skydiver expecting some useful tips to survive, but get existential crisis instead

I have been losing hope non-stop in getting employed and moving out as an autistic person. I have high cholesterol calcium, and I stopped caring if it gave me a stroke. I'm tired of feeling this way.

This is exactly what I needed to hear, not even two hours ago but exactly right now, this channel is incredible, thank you for the amazing content

Let me get this straight- Your primary failed, your backup failed, you fell 15,000' feet, and some trees saved you? I am an atheist, but I would turn into a religious fanatic after that.

What is worse: living a Life that is not apreaciated, or apreaciating a Life, that is not lived? From what Ive learned, you can always start to apreaciate life. Or at least acknowledge it, for what it is. The good things. The bad things. Good people. Bad people. No matter what you experience, you should be thankful for it. Because, its the only thing that makes you the person YOU are today. Even if I dont have a reason to exist, I still have more than enough reasons to LIVE( which are my friends, in my case) As long as, I can help the people important to me, I can officially say: I have a reason to everything. I definitely don't want to lose it. I still have hope

BRO IM FALLING OFF A PLANE RN, get to the pointtttttt

No one : Absolutely no one : Pursuit of Wonder : What if your parachute fails.

*I once wrote a poem about my depression. I thought I'd share it here. Share my story and perception.* Who do we become every morning we wake up What do we lose every night we fall asleep My eyes are grey The world's a pageant so I require shades You can look at me, observe my cuts and my curves and note me down to the last detail And you can look at your reflection in my shades Are you satisfied with how you see I see you see me? I see the world through these shades Your reflection is my compass That points towards these dark things These dark things Trees. I count their breaths, they recycle air in exhaustion They have Leaves that crumble into ashes before they touch the earth Streets. These shops are empty. They're filled with fury and money, playing man's creator They have Little boys little girls who are so frail And it makes me wonder but I know They don't see Your reflection My eyes are grey If you look into them and see me You might feel a little Uneasy And you might say "come back" You miss me No. You only miss Your reflection. Before wake and after sleep Before anything and after nothing These dark things Are what these grey eyes see And you You will only look at me If I give you easy