Source: Russell Brand

It seems that if not the world, at least a few members of the U.K. media are openly displeased with the fact that Russell Brand has been named #4 on Prospect Magazine's list of “the 10 Top Thinkers of 2015.” Already the misunderstandings are flying, so I'd like to clear up at least a couple of them before we even begin.

First of all, there has been some criticism pointed at Prospect Magazine about the names on the list, but it should be pointed out that the magazine itself did not choose the winners. It simply provided a poll for it's readers. About 3,000 of their readers responded and gave them the results that have been shared.

Secondly, the media and even Russell have changed the list from “the Top 10 Thinkers in the World” to the “Top 10 Most Influential Thinkers in the World.” While, admittedly, these are very similar they're not exactly the same. So, the list never talks about being influential (although obviously one needs some influence to be recognized on a poll).

In this video, Russell responds to his naysayers. Our favorite part is near the end where he gets back to what he does best, advocating a world that doesn't look a whole lot like the one we are currently trying to shed.

We think Russell is spot on when he talks about how we need to gather together from the grass-roots level and create a common mythology that helps us to feel more connected. We humans basically have the same innate needs, so we need to band together in common humanity and take care of this rather small planet we all live on together.