As I was wandering on YouTube, “the algorithm” brought this video to my attention: Rick Steves’ Iran (2009). From the description:

Join Rick as he explores the most surprising and fascinating land he’s ever visited: Iran. In this one-hour, ground-breaking travel special, you’ll discover the splendid monuments of Iran’s rich and glorious past, learn more about the 20th-century story of this perplexing nation, and experience Iranian life today in its historic capital and in a countryside village. Most important, you’ll meet the people of this nation whose government so exasperates our own.

Watch it on YouTube to navigate by chapters:

  • Intro (0:00)
  • Overview (0:34)
  • Tehran (2:38)
  • People (4:06)
  • National Museum (6:08)
  • Oil (7:43)
  • Tehran University (13:37)
  • Iranian Women (16:39)
  • North Tehran (18:39)
  • The Great Mosque (20:20)
  • Abyaneh (21:54) — mislabeled “Abiana”
  • Esfahan/Isfahan/Ispahan (26:06) — mislabeled “Esfand”
  • Imam Square (29:37)
  • Cemetery (35:28)
  • Covered Bazaar (36:47)
  • City Park (39:19)
  • Caravan Sarai (44:18)
  • Shiraz (46:14)
  • Iranian Cowboy (47:58)
  • Persepolis (49:33)
  • Outro (54:33)

Selected comments:

  • EVEN THE ALGORITHM WANTS PEACE.
  • Probably the most important video on YouTube right now.
  • YouTube algorithm trying to prevent WW3.
  • The algorithm wants peace.
  • I wish every American watch this video 🙏
  • A young Iranian woman said, “there is no war between people.”
  • 5 minutes in, and I learned more about Iran than I did in my 17 years of schooling in America.
  • They gotta make it mandatory in schools to watch one episode of Rick Steve’s show every week.
  • It hurts to know what’s happening right now. Heartbreaking.

Here’s what you should watch next: Rick Steves’ Lectures: Iran. It’s a conference he gave after having made that documentary. From the description:

Rick describes his experience traveling through Iran and filming his one-hour TV special “Rick Steves’ Iran.” From a prayer service in a mosque and non-conformist teen fashions at the mall, to anti-American murals and the hospitality of a family dinner, Rick helps us understand this perplexing nation and the 70 million people who call Iran home.

There are chapters matching those from the original documentary, with extra insertions, such as (a quick selection):

  • Ministry of Guidance (5:19)
  • Hostage Crisis (30:28)
  • Why Do Women Pray Apart from the Men (41:10)
  • Is There Religious Freedom in Iran? (43:34)
  • The Iran-Iraq War (47:32)

Selected comments from 12–13 years ago:

  • I’m Iranian, and this guy is 100% correct. He’s a genius.
  • As an Iranian living in the U.S., I find Rick Steves work to be truly the best presentation of Iran I have ever seen. Very factual and unbiased. Kudos!
  • I am from Wisconsin, born in Milwaukee. I visited Iran in April for 3 weeks. I was blown away by how welcoming and warm everyone I met was!! It really is true about Iranians. They love company!! I had an absolutely fabulous time there, and I definitely plan to go back!! I even hope to own a villa there someday!!
  • Just awesome! The only one-hour-long lecture on YouTube that I watched twice!
  • This video was recommended in the Middle Eastern Culture course I’m in, and I am very impressed. This is a wonderful portrayal of the people and culture. There is too much misunderstanding in the West in regard to the East.
  • Finally someone who actually takes the time and effort to visit Iran rather than just judging the whole country and its people. Thank you!
  • Thank you for introducing me to the Iranian people.

That said, most religions are stupid per se… but so are wars!

Overall, if you were to judge and to decide which people (not government) are more brainwashed, which people would rank first: Iranians, Americans, or Russians?