Filmmaker Steven Spielberg Speech | Harvard Commencement 2016

Summary

In his commencement speech at Harvard, Steven Spielberg reflects on his journey as a filmmaker and the importance of intuition in defining one’s character. He emphasizes the value of education, personal stories, and understanding history while encouraging graduates to confront societal issues like hatred and discrimination. Spielberg advocates for empathy and action in the face of adversity, urging the audience to connect with one another and honor the sacrifices of those who came before. Ultimately, he inspires graduates to shape a future filled with justice and compassion, reminding them that their choices will impact generations to come.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Steven Spielberg highlights the significance of character-defining moments in life, likening them to pivotal scenes in films.
• 📚 He emphasizes the importance of education, sharing his journey of returning to college to set an example for his children.
• 💡 Spielberg encourages graduates to listen to their intuition, which guides them toward their true passions.
• 🎥 He reflects on how his early films were escapist, but later works like 'The Color Purple' opened his eyes to deeper societal truths.
• 🌍 Spielberg stresses the necessity of understanding history to create a better future, urging graduates to explore their family's stories.
• ❤️ He shares the importance of love and support in defining one’s character, recounting his own experiences with family.
• 💔 Spielberg addresses the rise of various forms of hatred and discrimination, stressing the need for empathy and action against these issues.
• 🤝 He believes in the power of human connection, urging graduates to maintain eye contact and engage meaningfully with others.
• 📖 Spielberg references the sacrifices of Harvard alumni in World War II, encouraging graduates to honor their legacy through their actions.
• 🌟 He concludes with a hopeful message for the future, encouraging graduates to pursue justice and peace in their lives.

Q & A

Who is the principal commencement speaker introduced in the transcript?

The principal commencement speaker is Steven Spielberg.

What personal experience did Spielberg share about his college graduation?

Spielberg recounted that he dropped out of college to pursue his dream job at Universal Studios but later returned to earn his degree for the sake of his children.

What key theme does Spielberg emphasize regarding character defining moments?

Spielberg emphasizes that life is filled with character defining moments that shape who we are, and he encourages graduates to listen to their intuition when facing these moments.

How did Spielberg's experience with 'The Color Purple' impact his perspective on filmmaking?

Directing 'The Color Purple' opened Spielberg's eyes to experiences he had never imagined, leading him to realize that films could convey deeper truths and serve a mission.

What does Spielberg suggest is essential for understanding one's identity?

He suggests that understanding one's identity involves looking at history and one's family's stories to grasp who we are and where we come from.

What social issues does Spielberg address in his speech?

Spielberg addresses various forms of hatred, including racism, homophobia, anti-Semitism, and the importance of confronting these issues with humanity and empathy.

What advice does Spielberg give about friendships and connections made during college?

He advises graduates to cherish their friendships and connections, emphasizing that true friendships are crucial for support throughout life.

What role does Spielberg believe history plays in storytelling?

Spielberg believes that history provides the greatest stories ever told, filled with real heroes and villains, which filmmakers should draw upon.

What call to action does Spielberg make regarding societal challenges?

He calls for more humanity to combat hate, urging graduates to replace fear with curiosity and act in support of those who are marginalized.

How does Spielberg suggest graduates should approach the future?

He encourages graduates to take action towards justice and peace, envisioning a future they will shape through their choices and actions.