Tom Hanks delivers Harvard University’s commencement speech

Summary

The speaker humorously addresses the Harvard graduating class, highlighting the irony of his success without formal education, and draws parallels with superheroes. He emphasizes the importance of truth, justice, and the American way, urging the graduates to embrace these values in their future endeavors. The speech serves as a call to action for the new generation to actively participate in the construction of a more perfect union.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker humorously acknowledges their lack of formal education yet success in life, highlighting the value of real-world experience over traditional learning.
• 🌟 The script uses the metaphor of superheroes to emphasize the importance of truth, justice, and the American way, suggesting that everyone has a role to play in upholding these values.
• 📚 The speaker playfully admits to not being well-versed in certain academic subjects, yet finds themselves in a position of authority, indicating the unpredictability and diversity of life's paths.
• 👥 The speech encourages the audience to recognize and celebrate the unique abilities and strengths each individual possesses, regardless of their background or education.
• 🌍 The speaker calls for unity and collective action against societal ills such as hubris, apathy, intolerance, and incompetence, framing these as common enemies that require a unified response.
• 💪 The script emphasizes the power of individuals to effect change, suggesting that everyone has the potential to be a 'superhero' in their own right by contributing positively to society.
• 🗣️ The speech underscores the importance of truth-telling and the dangers of indifference, propaganda, and lies, which can erode the foundations of a just and free society.
• 🏛️ The American way is described as a continuous pursuit of justice, truth, and liberty, with the onus on every citizen to actively engage in upholding these principles.
• 🌐 The speaker reflects on the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the American way, reminding the audience of the nation's founding ideals and the ongoing struggle to realize them fully.
• 🎖️ The script concludes with a call to action, urging the graduates to embrace their roles as active participants in the ongoing battle for a more perfect union, emphasizing the sacredness of truth and the collective responsibility to protect it.

Q & A

What is the speaker's educational background according to the script?

The speaker mentions attending Chabot Community College in Hayward, California, two semesters at California State University Sacramento, and 45 years at the School of Hard Knocks, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in various life experiences.

What is the significance of the speaker's reference to Superman and other superheroes?

The speaker uses the reference to Superman and other superheroes to illustrate the ongoing struggle for truth, justice, and the American way, emphasizing that while these characters are fictional, the real work of upholding these values falls on the people themselves.

What does the speaker mean by 'the School of Hard Knocks'?

The 'School of Hard Knocks' is a colloquial term referring to life experiences and lessons learned through personal struggles and challenges, rather than through formal education.

What is the speaker's view on the importance of truth and justice?

The speaker emphasizes the critical importance of truth and justice, stating that they are fundamental to the American way and that upholding these values is an ongoing, never-ending battle that requires the active participation of all citizens.

What is the speaker's opinion on the role of luck in success?

The speaker suggests that some people may be successful due to being in the right place at the right time with the right attitude and goods, implying that luck can play a role in success, but also acknowledges the importance of hard work and perseverance.

What does the speaker suggest is the responsibility of the graduating class?

The speaker suggests that the responsibility of the graduating class is to embrace the values of truth, justice, and the American way, and to actively work towards creating a more perfect union.

How does the speaker describe the current state of truth in society?

The speaker describes the current state of truth in society as being under threat, with truth being manipulated, distorted, and obscured by misinformation, indifference, and the pursuit of self-interest.

What is the significance of the speaker's mention of Marlon Brando?

The mention of Marlon Brando serves as a personal anecdote to illustrate the idea that success and recognition can come to those who may not have followed traditional paths, and also to emphasize the shared humanity of all people.

What does the speaker mean by 'the American way'?

By 'the American way,' the speaker refers to the ideals of truth, justice, freedom, and equality that are foundational to American society, and the ongoing effort to uphold these ideals in everyday life and public service.

What is the speaker's message regarding the role of the individual in society?

The speaker's message is that each individual has a responsibility to actively engage in the pursuit of truth and justice, and to contribute to the construction of a more perfect union, rather than passively relying on others or expecting superheroes to solve societal problems.

How does the speaker characterize the challenges faced by the graduating class?

The speaker characterizes the challenges faced by the graduating class as a 'cage match' with agents of hubris, apathy, intolerance, and incompetence, indicating that they will face significant obstacles and adversaries in their pursuit of truth and justice.