J.K. Rowling Harvard Commencement Speech 2008 | ENGLISH SPEECH with BIG Subtitles

Summary

In this commencement address, J.K. Rowling reflects on the lessons of failure and the importance of imagination. She shares her personal journey, including the fear of failure and the challenges of early adulthood, which led to her eventual success. Emphasizing that failure can strip away the unnecessary, she explains how it allowed her to focus on what truly mattered. Rowling also highlights the power of imagination, not just for creativity, but as a means of empathizing with others and driving positive change. Ultimately, she encourages graduates to use their unique position to help those less fortunate and to cherish lifelong friendships.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace failure as an opportunity for growth: J.K. Rowling highlights how failure can strip away the inessential, allowing us to focus on what truly matters.
• 😀 The fear of failure is a common experience: At the age of 21, many graduates are driven by a fear of failure, but it is an inevitable part of life and growth.
• 😀 Personal happiness isn't about achievement alone: Life is not just a checklist of accomplishments; true happiness comes from understanding life's complexities.
• 😀 Failure can lead to self-discovery: Rowling shares how hitting rock bottom helped her discover her resilience, discipline, and the strength of her relationships.
• 😀 Imagination is a powerful tool: It allows us to empathize with others and see beyond our own experience, leading to greater innovation and human connection.
• 😀 Real empathy is a vital skill: The ability to imagine others' experiences and emotions is crucial, whether in personal or global contexts, and has the power to change lives.
• 😀 Life isn't predictable: No matter how gifted or educated you are, unexpected challenges, such as hardship and heartbreak, will come your way.
• 😀 Your privilege comes with responsibility: Graduates from institutions like Harvard have a unique position to affect change in the world and advocate for the less fortunate.
• 😀 True connections with others are invaluable: The friendships formed during graduation are lasting and provide support in difficult times.
• 😀 Meaningful action can be life-changing: The example of Amnesty International shows how collective empathy and action can lead to positive social change, even for those who seem far removed from our own lives.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speaker's commencement address?

The main theme of the address is the benefits of failure and the importance of imagination. The speaker discusses how failure can lead to personal growth and how imagination is crucial for empathy and understanding others.

How does the speaker describe the fear of giving the commencement address?

The speaker describes feeling fear and nausea at the thought of giving the address, but humorously frames it as a 'win-win situation' because the stress helped them lose weight.

What lesson did the speaker learn from Baroness Mary Warnock's commencement address?

The speaker learned that they could speak without worrying about leaving a lasting impression, as they could not remember a single word of Baroness Mary Warnock's address. This realization helped them feel freer to speak their truth.

Why does the speaker mention their parents' view on education?

The speaker explains that their parents, coming from humble backgrounds, hoped for them to pursue a vocational degree for financial security. However, the speaker's passion was in writing novels, and they ultimately pursued studies that didn’t align with their parents' wishes.

What did the speaker fear most at the age of 21?

The speaker feared failure the most at the age of 21. They were concerned about not succeeding, even though they had little motivation during their university years.

What significant failure did the speaker experience after graduation?

After graduation, the speaker faced a failed marriage, unemployment, and financial hardship. This period of personal failure was significant in shaping their future success.

How did failure impact the speaker's personal growth?

Failure helped the speaker shed unnecessary pretenses and redirected their energy toward what truly mattered: their writing. It allowed them to rebuild their life with newfound strength, discipline, and determination.

What does the speaker say about the inevitability of failure?

The speaker suggests that failure is inevitable in life. They argue that it’s impossible to live without failing at something unless one lives so cautiously that they avoid truly living.

How does the speaker relate imagination to empathy?

The speaker explains that imagination is not just for creating fictional worlds, but it is also a vital tool for empathy. It allows people to understand the experiences of others, especially those who are suffering or have different backgrounds.

What does the speaker's experience at Amnesty International teach about empathy?

The speaker's time at Amnesty International showed them the power of human empathy. Despite facing horrors through the testimonies of torture victims, the speaker saw how collective action and empathy could save lives and bring hope to the powerless.