Dr. Ibram Kendi Commencement Speech

Summary

In this commencement address, the speaker emphasizes the distinction between earning a doctorate and being an intellectual. They define an intellectual as someone with a deep desire for knowledge, open to new ideas, and committed to truth. The speaker challenges new doctoral recipients to continue their intellectual journey, questioning societal norms, and confronting racial discrimination. They urge graduates to avoid becoming anti-intellectuals, who cling to outdated beliefs and ignore evidence, and instead to strive for a life of continuous learning and self-critique.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker thanks President Fox for the invitation and acknowledges various groups present, including UF's Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and fellow Floridians and Americans.
• 📚 The speaker discusses their new book 'Stamped from the Beginning' and their travels across the nation to speak about it, including a memorable visit to Anchorage, Alaska.
• 🏔 The speaker humorously compares the doctoral process to climbing a mountain and greets those who have 'climbed' this peak, highlighting the achievement of receiving a doctoral degree from the University of Florida.
• 🤔 The speaker poses a central question about whether having a doctorate makes one an intellectual, emphasizing that an intellectual is defined by a desire to know and a capacity for self-reflection and change.
• 😔 The speaker laments the existence of individuals with advanced degrees who may not be intellectuals, drawing parallels to other professions where titles do not necessarily reflect the essence of one's work or beliefs.
• 🧠 The speaker defines an intellectual as someone with a tremendous desire to know, open to new ideas, willing to challenge their own views, and committed to finding and revealing the truth.
• 🌐 The speaker describes the intellectual as someone who is not confined by political labels, ideologies, or cultural traditions, but rather seeks to understand humanity and solve the world's problems.
• 🚫 The speaker warns against becoming an anti-intellectual, characterized by reinforcing existing beliefs and resisting new evidence or ideas.
• 📉 The speaker argues that racist ideas have historically been used to justify societal disparities and inequities, and that intellectuals must challenge these ideas to confront the reality of racial discrimination.
• 🌟 The speaker calls on the doctoral recipients to not just be recipients of degrees but to strive to be intellectuals who make history and contribute meaningfully to the world.
• 🔍 The speaker concludes by urging the graduates to have the capacity for self-critique and to perpetually seek the truth, emphasizing the importance of intellectual pursuit over mere academic achievement.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speech given by the speaker?

The main theme of the speech is the distinction between having a doctorate degree and being an intellectual, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, self-reflection, and the pursuit of truth.

Why did the speaker mention Anchorage, Alaska in the beginning of the speech?

The speaker mentioned Anchorage to highlight the extent of their travels while promoting their book, and to use the metaphor of climbing a mountain to describe the doctoral process.

What is the 'mountain' metaphor used by the speaker to describe the doctoral process?

The 'mountain' metaphor is used to symbolize the challenges and the high achievement of completing the doctoral process, likening it to climbing one of the world's highest peaks.

What does the speaker mean when they ask 'Are you an intellectual?'

The speaker is questioning whether the graduates have a genuine desire for knowledge, the capacity for self-reflection, and the commitment to seeking truth beyond just having earned a doctorate degree.

Why does the speaker argue that having a doctorate does not automatically make someone an intellectual?

The speaker argues this point to emphasize that being an intellectual involves a continuous pursuit of knowledge, openness to new ideas, and the willingness to challenge one's own beliefs, rather than just academic achievement.

What is the 'Intellectual Academy' the speaker refers to and how is it different from academic institutions?

The 'Intellectual Academy' is a metaphorical place for people of all backgrounds who share a love for learning and truth-seeking, regardless of their formal education. It contrasts with traditional academia by being inclusive and not limited to those with formal degrees.

What does the speaker mean by 'the tragedy of a doctorate holder who is not an intellectual'?

The speaker refers to the missed opportunity and potential misuse of knowledge when someone with a doctorate degree does not use their education to pursue truth, but instead becomes complacent or dogmatic.

What role does the speaker assign to intellectuals in society?

The speaker assigns intellectuals the role of truth-seekers, problem solvers, and agents of change who are not confined by political, economic, or cultural biases, but are dedicated to understanding and improving the world.

How does the speaker define 'anti-intellectuals' and why are they problematic?

Anti-intellectuals are defined as those who cling to preconceived notions, reject new ideas, and are not open to self-critique. They are problematic because they contribute to ignorance, perpetuate harmful beliefs, and resist positive societal change.

What is the connection the speaker makes between racist ideas and anti-intellectualism?

The speaker connects racist ideas to anti-intellectualism by stating that racist beliefs are often the result of a refusal to question assumptions and seek truth, which are key traits of anti-intellectualism.

What challenge does the speaker pose to the doctoral graduates at the end of the speech?

The speaker challenges the graduates to continue their pursuit of knowledge and truth, to avoid becoming complacent, and to strive to make a meaningful impact on the world as intellectuals, not just as degree holders.