George Saunders Convocation Speech 2013

Summary

In this commencement address, Professor George Saunders reflects on life's lessons, emphasizing the importance of kindness. He shares anecdotes from his past, including a poignant story about a classmate named 'Ellen,' to illustrate the regret he feels for not being kinder. Saunders challenges the graduates to prioritize compassion, suggesting that as they age, they will naturally become less selfish. He encourages them to actively seek ways to cultivate kindness, to let love replace self, and to live a life that leans towards the big questions, all the while pursuing their ambitions.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The commencement speech tradition often involves an experienced individual sharing life advice with younger, energetic graduates.
• 🙏 Professor George Saunders regrets not showing more kindness in moments when it was needed, highlighting the importance of empathy and compassion.
• 🤔 Saunders suggests that we are born with inherent confusions that lead us to prioritize our own needs over others, which can hinder our natural kindness.
• 🌟 He encourages graduates to strive for kindness, as it is a quality that resonates deeply with people and leaves a lasting positive impact.
• 🧠 Saunders points out that our inherent selfishness is a 'sickness' that can be treated with practices like prayer, meditation, and engaging with art.
• 👶 Aging can naturally lead to a decrease in selfishness and an increase in love and kindness, as life experiences teach us the value of interconnectedness.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Having children can be a significant catalyst for personal growth, as parents often find their own well-being less important than their children's.
• 🚀 While ambition is important, Saunders warns against letting the pursuit of success overshadow the bigger questions of life, such as kindness and love.
• 🌈 He advises graduates to start their journey towards becoming kinder and more loving immediately, as it is a lifelong process that enriches life.
• 💊 Saunders metaphorically describes the pursuit of kindness as a treatment for selfishness, encouraging graduates to be proactive in seeking 'anti-selfishness medicines'.
• 🌟 He concludes by expressing a hopeful vision for the graduates' futures, where they become so kind and loving that they are 'nearly unbearable' in their positivity.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the transcript?

The speaker in the transcript is Professor George Saunders.

What is the main theme of Professor Saunders' speech?

The main theme of the speech is the importance of kindness and the regret of failures in showing kindness.

What does Professor Saunders regret most in his life?

Professor Saunders regrets most his failures of kindness, particularly when he did not act more kindly towards a new student named 'ELLEN' in his seventh grade.

Why does Professor Saunders believe that people are not kinder?

Professor Saunders believes people are not kinder due to built-in confusions that prioritize our own needs over others, stemming from a sense of being central, separate, and permanent.

What advice does Professor Saunders give to the audience about becoming kinder?

Professor Saunders advises the audience to seek out ways to become kinder, such as through education, art, prayer, meditation, and engaging in spiritual traditions.

How does Professor Saunders suggest that people naturally become kinder with age?

Professor Saunders suggests that as people age, they naturally become kinder through experiences of life, learning from failures, and realizing the impermanence of life.

What does Professor Saunders predict will happen to the audience as they grow older?

Professor Saunders predicts that as the audience grows older, their sense of self will diminish, and they will grow in love, becoming more kind and loving.

What is the 'end-of-speech advice' that Professor Saunders gives?

The 'end-of-speech advice' is to hurry up the process of becoming kinder and more loving, starting right now, and to err in the direction of kindness in all endeavors.

What does Professor Saunders suggest people should do to counteract selfishness?

Professor Saunders suggests people should seek out the most effective 'anti-selfishness medicines' and be proactive in nurturing their luminous, kind nature.

How does Professor Saunders view the role of ambition in the pursuit of kindness?

While acknowledging the importance of ambition and accomplishment, Professor Saunders warns against letting the pursuit of success overshadow the bigger questions of life, including the cultivation of kindness.