Tom Hanks on Thursday asked Harvard University graduates to be superheroes who stand up for truth and American ideals and against those who twist the truth to their advantage.
“Because for some the truth is no longer empirical. It is no longer based on data, or common sense, or even common decency,” the two-time Academy Award winner said during his keynote address. He invoked Harvard’s motto, “Veritas,” the Latin word for truth.
“Speaking the truth is no longer the benchmark for public service. It is no longer a balm for our fears, or a guide to our actions. Truth is now regarded as malleable by opinion and zero-sum ends.
“Speaking the truth is no longer the benchmark for public service. It is no longer a balm for our fears, or a guide to our actions. Truth is now regarded as malleable by opinion and zero-sum ends.
The Hollywood icon, who has played an astronaut, a soldier, a little boy in a man’s body and even a maths professor, said Harvard’s 372nd graduation included more than 9,000 graduates. Left to decide.Harvard in a race.
“It is a choice common to all adults who have to decide to be one of three types of Americans: those who embrace freedom and liberty for all; those who will not; or those who are indifferent”, he said. “Only the first persons undertake to form a more complete union, an indivisible nation. come in another way.
At the end of the speech, he pointed to a group that included not only college students, but also graduates from Harvard Extension and professional schools.
“The responsibility is yours. Our. Attempt is optional. But truth, truth is holy. irreversible. Chiseled in the stone and in the very foundation of our republic.”
Hanks, who received an honorary Doctorate of Arts degree, poked fun at his lack of academic qualifications to a stage packed with some of the world’s brightest minds and leading scientists.
Hanks said, “It’s not fair, but please don’t be bitter about the fact.” “Now, without doing an iota of work, without spending any time in a classroom, without ever entering that library, having anything to do with the Harvard graduating class, its faculty, or its distinguished alumni, I am a very Good job playing someone who did it,” he said, referring to his portrayal of fictional Harvard professor Robert Langdon in three films based on Dan Brown’s novels: “The Da Vinci Code,” Angels and Demons” and “Hell”.
“It’s the way of the world, kids,” he said to a chorus of laughter.
Before Hanks took the stage to give his speech, Harvard President Lawrence Bacow, presiding over his final graduation before leaving office, called Hanks “Wilson’s best friend, Buzz’s friend, Ryan, America’s father.” savior” and presented him with a Harvard Prize. Volleyball, in honor of his role in “Cast Away”, where his character talks to an old volleyball to keep himself sane.
Hanks proved to be the most popular figure on stage, taking selfies with faculty members before the ceremony and congratulating dozens of Harvard students who graduated summa cum laude.
He quoted a Bible verse saying, “May goodness and kindness follow you every day.” “All the days of your life. May you succeed.”
