Context
He starts off with the classic gambit to meta-reflect on what a graduation speech is all about. Miraculously, he manages to have a meta discussion about it without poisoning the sincerity or gravity of his other words. The purported point of the speech is to answer “what is the real value of a liberal arts education?“.
He posits that it’s not about the actual knowledge gained, or the material benefit, It’s learning ‘how to think’. Common and cliche. But there’s a twist: the real challenge of thinking is what to think about, not how good you are at doing it. Choosing to approach the world with critical lens, a contemplative lens, an ego-free lens that allows you to question the world yes. But often we don’t consistently turn that spotlight internally.
A perspective that does not place you at the center of the universe is almost certainly one that appreciates the humanity in other people (though i could think of some cheeky counter arguments here). This struggle to appreciate the enormous burden and gift that is free thinking consciousness is often so easy to forget, like a fish realizing it is swimming in water.
He doesn’t end with actionable specific instruction. I think the challenge he is presenting is too winding to be easily deceived by a daily mantra. But consistently reminding yourself of this staggering gift and task called consciousness is a good place to start from.
He’s also just a damn good speech writer and strong at delivering. I plan to read his book infinite jest.