Harvard Orator Jin Park | Harvard Class Day 2018 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The speaker discusses the significance of viewing talents as collective assets and the responsibility to use them for the betterment of society.

Key Insights

• 📼 Talents are not solely the achievements of individuals but a collective asset shaped by the support and collaboration of others.
• ❓ Immigration status can significantly influence one's perspective on using talents for the betterment of their community.
• 📼 Valuing talents as a collective asset challenges the culture of entitlement and deservingness often associated with talent.
• ❓ Recognizing the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their talents, fosters a sense of duty towards one another.
• ⚾ A society should evaluate its joint projects and responsibilities based on the well-being of its members, not just their talents.
• 😨 There is a positive responsibility to extend care, inclusivity, and protection to those who may not possess talents.
• 🙃 Embracing the idea of using talents for the betterment of society requires individuals to reject the notion of owning their talents.

Transcript

Okay so I know most of you guys are probably nursing a hangover from last night but I really need you to pay attention for the next 10 minutes it's pretty important okay there is a question that every single person graduating tomorrow knows the answer to some of us more certain of this question than others and many of us actually come to Harvard to... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the speaker view their talents in relation to their upbringing as an undocumented immigrant?

The speaker sees their talents as a result of their parents' sacrifice and hard work, considering them a product of their labor. They view their talents as being indistinguishable from their parents' efforts.

Q: What did the speaker find in John Rawls' personal library that influenced their perspective on talents?

In John Rawls' writings, the speaker discovered the idea that talents are not truly owned by individuals but are rather a result of luck and social collaboration. This concept led them to view talents as a collective asset.

Q: How does the speaker challenge the culture at Harvard that associates talent with deservingness?

The speaker argues that talents are not solely the result of personal efforts but are nurtured through support and collaboration from others. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the contributions of individuals such as dining hall workers, librarians, and custodial staff in the development of talents.

Q: What does the speaker believe is the duty of individuals towards others, regardless of talent?

The speaker asserts that individuals have a positive responsibility to liberate and support those who may not possess talents. They believe in extending care, inclusion, and protection to all members of society, not just those with talents.

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the question of what to do with one's talents. They share their personal experiences as an undocumented immigrant and how it shaped their perspective on this question. The speaker also references the teachings of John Rawls, a political philosopher, and argues that talents should be seen as a collective asset rather than something to be owned individually. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of others in the development of our talents and highlight the need to extend our duties and responsibilities to those outside of our immediate circles.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the speaker's personal background and how does it relate to the question of what to do with talents?

The speaker is one of the nation's 11.3 million undocumented immigrants. Their parents work as a line cook and in beauty salons. The speaker's talents are seen as a testament to their parents' sacrifice and the pursuit of a better life. Their immigration status has influenced the way they see the world and their place in society, impacting their understanding of what to do with their talents.

Q: Where did the speaker find an answer to the question of what to do with talents?

The speaker found an answer in the personal library of John Rawls, a famous political philosopher at Harvard. Rawls' teachings helped the speaker envision an America shaped by principles of justice, fair inclusion, and human equality. This perspective was particularly empowering in a time when the President of the United States believed that the speaker didn't belong in the country.

Q: According to Rawls, what is the false assumption behind the question of what to do with talents?

Rawls challenges the assumption that talents are gifts that individuals can claim as their own. He argues that talents are, in fact, products of luck and arbitrary forces, not personal achievements. Rawls suggests that talents should be seen as a collective asset, rather than something individuals can own or take sole credit for.

Q: How does the speaker argue for considering talents as a collective asset?

The speaker suggests that thinking of talents as a collective asset helps break free from the culture of individual achievement and entitlement often present at Harvard. They argue that our talents only blossom through social collaboration and the belief and investment of others. The speaker highlights the important roles played by various individuals in supporting and developing their talents, such as dining hall workers, librarians, and professors.

Q: What responsibilities does the speaker argue we have towards others in society?

The speaker argues that we have a positive responsibility and duty to help and liberate others, especially those who may not have access to the privileges and opportunities that allow them to fully explore their talents. They assert that how we treat everyone in our society, regardless of their talents, reflects our personal values and determines the inclusiveness and protection offered within our political union.

Q: What does the inscription facing the graduates at Harvard say, and how does it relate to the speaker's argument?

The inscription facing the graduates at Harvard says, "depart to serve better thy country and mankind." The speaker believes that taking this adage seriously means asking ourselves what we can do for others with our talents, rather than solely focusing on personal success and achievements. They argue that it requires recognizing our good fortune and being willing to share the fruits of our talents with others.

Q: Why do our particular positions within society come to us mostly through fortune, according to the speaker?

The speaker asserts that our positions within society are largely determined by fortune, rather than personal merit or deserving. They emphasize the arbitrary nature of talent distribution and highlight the importance of considering this when determining how we treat and support others. Recognizing the role of luck and fortune underscores the need for collective responsibility and extending care and support beyond those who possess talents.

Q: What does the speaker mean by "positive responsibility" to others?

The speaker refers to a "positive responsibility" as the duty and obligation to actively help and support others, especially those who are less fortunate or lack access to opportunities. They argue that this responsibility goes beyond non-interference and demands a willingness to share and utilize our talents for the benefit of others.

Q: Why is it not easy for us to fulfill this positive responsibility to others with our talents?

The speaker acknowledges that fulfilling this positive responsibility is challenging because it requires rejecting the notion that we can truly own our talents. It demands recognizing and owning our good fortune and being willing to give back. It requires stepping up and prioritizing the well-being and needs of others over personal gain and self-interest.

Q: What is the speaker's proposal for rephrasing the question of what to do with talents?

The speaker proposes asking, "What am I going to do for others with my talents?" They argue that this reframing encourages us to consider how we can utilize our talents to benefit others and contribute to the well-being of society as a whole.

Takeaways

The speaker highlights the importance of recognizing the collective nature of talents and the role of others in their development. They argue for extending our duties and responsibilities beyond our immediate circles to include and support those who may not have access to the same privileges and opportunities. Fulfilling this positive responsibility requires rejecting the notion of owning our talents and being willing to share and utilize them for the betterment of others. Considering talents as a collective asset and focusing on how we can serve and support others can contribute to a more just and inclusive society.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker emphasizes that talents are not solely owned by individuals but are a product of collective efforts and support from others.

• The speaker shares personal experiences as an undocumented immigrant and how it shapes their perspective on using talents for the benefit of their community.

• The speaker encourages the audience to embrace the idea of talents as a collective asset and to consider the impact of their talents on society.