Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust Speech | Harvard Commencement 2016

TL;DR

President Drew Gilpin Faust reflects on the challenges facing the world and the role of Harvard University in addressing them.

Transcript

please join me in warmly welcoming our president and the lincoln professor of history drew Gilpin Faust that's a lot of pressure Paul have to score a few touchdowns greetings alumni graduates families and friends it's such a pleasure to see you all here and offer congratulations on this day of celebration I am in the unenviable role of warm-up act ... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Harvard University has a history of enduring and confronting challenges throughout the centuries.
• ⌛ The commitment to reason, truth, and knowledge is crucial in times of uncertainty.
• 🧑‍🏭 Universities have a responsibility to model a commitment to fact and reason and to support truth and reason beyond their walls.
• 🐕‍🦺 Values, ethics, and service are integral to the mission of universities.
• 🌍 Harvard's community of idealists seeks to make a difference in the world.
• 🖐️ Universities play a crucial role in educating students to embrace values and responsibilities.
• 🤗 The pursuit of knowledge and wisdom should go hand in hand.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has Harvard University faced challenges in its history?

Harvard has faced wars, financial crises, and epidemics throughout its history. However, the university has not only survived but also helped confront these challenges.

Q: What are universities' obligations in times of crisis?

Universities must maintain a dedication to rigorous assessment and debate. They should be unwavering in their commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, even when uncomfortable. This commitment should extend to students as well.

Q: How can universities support and sustain reason and truth?

Universities should model a commitment to fact and reason within their own walls. They should educate students to embrace these principles and support truth and reason in public life as well.

Q: What is the significance of values and service in universities?

Universities need to embrace their responsibilities to values and service alongside reason and discovery. The choices we make, the research we support, and the standards of integrity we uphold are central to who we are and what we stand for.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• President Faust reflects on the current state of American politics, global challenges, and crises such as climate change and terrorism.

• Harvard has a history of enduring and confronting challenges throughout the centuries.

• The commitment to reason, truth, and knowledge is crucial in times of uncertainty, and universities like Harvard must lead by example.