J.K. Rowling Harvard Commencement Speech | Harvard University Commencement 2008

Transcript

SPEAKER: Last summer, in a grand celebration of literature, Harvard Square and Harvard Yard, historically known as the place for hallowed halls filled with books, was transformed into Hogwarts Square. [CHEERING] This summer festival celebrated the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh and final installment in the wil... Read More

Summary

This video is a commencement address delivered by J.K. Rowling at Harvard University. Rowling talks about the benefits of failure and the importance of imagination, drawing from her personal experiences and reflections. She emphasizes the value of empathy and encourages the graduates to use their privilege and influence to make a positive impact on the world.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the purpose of the summer festival in Harvard Square?

The summer festival in Harvard Square celebrated the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final book in the Harry Potter series. People dressed in wizard costumes, waited in lines to purchase the book, and enjoyed Harry Potter-themed specials at restaurants and stores. A three-hour concert concluded the evening.

Q: In addition to being a successful author, what philanthropic work is J.K. Rowling known for?

J.K. Rowling is a notable philanthropist who has established the Volant charitable trust. This trust donates millions of dollars to aid women and children, combat poverty and social inequality, and support organizations that aid children from one-parent families and multiple sclerosis research.

Q: What did J.K. Rowling feel about giving the commencement address?

J.K. Rowling initially felt fear and nausea at the thought of giving the commencement address. However, she eventually approached it as an honor and compared the experience to being at a Gryffindor reunion.

Q: Why does J.K. Rowling talk about the benefits of failure?

J.K. Rowling talks about the benefits of failure because she believes that failure leads to personal growth and self-discovery. She shares her own experiences of failure, including a failed marriage, joblessness, and financial struggles. Failure stripped away the inessential in her life and allowed her to focus on what truly mattered, leading her to rebuild her life and eventually become a successful author.

Q: How does J.K. Rowling define failure?

J.K. Rowling mentions that failure can be seen from various perspectives, and everyone has to decide for themselves what constitutes failure. She suggests that society often sets criteria for failure, but it is important to define failure in one's own terms. Ultimately, she believes that failure is inevitable in life, and the fear of failure should not hold us back from pursuing our goals and passions.

Q: How did failure impact J.K. Rowling's life?

Failure had a profound impact on J.K. Rowling's life. She experienced a sense of freedom and gained inner security after reaching rock-bottom. Failure taught her valuable lessons about herself, including her strong will and discipline. She also discovered the true value of her friendships and realized that setbacks can lead to personal growth and the ability to survive future challenges.

Q: What does J.K. Rowling emphasize as the key to personal happiness?

J.K. Rowling emphasizes that personal happiness does not solely rely on achieving external goals or acquiring possessions. She believes that life is not a checklist of acquisition or achievement. Personal happiness lies in understanding that life is difficult and beyond anyone's total control. It involves embracing the humility to know this and being able to navigate life's ups and downs with resilience.

Q: Why does J.K. Rowling emphasize the importance of imagination?

J.K. Rowling believes that imagination is a uniquely human capacity that plays a crucial role in empathy and understanding. Imagination allows people to envision and empathize with experiences they have never personally encountered. It serves as a transformative and revelatory power that can lead to collective action, encourage empathy, and enable positive change in the world.

Q: What experiences inspired J.K. Rowling to understand the power of empathy and imagination?

J.K. Rowling shares her experiences working at the African research department of Amnesty International's headquarters. She read letters and testimonies from those who had suffered from human rights abuses, torture, and persecution. These experiences taught her about the evils committed by humans as well as the power of empathy and collective action to save lives and create change.

Q: What message does J.K. Rowling have for the Harvard graduates?

J.K. Rowling encourages the Harvard graduates to use their intelligence, education, and unique status to make a positive impact on the world. She emphasizes the responsibility they have to raise their voices on behalf of the powerless, to empathize with those less fortunate, and to imagine a better world. She believes that human beings have the power within themselves to create positive change and transform the world for the better.

Takeaways

J.K. Rowling's commencement address highlights the benefits of failure and the importance of imagination. She shares her personal journey of overcoming failure and how it led to her success as an author. She also emphasizes the power of empathy and the ability to imagine oneself in the lives of others to create positive change. Ultimately, she encourages the graduates to use their privilege and influence to empathize with and advocate for those who have no voice, and to imagine a better and more compassionate world.