Ivy Male Orator Aaron Henricks | Harvard Commencement 2016 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

In his Class Day speech, the speaker humorously announces his plan to colonize Mars and encourages his fellow graduates to embrace the unknown and explore new horizons.

Transcript

mm my fellow seniors proud parents and overzealous high school juniors watching the livestream welcome to class day now of course it's an honor to be here with rashida Jones rashida I'm a huge fan no one is better at playing the Friends of funny people than you are we are about to graduate from what is according to dozens of publications and Chines... Read More

Key Insights

• 😒 The speaker uses humor to engage the audience and convey his message.
• ❓ He emphasizes the importance of exploring and stepping out of one's comfort zone.
• 😯 The speech highlights the challenges and potential of Mars colonization.
• 🔇 The speaker encourages embracing the unknown as a path to personal growth and discovery.
• 😯 The speech showcases the perception of Harvard as an esteemed institution.
• 👾 There is a humorous reference to campus social spaces and exclusive social dynamics.
• 🔇 The speaker portrays Mars as a unique opportunity for historical significance and inspiration.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why does the speaker want to colonize Mars?

The speaker's desire to colonize Mars stems from a love for exploration and a lack of other job opportunities. He presents it as an extraordinary and unique endeavor.

Q: How does the speaker convince his classmates to join him?

The speaker appeals to the idea that exploring a new planet is what life is about and presents Mars as an opportunity for personal growth and the chance to be part of something groundbreaking.

Q: What challenges does the speaker mention about Mars colonization?

The speaker mentions the lack of oxygen, cold temperatures, and radiation as challenges on Mars. He also points out that the colony will be exclusive with restricted areas.

Q: How does the speaker encourage his classmates to embrace the unknown?

The speaker reassures his classmates that missing the past and fearing the future is natural but reminds them that great discoveries and personal growth come from venturing into the unknown.

Summary

In this video, the speaker delivers a humorous class day speech at Harvard, discussing the future and his plans to colonize Mars. He encourages the class of 2016 to come with him on this galactic journey, highlighting the idea of exploring a new planet as something truly extraordinary. He mentions the similarities between Mars and Harvard, and how their experiences at the university have prepared them for anything, including a hostile planet. The speaker concludes by acknowledging that not everyone may join him on this journey, but assures them that stepping into the unknown is a part of growth and discovery.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why does the speaker believe going to Mars is an extraordinary idea?

The speaker believes that exploring a new planet like Mars is an extraordinary idea because it disrupts the past and inspires countless generations to come. It is a chance to enter a totally new and bizarre world, where they can make groundbreaking discoveries and push the boundaries of human knowledge.

Q: How does the speaker compare Mars to Harvard?

The speaker highlights the similarities between Mars and Harvard. He mentions that just like Harvard, the new Mars colony will also be exclusive, with certain places that are off-limits, but not because of exclusivity based on race. He also jokes about the living conditions, saying that even though Mars will have cold rocky tunnels, it still can't be worse than the dormitory Winthrop. The speaker uses these comparisons to show that they are well-prepared for life on Mars based on their experiences at Harvard.

Q: What advantages does the speaker mention for different groups of people going to Mars?

The speaker mentions various advantages for different groups of people going to Mars. For divest Harvard students, Mars provides an opportunity to be in a place without fossils to fuel, aligning with their environmentally conscious views. Pre-law students can write new rules on Mars that ensure religious liberty, allowing CS50 TFs to continue worshiping their professor. He also jokes about how the red planet may be the last desolate wasteland willing to host students inclined towards performing a black mass or the famous Quidditch team, given the reduced gravity on Mars making their delusions of flight less disturbing.

Q: Why does the speaker think it's okay if not everyone joins him on his journey to Mars?

The speaker understands that not everyone may join him on the journey to Mars, and he believes that it's okay. He acknowledges that not everyone has access to a two billion dollar spaceship or enough resources to sustain themselves, but it doesn't mean they aren't stepping into the unknown in their own lives. He emphasizes that growth and discovery often involve missing the past and fearing what's to come, but with the experiences they had at Harvard, they are ready for what's next.

Q: What is the overall message of the speech?

The overall message of the speech is that the future doesn't have to be scary, but rather fantastic. The speaker encourages the class of 2016 to embrace the unknown and be open to new possibilities, whether it's a new job, a new city, or even a new planet. He believes that their time at Harvard has prepared them for whatever comes next and that they will excel in their future endeavors. The speech is meant to inspire and reassure the graduating class as they embark on their post-graduation journey.

Takeaways

The speaker's class day speech at Harvard delivers a humorous perspective on the future and the idea of exploring new frontiers, such as colonizing Mars. While the speaker's plans may be comical, the underlying message is that stepping into the unknown and embracing new experiences is a fundamental part of personal growth and discovery. The speech encourages the graduating class to be open to new possibilities and to face the future with excitement and confidence.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker, in a comedic tone, announces his intention to be the first Harvard student to colonize Mars.

• He encourages his fellow graduates to consider doing something extraordinary and explore new opportunities.

• The speaker highlights the challenges and exclusivity of Mars colonization but emphasizes the potential for personal growth and inspiring future generations.