Conan O’Brien delivered a humorous yet insightful address at Harvard’s 375th Commencement on Thursday. The comedian, known for his absurdist style, encouraged the Class of 2026 to focus on more than their academic credentials. O’Brien, a Harvard alumnus from 1985, expressed his hope that their Harvard degree would eventually become “the least important thing people know about you.”
O’Brien acknowledged the hard work required to reach this milestone, recalling his own pride on graduation day. He warned, however, that a Harvard diploma could be misleading, as some might confuse fortune with genius. He urged graduates to start their real education now, embracing both triumphs and trials, and recognizing that greatness often stems from the chaos around them.
Drawing from his experiences, O’Brien credited his success to assistance from a “packed clown car of multitudes” and good fortune. He advised against succumbing to the prevalent “extreme narcissism,” referencing societal tendencies and technology-driven self-focus. O’Brien emphasized the value of community, spontaneity, and humility in creating a fulfilling life.
His speech included light-hearted jabs at recent University happenings. He jokingly suggested adjusting President Alan Garber’s grade to a C- in line with a future Harvard policy change. O’Brien also humorously mentioned a lawsuit against Harvard for past grievances, such as a challenging bunk bed and his dating struggles, claiming more merit than presidential legal actions.
President Garber, in his opening remarks, addressed the challenges Harvard faces, emphasizing the University’s role in advancing knowledge and wisdom. He commended students for engaging in constructive discourse and fostering empathy and pluralism.
O’Brien, originally from Brookline, was twice president of the Harvard Lampoon. He gained fame writing for “The Simpsons” and “Saturday Night Live,” later hosting “Late Night With Conan O’Brien” and “Conan.” He now runs a podcast and was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor last year. Harvard awarded him a doctor of arts degree, which he accepted in honor of his late grandfather.
Other honorary degrees went to Broadway star Audra McDonald, columnist Peggy Noonan, AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton, and historian Noel Malcolm. O’Brien concluded his speech by congratulating students for their hard work and the community they have built and will continue to create.
Original Source: news.harvard.edu
