Tom Hanks, who received an honorary doctorate of arts from Harvard, delivered a powerful commencement address to the graduating class of 2023. The Oscar winner, jokingly admitted that he earned the degree “without having done a lick of work,” other than playing a Harvard professor in the "The Da Vinci Code" movies. However, the speech quickly turned to a much more serious note, as Hanks emphasized the importance of defending truth in today's America.
Referencing truth, justice, and the American way, Hanks stated that propaganda and lies will erode over time. Idolatry and imagery lose their luster and effect over time as well. Ignorance and intolerance can be replaced by experience, but indifference will narrow the vision of America's people and dim the light of Lady Liberty's torch.
Hanks then went on to tell the graduates that they would have to make a choice between those who embrace liberty and freedom for all, those who don’t, and those who are indifferent. The difference, he said, is in how much they truly believe in, promote, and hold onto the truth that is self-evident -- that we are all created equally yet differently and of course, we are all in this together.
For Hanks, the truth is an essential benchmark for a public service that is no longer upheld. He argues that truth is now considered malleable, to be twisted and turned by opinion, by zero-sum end games. Imagery is now manufactured with audacity, with fake expertise, and false sincerity, in order to mar the truth with mocklogic.
Hanks stressed that people are "playing fast and loose" with the truth, which is why every day, every year, and every graduating class has a choice to make. Calling it "the never-ending battle you have all officially joined as of today," he made it clear that if you live in America, defending the truth is your responsibility. It is sacred, unalterable, and chiseled into the foundation of our republic.
In conclusion, Hanks urged the graduating class of 2023 to join the fight to defend the truth. As they enter the real world, they will encounter three types of people: those who embrace freedom and liberty for all, those who don't, and those who are indifferent. It's up to them to decide which side they want to be on.