John Legend’s Commencement Address at UPenn
May 19, 2009
I generally disdain the Cult of the Celebrity. It frustrates me when the unqualified, unverified, and unquestioned present weak arguments and empty claims that are accepted as facts given from experts. While I also reject the Cult of Expertise, I’d take that one over celebrity.
The Cult of Celebrity & the Cult of Expertise often cross paths during this time of year: graduation time. Colleges across the country are hosting commencement celebrations and inviting speakers of all types to inspire students to go off and change the world. President Obama. First Lady Michelle Obama. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Newark, NJ Mayor Corey Booker. John Legend.
John Legend? Yeah, that John Legend.
He addressed the graduating class of UPenn on Monday, the school he graduated from 10 years ago. At first, I saw this as a classic case of the Cult of the Celebrity:
- Why exactly is this guy giving this address.
- Is he really that interesting/compelling/appropriate?
- I bet I’d give a better speech than him
While I will definitely not concede the third point, I was pleasantly surprised with the address he delivered. So much so in fact, that I’d like to share it with all of you.
My key takeaway from the speech was:
Now, I don’t assume that the truth is commonly found. Like its bedfellows of democracy and justice, I believe it is quite rare to find. It is born through process. It is gained through questioning. It is found in listening. It’s about accepting that complex problems require complicated solutions.
Enjoy this, and share it.
One Love. One II.
P.S. Now, back to my hating on the Cult of the Celebrity.
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April 21, 2009
Rep. Conyers, the Fair Copyright in Research Works Act is not fair
March 2, 2009
The President as God?
February 16, 2009
Elections have consequences, right?
January 28, 2009
For undecideds needing an excuse to vote for Barack
October 15, 2008
Leave my sister alone!
October 2, 2008
Border politics
October 1, 2008
Financial madness
September 25, 2008
Stopping voter purging in Michigan
September 18, 2008
