Kenyon College: John Green Commencement Address

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 186

  • @Xavier0458
    @Xavier0458 8 ปีที่แล้ว +382

    "This will be over in 14 minutes"
    *13 minutes 57 seconds*
    John is God confirmed

    • @Ross_mo
      @Ross_mo 8 ปีที่แล้ว +49

      Orrrrr John is a vlogbrother; and used to stopping just before the four(teenth) minute mark :P

    • @Xavier0458
      @Xavier0458 8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      +Rachael Williams nah that can't be it

    • @ninajung1306
      @ninajung1306 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      or he already have practiced his speech -_-

    • @Xavier0458
      @Xavier0458 8 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      Nina Jung Nah, this is the most evidence for omnipotents i've ever come across

    • @creeddax5132
      @creeddax5132 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      InstaBlaster...

  • @wayneearl7377
    @wayneearl7377 8 ปีที่แล้ว +252

    "When you're a somebody, remember when you were a nobody and it'll keep you from being a jerk." You epitomize this, my friend. Beautifully done!

  • @Skip6235
    @Skip6235 8 ปีที่แล้ว +357

    Prepare for this to be the most watched video on this channel

    • @vibraphonics
      @vibraphonics 8 ปีที่แล้ว +82

      Their top two videos are already John Green

    • @Shalom64221
      @Shalom64221 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@vibraphonics, now it's the top three

  • @LoopyLaloo
    @LoopyLaloo 8 ปีที่แล้ว +158

    "I lost my place."
    "Oh, there we go."

  • @hopium7
    @hopium7 8 ปีที่แล้ว +176

    DID ANYONE NOTICE THE BOY AT THE BEGINNING WHO INTRODUCED JOHN AND HIS EYES LIKE PHEEWW WHEN HE LEFT THE STAGE AND DIDNT KNOW HE WAS STILL IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA

  • @animeheartofpassion
    @animeheartofpassion 8 ปีที่แล้ว +95

    Few people like John can handle the "I lost my place...there we go" like a boss as he did.

  • @HexoNerd
    @HexoNerd 8 ปีที่แล้ว +174

    how much of a nerd does it make me that i clapped at the freaking computer screen, hand aching from history revision?
    Dear John,
    I hope the weather is good with you.

    • @Snaggums
      @Snaggums 8 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Very much a nerd, which is okay.

    • @nsunnel5147
      @nsunnel5147 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Dear HexoNerd,
      I hope the weather is good with you.

  • @nope.13
    @nope.13 8 ปีที่แล้ว +83

    why is it that every time I finish listening to any of John's speeches I always end up tearing up while still simultaneously having a wide grin on my face? This man is wonderful

    • @MattPalka
      @MattPalka 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      HE COVERS BOTH ENDS SO WELL. =)

    • @grantbell8143
      @grantbell8143 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Literally me as a tear falls from my right eye smiling :)

    • @tonimuellerDD
      @tonimuellerDD ปีที่แล้ว

      Same here.

  • @Gyroglle
    @Gyroglle 8 ปีที่แล้ว +75

    damn john you got me all happysad

  • @kporter002
    @kporter002 8 ปีที่แล้ว +138

    As always, John's ability to smith words together into deep thought provoking sentiment is amazing. Thank you John, and DFTBA.

  • @amanatee27
    @amanatee27 8 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    (One of those so-called horrors of adulthood: losing your place during a speech.)
    Thank you, John Green, for being human - very wonderfully human - and by losing your place unintentionally providing an mini example and reminder that we are not alone in being human. You are appreciated. [:

  • @Jindorek
    @Jindorek 8 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    Wherever Nerdfighters go the comment section is nothing but love and admiration. never been more proud of being a member of the best superhero group EVER - Nerdfighteria !!

    • @MCAndyT
      @MCAndyT 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +

  • @FrenchToastAwsome
    @FrenchToastAwsome 8 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    This commencement address makes me happy because John Green, without a single doubt, intended it as a response to David Foster Wallace's commencement speech at the same college in 2005.
    He first talks, in his own ways, about the mundanity of life that so captivated This is Water, and then he goes off of that and responds directly to the Wallace thesis that liberal arts teaches you how to think with his "it teaches you how to listen".
    He also broadens the scope to include systemic racism and marginalization, which Wallace did not include, but if you compare the two speeches, without a doubt Green was very conscious and listening very closely to Wallace.
    Quite fascinating. Congratulations, Class of 2016 at Kenyon.

    • @christinacash
      @christinacash 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      David foster Wallace water speech is amazing

  • @titania642
    @titania642 8 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    "But living for ones self, even very successfully, will do absolutely nothing to fill the gasping void inside of you. In my experience, that void gets filled not through strength but through weakness. you must be weak before the world, because love and listening weaken you, they make you vulnerable, they break you open, and it is only when you are weak that you can truly see and acknowledge and forgive and love the weakness in others. Weakness allows you to see other humans not as enemies to defeat but as collaborators and co-creators. In the end, we're making humanness up together as we go along."
    Gives me all the feels! DFTBA

  • @valjoy1507
    @valjoy1507 8 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    All I remember from the speech at my graduation was the guy saying "You won't remember who I was or what I said.. " (*me thinking of course I would remember*) ".. but the one thing I want you to take away from it is this..."

  • @SayItAintTso
    @SayItAintTso 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    My second favorite commencement speech ever, second only to David Foster Wallace’s (at the same college no less), which John’s speech is clearly a response to. I love it.

  • @Novjuly
    @Novjuly 8 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    We love you, John. Thanks for always inspiring us to be awesome.

  • @superbubbleaquapower
    @superbubbleaquapower 8 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    That moment at 0:13 where the announcer looks like "Oh God, got through that without a hitch! It's over! Yes!"
    Congrats on delivering an amazing speech, John! DFTBA

  • @Txjane52011
    @Txjane52011 8 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Love this speech. Real, truth, sincere, and made sense even to a 49 year old still trying to find out what I want to be when I 'grow up'. I forgot and stopped dreaming, now that my kid is an adult, I can go back and do what I forgot to do and re-learn to live, dream, and if I want to, grow up.

  • @annikaclark2873
    @annikaclark2873 8 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    So glad this was put up on TH-cam so quickly. Thanks, Kenyon! :)

  • @ConditionOfMan
    @ConditionOfMan 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thank you, John Green, for the tears. Very cathartic.

  • @ascatraz
    @ascatraz 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The hand sign translator is amazing in this.

  • @mjh277
    @mjh277 8 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    at what age do you become so good at making elegant and insightful conversation?

    • @jpchevron
      @jpchevron 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      It takes practice, not age. Getting a job working people helps a lot as you get to practice your conversational skills everyday.

    • @mjh277
      @mjh277 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      jpchevron yeah true. Joining the debate team in the new year so I can hopefully improve

  • @emilyheegaard1823
    @emilyheegaard1823 8 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    at 5:59 the guy behind him is wondering whether allowing John Green to speak to a room full of college students is a good idea

    • @jadathimote6963
      @jadathimote6963 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      😂😂

    • @evah1928
      @evah1928 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      that's the president of kenyon

  • @pinkeysherbet7249
    @pinkeysherbet7249 6 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    1:13 the part that makes me cry without fail every single time. My grandfather was one of the most pivotal people in my life until he died ten years ago and I always without fail think of him.

  • @Phabieau42
    @Phabieau42 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    there is so much David Foster Wallace in this speech. John cites his commencement speech "this is water" as a major life influence - I recommend that to others who enjoy this speech

  • @acdory
    @acdory 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I revisit this when life pulls at my confidence. Thank you for your wise words. Keep humaning the way you do.

  • @jeanrichter6657
    @jeanrichter6657 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Paused a dear Hank and John to come listen to this. Beautiful

  • @CrazyBookEater
    @CrazyBookEater 8 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Probably the most beautiful speech I've ever heard. Thank you John for making my life wonderful. IS THERE RAINING IN YOUR POCKET OF THE WORLD?

    • @sigfigs4219
      @sigfigs4219 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      No. It's quite sunny.

  • @dariuso2657
    @dariuso2657 8 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Haha, the guy's look of relief at 0:13 is very relatable.
    Oh, and the speech is amazing, typical wiseful John.

  • @juliaz1422
    @juliaz1422 8 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Thank you John... that was very moving, deep and fun all at the same time. Thanks for providing me with constant inspiration! Thank you!

  • @otatopthepotato6113
    @otatopthepotato6113 8 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I didn't understand some tiny bits of the speech, but I will watch it again, when I'll be fully bilingual.

    • @NickGreyden
      @NickGreyden 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You are already worlds above me. Best of luck learning how to better speak and understand english.

    • @JatPhenshllem
      @JatPhenshllem 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      How are you two going?

  • @alannar.8701
    @alannar.8701 8 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    How awesome would it be if this was your commencement address?

  • @B3TT3RDAYS
    @B3TT3RDAYS 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    there is a quote that says "the wound is the place where the light enters you"
    i was recently in a situation where a group exercised this idea together, to be vulnerable with each other, to connect to one another. it was a very inspiring experience

    • @JatPhenshllem
      @JatPhenshllem 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh yeag, I saw that quote on pdfdrive once

  • @bandgeek9723
    @bandgeek9723 8 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    "...those people, they're so proud of you right now."
    ...dammit John. #Imnotcrying #yourecrying

  • @CanMeHaveAPizza
    @CanMeHaveAPizza 8 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    That one guy at the front who didn't close his eyes..

  • @clomino3
    @clomino3 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Now I wanna write a song called "Hows the Weather By You?" and have it be about this kinda thing.

  • @donovankeating8577
    @donovankeating8577 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Now I remember why I love John Green so much :')
    This man is an inspiration

  • @Dmosthenes
    @Dmosthenes 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    It's difficult not to hear DFW in this speech.

  • @AlphaphenomenonGaming
    @AlphaphenomenonGaming 8 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I didn't even graduate and I thought about life. Great speech!

  • @greyheists
    @greyheists 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm usually not one to comment on TH-cam videos. But for this I can't resist. Thank you John. For the hope you've given and for making my ass listen intently for 13:57, because you truly do give such amazing speeches. Phenomenal is redefined in your writing and your voice. It gives a deeper meaning to this miracle of human consciousness. Thank you.

  • @deangoldenstar7997
    @deangoldenstar7997 8 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    I really loved the speech and all, but why the hell is their a man on a throne?
    Anyway, great speech from the great and powerful. Almost wished that he'd say DFTBA at the end, but anyway, great messages and congratulations on making me actively listen to speech for more than three minutes without falling asleep.

    • @rin_etoware_2989
      @rin_etoware_2989 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I think it's the dean or something.

    • @deangoldenstar7997
      @deangoldenstar7997 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Matthew Tolentino Hehe, dean... Now I kinda want to try to get something like that just for it to fit with my name.

    • @EvilOlivEStudios
      @EvilOlivEStudios 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's Sean Decateur, Kenyon's current college president.

    • @rin_etoware_2989
      @rin_etoware_2989 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Dean Goldenstar Like Dean Dean FitzDean?

    • @deangoldenstar7997
      @deangoldenstar7997 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      Matthew Tolentino Exactly!

  • @tristannguyen786
    @tristannguyen786 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Not hating on Kenyon College or anything, but why do they get so many good commencement speeches?

  • @ruleofhalves
    @ruleofhalves 8 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    They probably keep inviting John back just for the TH-cam views lol

  • @alexanderallison7131
    @alexanderallison7131 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Well done, John. I like the hat tips to DFW's 'This is water'.

  • @trixa3667
    @trixa3667 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The sad thing is that even though that was an awesome speech, a lot of those kids won't remember a thing.

  • @Chris_winthers
    @Chris_winthers 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks, youtube. Please keep sending me random john green speeches

  • @katoyukimaru
    @katoyukimaru 8 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    Hehehe I can see John's anti-Randian sentiments in this speech as well. Great speech, love it.

  • @Huntracony
    @Huntracony 8 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Why does the sign language interpreter have a microphone?

    • @jdude99lolz
      @jdude99lolz 8 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      equality its 2016. Everyone must have everything everyone else has because otherwise people get offended. :/

    • @PaulS-q9c
      @PaulS-q9c 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      You really are a Potato coz that was really stupid

    • @DoomedLich
      @DoomedLich 8 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @Senor Potato
      The irony of you being salty enough to say something so dumb is so delicious.

    • @jdude99lolz
      @jdude99lolz 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      DoomedLich Wait it was clear i was being sarcastic right?

    • @Huntracony
      @Huntracony 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Senor Potato It was to me.

  • @theswaff699
    @theswaff699 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i could listin to this man talk all of time (still havn't read any of his books)

  • @yoonminhope13
    @yoonminhope13 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    i am a 32 year old woman and i still feel inspired.

  • @Tom62psu
    @Tom62psu 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I think a couple other people mentioned that this speech is definitely an echo of David Foster Wallace's "This is Water" commencement speech at Kenyon in 2005. Just a bump to the top - If you haven't watched DFW's speech, just search "This is Water" and give it a listen. Then read some George Saunders ("The Braindead Megaphone") and call it a day!

  • @MrGraffittikid
    @MrGraffittikid 8 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    That one dude who doesn't close his eyes 😂

  • @loc5559
    @loc5559 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    When it went to the profile shot I realized that there is an ASL translator next to John. Hopefully, in the future, that will become the norm at all public events where a speaker is involved, worldwide.

  • @matthewweatherhead6002
    @matthewweatherhead6002 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’m watching this as I apply. I’m so excited!

  • @imalloutofgin
    @imalloutofgin 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    How did this make me well up with unshed tears? This hurts, because it is true and it is correct and it is right and it is good.

  • @benjaminpark8176
    @benjaminpark8176 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    John Green will always be the author that made the most impression on
    me, so much so that I have decided to start a PhD exploring the many
    subtleties of his fiction and how he creates unforgettable fictional
    landscapes

  • @EuropeanQoheleth
    @EuropeanQoheleth 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    John's a smart guy. This was a deep and inspiring speech.

  • @yuvalne
    @yuvalne 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Honestly this video made me feel really good, and I'm a year and a half out of school

  • @AwesomeCrackDealer
    @AwesomeCrackDealer 8 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    This is fantastic. John is really nice, somehow I like his speeches but not his writing haha

    • @JoyLyte
      @JoyLyte 8 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Fair enough. Not everyone is into somewhat sappy YA novels. (I happen to adore them though!)

    • @JatPhenshllem
      @JatPhenshllem 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@JoyLyte Yep, same here

  • @williamwatterson8711
    @williamwatterson8711 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very good, and much better than the usual cant one hears in such addresses.

  • @ysabrro
    @ysabrro 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you, John! 😭

  • @busdriver428
    @busdriver428 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    By the end I found my eyes welling up and an oceans worth of joy in my heart ❤. DFTBA

  • @BbyPigeon
    @BbyPigeon 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love every word so much

  • @_molamola
    @_molamola 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for being awesome, John.

  • @anonymousperson2738
    @anonymousperson2738 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    did yall notice the static at 3:30 or was that just on my side

  • @rebeccahaglund4633
    @rebeccahaglund4633 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Okay, I'm in tears, that was so beautiful

  • @joshlawrence8091
    @joshlawrence8091 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    There is sooooo much of David Foster Wallace’s This Is Water in this. If you like this, go check This Is Water, you’ll love it

  • @peternicks6094
    @peternicks6094 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Did anyone else skip the minute of silence.

  • @laurennicole04
    @laurennicole04 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome speech! Very moving and thoughtful.

  • @madelinekrane3200
    @madelinekrane3200 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I think he used David Foster Wallace's speech as inspiration. They're both incredible speakers.

  • @otatopthepotato6113
    @otatopthepotato6113 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That guy in the front didn't close his (DAMN) eyes !!

  • @PatrickAllenNL
    @PatrickAllenNL 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    great speech!!

  • @nyjonathan
    @nyjonathan 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I wish John Green would speak at my university

  • @gitoshrisen7687
    @gitoshrisen7687 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    I would have no problem if I was more than 14 mins.....I can listen to him alllllllllll Day....

  • @wheeles7
    @wheeles7 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well done John. Hit the right tones all the way through. DFTBA

  • @morgandavis9624
    @morgandavis9624 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    We had to choose a speech for an assignment in class and everyone else is choosing speeches from presidents and stuff and I’m over here like SHARPIE FACE HAS A SPEECH I HAVE FOUND MY SPEECH HALLELUJAH

  • @gwillad
    @gwillad 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    beautiful! reminds me a ton (im sure intentionally) of this is water.

  • @ari9638
    @ari9638 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    1:49 There's always that one kid who refuses to play along XD

  • @leabluub98
    @leabluub98 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    can I have John at my graduation, too, please?

  • @matthewcecil8552
    @matthewcecil8552 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Lol, I'm going to use that technique next time I have a speech I need to stretch out.

  • @Thekartikgoswami
    @Thekartikgoswami 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Beautiful!

  • @Bloodmuffin6
    @Bloodmuffin6 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Actual tears at the life insurance part

  • @michaelsheffield6852
    @michaelsheffield6852 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    That was a long minute.

  • @Julika7
    @Julika7 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow, how did the woman translate all of that so fast into gestures? :o

    • @ReasonMakes
      @ReasonMakes 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      Transcript!

    • @Anf1996
      @Anf1996 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      She's probably an ASL interpreter! Trained for years to interpret English into ASL and vice versa. She is there to assist those who are deaf and hard of hearing to understand and enjoy the words spoken ☺️

    • @Shaynnanigans
      @Shaynnanigans 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Translators are crazy fast. Have you seen somebody speaking a different language which is faster than English and the translator just signs all of it. Maybe translators are also secretly ninjas...

  • @Efflorescentey
    @Efflorescentey 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    So many people noticed that one dude without his eyes closed.... I think THEY didn’t have THEIR eyes closed! 😝

  • @karolynkeyser9883
    @karolynkeyser9883 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    1:54 hey you, yeah you in the bottom rig corner with the green button down shirt underneath your gown, you're supposed to close your eyes!

  • @UnchartedAtlas
    @UnchartedAtlas 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hahaha I would love it if he was there for my graduation

  • @steroidsgaming5925
    @steroidsgaming5925 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    GUESS WHAT,
    GIVE PEWDS HIS DIAMOND PLAY BUTTON

  • @dragonswampanimations5558
    @dragonswampanimations5558 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Is the dude behind him in a fucking throne?

  • @billswingle2672
    @billswingle2672 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Golly this was great!

  • @DrSpaceman42
    @DrSpaceman42 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    they literally spend a minute in silence

  • @rhiannakinsey-jones9060
    @rhiannakinsey-jones9060 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was really inspirational *impressed face*

  • @tigerfanfrv
    @tigerfanfrv 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    John Green: giving me another reason why i don't want an HOA when i buy a house.

  • @samanthadunn2695
    @samanthadunn2695 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    The guy at the bottom right at 2:23 STARING INTO THE CAMERAS EYES. omg

  • @itskaylashley
    @itskaylashley 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I LOVE JOHN GREEN

  • @otatopthepotato6113
    @otatopthepotato6113 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Beautiful, by the way.

  • @poorvapandey7767
    @poorvapandey7767 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    0:13 THE BOY IS FLABBERGASTED

  • @The_Skrongler
    @The_Skrongler 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That's odd..........because I have found growing up(so far, I'm only begining) to be at least in part a process of building emotional strength not hardness to others, but simply the werewithall to function under preassure without opening up when it would not help. Without being weak to those who would only crush you...
    I am trying to build myself up as a protagonist, because that is _not_ what I would be otherwise. If I was not the protagonist I would just grind along in the abiss of mundanity. As the protagonist I think, and love, and help when others might not.

  • @lxmoya11
    @lxmoya11 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    is this the crash course guy?