Bill Nye, the iconic “Science Guy,” delivered a memorable commencement speech at Goucher College in 2019, offering valuable advice to the graduating class, Fortune reports.
Drawing from his extensive career in science education, Nye emphasized the importance of optimism, the power of learning from others, and the courage to take on the challenges of changing the world.
Nye began by addressing a common sentiment shared by many young graduates today: a sense of uncertainty about the future. With global issues such as environmental degradation, inequality, and ongoing conflicts dominating the headlines, it’s easy for young people to feel overwhelmed. Yet, Nye urged the graduates to stay positive, asserting that now is the most exciting time to be alive.
“If you couldn’t choose where you would be born on Earth, but you could choose when, this is the time to be born,” he said.
He reminded the graduates that life, for many people across the globe, is better now than ever before. Despite the challenges, Nye encouraged the class of 2019 to focus on the amazing opportunities ahead and to remain optimistic. He pointed out that pessimism is not only detrimental to one’s own progress, but it can also bring others down. According to Nye:
“People who aren’t optimistic don’t get very much done. They get spun up and worn down by their own self-doubt.”
With an eye on the future, Nye acknowledged the pressures graduates might feel, especially when considering the global challenges they are inheriting. However, he urged them not to fear these challenges.
“Don’t be scared. Don’t freak out,” he advised.
Instead of letting fear stop them, Nye encouraged them to use that anxiety as motivation. Drawing from his own experiences in television and theater, he shared a piece of wisdom:
“Take that fear and turn it into excitement.”
One of the key themes of Nye’s speech was the idea that everyone has something valuable to offer. He reminded the graduates that knowledge exists beyond formal education and that everyone they meet can teach them something new.
“Everyone you’ll ever meet knows something you don’t,” Nye said.
Whether it’s a farmer’s understanding of plants, a bricklayer’s expertise in construction, or a cook’s skills in manipulating food, Nye stressed the importance of respecting others’ knowledge and learning from them. This attitude not only benefits individuals but also helps to bring out the best in others.
