Actor
Cornell University | May 24, 2014
In 2014, Ed Helms, best known for his comedic talent in "The Office" and "The Hangover" film series, delivered an entertaining and insightful commencement address at Cornell University. Helms likely shared humorous anecdotes and words of wisdom with the graduating class. His speech reminded them to find humor in life's challenges and to embrace the future with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure.When you try hard at everything you do, even if it feels utterly foolish to do so, you’re opening up future doors and possibilities that you might not be seeing in the moment.
10 top life lessons by Ed Helms
- Challenge Conventional Wisdom: Don’t succumb to societal pressure to abandon youthful pursuits; challenge the notion that growing up means leaving behind what might be considered foolish activities.
- Persistence in Foolish Endeavors: Effort invested in seemingly foolish pursuits can lead to unexpected opportunities; persevere in your endeavors, even if they initially appear impractical or whimsical.
- Uncover Hidden Doors Through Effort: Putting effort into every aspect of life, even when it seems foolish, can reveal unanticipated doors and possibilities that may not be immediately apparent.
- Cherish the Present Moments: Reflect on the present; the speaker wishes there was a way to recognize the “good ol’ days” before they pass; savor and appreciate the current moments of youthful folly.
- Question the Notion of ‘Good Ol’ Days’: Challenge the conventional understanding of “good ol’ days” by proposing that they are characterized by a higher degree of foolishness, as exemplified by the college experience.
- College as an Incubator for Foolishness: Recognize that college, with its atmosphere of experimentation and exploration, serves as a fertile ground for embracing and celebrating foolishness as an integral part of personal growth.
- Value the Process Over Immediate Recognition: Acknowledge that the benefits of foolish pursuits may not be immediately apparent; value the process itself, even if recognition or understanding comes later.
- Don’t Fear Being Labeled a Fool: Embrace the possibility of being perceived as a fool by society; true growth often involves stepping outside conventional norms and embracing what might be considered unconventional or foolish.
- Foolishness as the Nectar of Life: Summarizing the overarching theme, the speaker likens foolishness to the real nectar of life, suggesting that it is through these seemingly irrational and impractical experiences that one truly tastes the essence of a fulfilling life.
- Embrace Foolishness (Be a Fool): The speaker encourages valuing seemingly foolish aspects of life, asserting they are the true essence of living.
Best quotes of Ed Helms‘s speech
"Foolish diversions are the real nectar of life. Put up a fight. Be a fool.""Trying hard at everything, even when it seems foolish, opens doors and possibilities."
"College is one of the great incubators for foolishness."
Video of Ed Helms‘s Commencement speech at Cornell University
Commencement speech transcript
As you look ahead and ponder your lives after four years of extensive learning — having been taught by some of the greatest minds on the planet, studying late nights for endless exams and essays — please remember to be a fool.
The world will tell you that it’s time to grow up and leave those foolish, youthful diversions behind. But don’t fall for that. I’m here to tell you those foolish diversions are the real nectar of life. Put up a fight. Be a fool.
When you try hard at everything you do, even when it feels foolish to do so, you’re opening up doors and possibilities you might not be seen at the moment.
I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good ol’ days before you’ve actually left them.
[This] got me thinking: What are ‘the good ol’ days,’ when do they happen and why? I contend that good ol’ days are marked by relatively high levels of foolishness. Case in point: college. It’s one of the great incubators for foolishness.