Susan Sontag

Author, professor, literary icon, filmaker
Vassar College, 2003

You’ll notice that I haven’t talked about love. Or about happiness. I’ve talked about becoming — or remaining — the person who can be happy, a lot of the time, without thinking that being happy is what it’s all about. It’s not. It’s about becoming the largest, most inclusive, most responsive person you can be.

Susan Sontag, a notable alumna of Vassar College from the class of 2003, was a multi-talented figure in the world of literature and the arts. She is renowned as an author, professor, literary icon, and filmmaker. Sontag's intellectual contributions have had a profound impact on critical thinking, literature, and film. Her works, including essays and novels, continue to be celebrated for their depth and insight. Sontag's diverse talents and thought-provoking writings have solidified her status as a prominent figure in the world of intellectual and artistic pursuits.

10 top life lessons by Susan Sontag

1. The success of military actions is attributed to the core faith in national values, as seen in the achievements in Afghanistan and Iraq.
2. Caution against militarism is crucial, as overreliance on military power has historically led to tragic mistakes and the downfall of nations.
3. Vice President Dick Cheney emphasizes that the greatest security lies in the advancement of freedom, highlighting its significance in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
4. Astounding historical events, such as 9/11 and the technological might unleashed in Iraq, require deep reflection for a true understanding of their impact, as discussed by Seamus Heaney.
5. Intolerance in debates, illustrated by the disruptive actions at Rockford College during Chris Hedges’ speech, hinders constructive discourse and the exchange of ideas.
6. Global interconnectedness is emphasized by Kofi Annan, who highlights that actions in one part of the world can have far-reaching consequences, necessitating shared responsibility and cooperation.
7. Fulfillment is found through service to others and striving for worthwhile objectives, as stressed by George J. Mitchell, encouraging self-respect and meaningful contributions.
8. Sydney Pollack argues that literature’s virtue lies in compassion, teaching and touching people through diverse experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the world.
9. The value of humility is essential, as Senator Patrick Leahy emphasizes the historical lessons of nations with unmatched military power facing downfall due to eroded societal values.
10. John Sexton reflects on the enduring legacy of universities, emphasizing the privileged role of knowledge and learning in human institutions, positioning them as houses for the pursuit of wisdom.

Best quotes of Susan Sontag‘s speech

"Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager."

"Don’t allow yourself to be patronized, condescended to... it happens, and will continue to happen, all the time."

Video of Susan Sontag‘s Commencement speech at Vassar College

Commencement Speech Excerpts

Despise violence. Despise national vanity and self-love. Protect the territory of conscience.

Try to imagine at least once a day that you are not an American. Go even further: try to imagine at least once a day that you belong to the vast, overwhelming majority of people on this planet who don’t have passports, don’t live in dwellings equipped with both refrigerators and telephones, who have never even once flown in a plane.

…

It’s hard not to be afraid. Be less afraid.

It’s good to laugh a lot, as long as it doesn’t mean you’re trying to kill your feelings.

Don’t allow yourself to be patronized, condescended to — which, if you are a woman, happens, and will continue to happen, all the time.

Do stuff. Be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead. . . . Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention. It’s all about taking in as much of what’s out there as you can, and not letting the excuses and the dreariness of some of the obligations you’ll soon be incurring narrow your lives. Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. Stay eager.

You’ll notice that I haven’t talked about love. Or about happiness. I’ve talked about becoming — or remaining — the person who can be happy, a lot of the time, without thinking that being happy is what it’s all about. It’s not. It’s about becoming the largest, most inclusive, most responsive person you can be.

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Source: NYT.com