1988

Joseph Brodsky, the celebrated Russian-American poet and essayist, delivered a memorable commencement address at the University of Michigan in 1988. His speech was marked by profound insights into literature, culture, and the human experience. In his address, Brodsky likely emphasized the enduring power of literature and poetry to illuminate the human condition. He told graduates to embrace the arts and humanities as a means of enriching their lives and fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them. Brodsky’s own remarkable journey as an immigrant, dissident, and Nobel laureate would have provided a unique perspective for the graduates.