President Barack Obama delivered Rutgers University’s Commencement Speech this Sunday afternoon. His words tugged at the heartstrings of graduates, poked fun at the famous fat sandwiches and Olde Queens Tavern and even weighed in on the Taylor Ham or pork roll debate. Overall, the inspiring and motivational messages that the President shared with those in attendance at the ceremony will be pondered in the minds of all who heard them.
Of course, when the President of the United States of America takes the stage, he seldom does so without advancing some sort of agenda of his own, since at the end of the day, he is a politician; however he managed to do so tastefully.
Although it was difficult to miss, especially after the President called out Presidential nominee Donald J. Trump’s infamous wall, he described Trump’s presidential campaign and his policies as anti-intellectual. What stands out about this moment is that President Obama did not let this statement stand as slander; rather he used it as an opportunity to teach a lesson to the Class of 2016. Politics aside, President Obama shortly and simply said, “In politics and in life, ignorance is not a virtue.”
Despite the political commentary present in this quote, its content carries substantial weight. If recent college graduates should hear any words of wisdom on the day that they officially step into the real world, it was this quote. Whether one agrees with his policies or not, President Obama is right when he claims that it is not “cool” for someone not to know what they are talking about. Ignorance is far from bliss.
All who hear this quote can benefit from it. It matters not the stage of life you are currently experiencing, or whether one is old, young, in high school, college or beyond. Strive to attain as much knowledge as possible. Learn something from each and every person that crosses your path. Read books. Question common perceptions. There is no circumstance in which ignorance is a virtue.
What does this mean for you, me or anyone else who may hear these words? It is up to each and every one of us to take our lives, enhance them with knowledge and ideas, and utilize them to the maximum. This cannot be done by clinging to ignorance. Do not be afraid to stand out, or to astonish others with your capabilities. Do not be afraid to be intelligent.
