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Michael Bloomberg's Harvard Commencement Address


   In universities ' graduation ceremony, there are always some famous people have speeches. Normally people who have a speech in ceremony are give some suggestions and hopes. But at Harvard University 's 363 rd commencement in 2014, Michael Bloomberg the ex-mayor of New York City and Originator of Bloomberg L.P who had a different speech with other people had.

    He was attacking the situation in American society and Universities that unorthodox ideas be repressed. At the same time he encouraged students open their mind and listen advice from other people which their even do not agree with.

   At first he said great universities' purpose is not only to advance knowledge, but to advance the ideals of nation. He thinks great universities are places where people of all backgrounds, holding all beliefs, pursuing all questions, can come to study and debate their ideas freely and openly. Then he gave students his topic that how important it is for that freedom to exist for everyone, no matter how strongly we may disagree with another's viewpoints. And then he gave some examples happened on college campuses and in society. Also some of his examples are related to his own experience.  When he was mayor of New York City, people tried to stop the development of a mosque a few blocks from the World Trade Center site. Then he gave a example about the speakers who have speeches are censored. Because his examples are all aimed to his main point. So they are very helpful for people to understand his point.

   Actually this speech inspired me at the first time when I read it. I had a long time that I confused about why I need to go to college, why American universities are a better choice for me, and what kind of college I want to go. About college, my thinking is similar to many other Chinese students. Rank of a college is a very important factor or the only thing matters for us. Just like Mrs.Bloomberg said, the purpose of colleges ' obligation is not to teach students what to think, but to teach students how to think. So I know that's the kind of college I want to study at. But in China , government basically controls all the universities. So there is always a main ideology. Mrs.Bloomberg also thinks freedom and tolerance should be two values both for colleges and in our society. I am very enjoy this speech.
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  1. AnonymousMay 31, 2016 at 3:09 PM

    You did good job, that is ture ,the students from college should not only be simplex, they should think about different questions with different ways.

    ReplyDelete

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