Yo-Yo Ma's Timeless Advice on Power and Humanity (Dartmouth Commencement Speech)
The Weight and Wonder of Your Voice
Soul Motto
"The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others."
— Albert Schweitzer
Listen closely. Beyond the applause and the rustle of your gowns, there's a quiet hum. That's the sound of potential, of the power that has just been placed in your hands. It's heavier than any diploma, isn't it? The speaker today didn't just congratulate you; he saw right into your souls and reminded you of the promise you hold—not just to be successful, but to be fundamentally good.
He spoke of power, not as a weapon of conquest, but as a tool for connection. He asked you to build bridges, not walls. This isn't just a metaphor; it's a daily choice you'll face. When you are in that position to make a decision, will you remember his words? Will you remember to see yourself as a human being first? That is the most profound education you will ever receive. It's the curriculum of the heart, the one that teaches empathy, restraint, and the courage to speak for those who have no voice.
So as you step out from this place, carry that lesson with you. Practice your humanity every single day, in the smallest gestures and the biggest decisions. Your legacy won't be written in your job title or your bank account, but in the lives you touch, the hope you inspire, and the moments you chose compassion over certitude. Go now, and don't just soar—help others find their wings, too.
Core Vocabulary
Key Mottos
- Each person must live their life as a model for others.
- The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.
- A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.