Jerry Seinfeld | Duke's 2024 Commencement Address

Jerry Seinfeld, award-winning comedian, actor, producer and author, delivered the commencement address during Duke's 2024 university-wide commencement ceremony in Wallace Wade Stadium on May 12, 2024. Seinfeld urged graduates to remember to laugh and navigate life with humor. "All of you here, without question, are the best of the best. Just don't lose your humor. It’s not an accessory. It's your Stanley Cup water bottle on the brutal, long hike of life," said Seinfeld.
Relive Duke's 2024 Commencement by visiting commencement.duke.edu
#classof2024 #jerryseinfeld #seinfeld #humor #comedy
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[@jackieferrarimusic]

We’re embarrassed about things we should be proud of and proud of things we should be embarrassed about. Man that pretty much sums up our world today.

[@lisalivingston6473]

@jackieferrarimusic I loved that saying, and I intend to parrot it as much as possible. Seinfeld has always had a great ability to observe the ridiculous and call it out. I hope the graduates of Duke take his advice and wisdom to heart. I agree that if more people saw the humor in things, our world could be a much kinder and better place. Congrats Class of 2024!!!

[@user-sp1md5xu8j]

Don't let Hamas take over the US!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@kevinhilyard9163]

Couldn't agree more!

[@user-sp1md5xu8j]

Antisemitism and jealousy drive people out of their minds.

[@patriciadee1]

⁠@@user-sp1md5xu8jAntiZionism…read a book, learn the difference.

[@antknee8695]

“…Don’t, think about having, think about becoming…” well said!

[@DanK123]

It's a great observation....one I hadn't thought about. And I did just that. Wasn't focused on money. At least not to start....not at all.

[@laurieharris1247]

I lost respect for Jerry Seinfeld a few years ago because he takes the Lord’s name in vain: first sentence “Oh my G-d”. I thought he had a clean comedy show until I attended one and he took the Lord’s name in vain so many times I should have walked out. Again in this speech “G-d damn.” Sorry Jerry no matter what your message is, you’ve lost my respect for this one reason - breaking the 2nd commandment “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” consistently and it’s quite disappointing and disrespectful.

[@arthurazzi5940]

@@laurieharris1247 god damn, I can't believe I read your entire comment.

[@Restorationshopyt]

Oh my good god damn, lady.

[@I12363]

@@laurieharris1247 "Just don't lose your humor. It’s not an accessory"

[@robbystocker6066]

Can’t believe Jerry is 70.

[@Unit-ep2eg]

Is he?!😳 Wow.

[@slaqasdq8787]

that means his girlfriend should just now be getting out of high school!

[@johncrook9519]

@@slaqasdq8787 Don't quit your day job.

[@22tango79]

70 is Jerry believe can not either.

[@itisallgood3951]

​@@slaqasdq8787 jerry would be laughing at that...

[@TaylorBoldt-lq9fw]

The fact he just preached instead of reading off of a paper is amazing. 100 percent real.

[@Rattenhoofd]

He's reading off a teleprompter (TV screens in the background).

[@polpol1005]

that's his job

[@Daniellasanche]

No he isnt ​@Rattenhoofd

[@Rattenhoofd]

@@Daniellasanche Wanna bet? I'm literally 100% sure.

[@seventen7195]

he has been doing it for a lifetime…

[@kynthos]

"Humor is the most powerful, most survival essential quality you will ever have or need to navigate through the human experience."

[@Facilitate.Inform]

not really bc Jerry now finds himself on the wrong side of history supporting Israel's genocide and falling victim to media propaganda/indoctrination

[@shysonofficial]

ya let's laugh while a foreign ethnostate commits ethnic cleansing in my name, ya just gotta see the funny side of genocide" .... im sure you'd laugh at the fact that he dated a 17 year old when he was 38...funny guy that seinfeld ey?

[@gpapaz]

yes but wasn't it jerry who said comedy is dead because of the "radical left?" Yet Always Sunny, South Park and Curb are highly successful shows that deal with controversial topics. He's just an old cranky white billionaire who isn't actually funny anymore

[@truthnotlies]

Huh?? ​@@gpapaz

[@philalcoceli6328]

​@gpapaz You are neither fun nor funny, so what do you know about REAL humor? For people like you, REAL humor is a threat, so you have to corrupt it, defame it, impersonate it and make it disappear. I am very impressed by this speech and will come back to it often, like we must do with the genuine treasures among the insanity of life, so we do not become part of the insane, anti-truth, "royal elite," the new-and-improved oppressors and destroyers.

[@asdfghjkl171]

"not enough of life makes sense for you to be able to survive it without humour". Incredible.

[@ShadyS-2012]

Jerry was, is, and will always be, one of the best! In time, those kids will come to realize how lucky they were to have been a part of this.

[@avocado7947]

Cleanest comedian that made me laugh growing up

[@ShadyS-2012]

@@avocado7947 The really good ones don't need it ;)

[@walterjnajarro]

I learnt something today “don’t lose your humour”. Great reminder.

[@blackout07blue]

MALCOLM X

[@zescapegoat]

too bad while trying to save the loss of his humour, he lost his humanity. Shame Jerry Shame

[@walterjnajarro]

@@zescapegoat I don’t think so. War has never historically been a nice thing to witness. Jerry has nothing to do with the conflict, neither do you or I. “Losing one’s humour” happens when we think we have all the answers, we forget about our families and the life we can enjoy.

[@BrangusDangus]

hoomer**

[@pablorages1241]

"We’re embarrassed about things we should be proud of and proud of things we should be embarrassed about" ... everyone should hear this !

[@Klegiou]

Seinfeld is an unashamed promoter of the ZioNazis of IsraHell.

[@sidlikeslasaga]

My life has taken many twists and turns. I wanted to work in radio and now I enforce laws. I love my job, my wife, my dogs and our first home. So much can change in life. Just keep going. Great speech Jerry.

[@rhys5567]

Congratulations. Sounds awesome

[@atulcharasiya2809]

This video came in my feed and being the Jerry fan that I am, I clicked on it. I love speeches made by comedians, especially him. 3-4 minutes into the video I realised I'm sitting on my bed in my dorm room and this is my last day of college. It is! I'm going to pack my bags after this. A cab is going to drop me off 220 km away tomorrow afternoon. This is my last day of college, night rather, I realised, and I listened to the rest of the speech with that realisation. I spent this day being jealous, regretful, and fixing problems with my phone at a shop, and attempting to return this booklet I had, at which I failed btw. I listened to this after eating. I just thought it was beautiful.

[@Yayamuch]

Beautifully written!

[@michael57603]

I like what Jerry says about enjoying the little things. Makes me feel a lot better about enjoying my coffees, my waterman pens, my hobonichi diaries, and my Diesel jeans. If you are happy with the little things, the energy transmits to other areas of life creating a positive flywheel effect.

[@RARAGEMI]

I love Jerry Seinfeld. He's generous with this speech. I wish I met someone giving me this speech when I graduated. He's talking about values here which I wished I had in my 20s.❤❤❤

[@Bongofurry]

I typically " love" everything just not someone I don't really know.

[@avocado7947]

​@Bongofurry do you "love" his message? you don't have to be in love to love

[@Jules-dn9jl]

When you hear truth spoken, it just resonates. This speech totally resonated with me. Very grateful for Jerry's 70 years of wisdom distilled into that talk.

[@user-gp6nt7ev7m]

no looking down at a script no teleprompter this is from the heart

[@notbraindead7298]

I agree. I was wondering how he spoke so long and covered so many points without a script?

[@yotube123123]

@@notbraindead7298 ...well, likely teleprompter. Watch his focus, throughout, from side to side.

[@robinp2039]

Because comedians are actually THAT smart.

[@AdamLock3]

He has teleprompters. Haha. Clear teleprompters (similar to presidential teleprompters) on each side.

[@yotube123123]

​@@robinp2039 in usual club/stage venues, with their own written material: memorized. Admirable...

[@waatup]

I was one of the students there. Glad that I wasn't lazy enough to skip this or foolish enough to walk out on this amazing speech!

[@Sunset672]

Good for you. Congratulations!

[@shysonofficial]

@@Sunset672 walking out is like the opposite of lazy...its very proactive. and you say the protestors are foolish? id like to see your graduation results shaw

[@Sunset672]

@@shysonofficial you will be disappointed

[@RAN-os5gz]

@@shysonofficial Walking out being proactive depends on what you accomplish by walking out vs what you accomplish by staying.

[@avocado7947]

​@@shysonofficialever hear of understanding your enemy? You'd have to listen for a minute to even know whom you disagree with.

[@mikemeyerphotopro]

One of the best speeches EVER !!!! I'm old and he is 100% correct on all points :)

[@blackout07blue]

😂😂

[@SanFrancisco94118]

I thought people walked out?

[@crystalbluebutterfly]

@@SanFrancisco94118Yeah, the anti-American, rapist-terrorist supporters, and sympathizers did. Their loss. What a bunch of absolute jerks!

[@Restorationshopyt]

Woke idiots are not people

[@OkPe-ww5rs]

@SanFrancisco94118 ok?

[@tanyakelley9083]

That is the best commencement speech I've ever heard!! Well Done JS.

[@VitalyMack]

Arnold Schwarzenegger also did a great speech, but yeah this one is fantastic.

[@2kool42]

I fully agree.

[@extropiantranshuman]

hey - I liked bob iger's too

[@MarcPugh]

Great comedian, great school. I appreciate the media bringing this to my attention. I would have missed it. I can't believe Jerry is 70. He is doing something right. One of the best speeches I have heard.

[@blackout07blue]

😂😂 wut? Lol

[@R.T.Logan.80]

Great comedian? In what universe is he funny because it sure as shit isn't this one.

[@avocado7947]

​@@R.T.Logan.80the one I live in

[@avocado7947]

​@@blackout07blue funny among those that spell "what" correctly

[@peggyboyd7378]

Loved the part about not losing your sense of humor. So many people are losing their sense of humor now and are so highly sensitive. Great speech! Good advice. Nobody ever regrets laughing too much.

[@R.T.Logan.80]

I loved that part too. Mostly because Seinfeld isn't humorous.

[@MrCaryGrant59]

"Hey kids, what's the deal with homework? You're not working on your home!" -Jerry Seinfeld

[@egreenbery]

That's gold !!!

[@user-sp1md5xu8j]

Don't let Hamas take over the US!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@lynnturman8157]

Who's ready to LAUGH??

[@user-fu8ub2rj6q]

🏆

[@vincentruvo6988]

At his age, he's still got it.

[@lynnturman8157]

"Most things do not work." Truer words were never spoken.

[@bookwoman53]

Agreed. I know a lady who has a BA in theatre. Today she is a successful bank manager.

[@toastedburton]

While this is true, and while I enjoyed the speech, the comment “if you don’t like your job just quit” is so off the mark for most people. Shitty jobs are shitty because people can’t afford to quit.

[@woozyguy9]

Including making a movie about Pop Tarts.

[@alrose8870]

@@toastedburton yep, especially when you tried to apply for every area you want to be in and they don't want you.

[@sagatuppercut2960]

Especially products made in China.

[@jeffmiller2396]

Amen, Jerry Seinfeld. Whatever you think is cool, is cool. Just go for whatever you think is cool.

[@DemoniacLL]

People trashed this kind of talk ? He did great. Good speech. He told the truth!

[@natalyaa4928]

No trashing, everyone loves it!

[@checksandbalances6714]

They didn’t walk out bc of his speech but his snd his wife’s support of IDF and the destruction of the Palestine people

[@avocado7947]

​@@checksandbalances6714hmm. missed that, explain

[@avocado7947]

​​@@natalyaa4928a handful of graduates walked out; watch out for tents popping up in your neighborhood

[@Daniellasanche]

A few bratty people walked out because he is Jewish.

[@theazurefire91]

His comments about Bee Movie had me cracking up. The whole speech was a banger. I had no idea what to do with my career when I graduated from Clemson. My degree opened doors but I don't use it for my current job. I might not be passionate about what I do, but it is fascinating stuff and I work with a great team of people. That's the end goal.

[@spenser9908]

I instantly thought of the Bee Movie when he mentioned bees lol, but wasn't expecting him to talk as much about the Bee Movie as he did. That was hilarious.

[@jmack619]

So you are saying that you wasted a lot of time and somebody's money for nothing. I get it. Biden pay your loans ?

[@user-yq6xy5gd8p]

It was nice of that gentleman behind Jerry to dress as a bee.

[@sadpanda1775]

Awesome. Brilliant. Insightful. Wise. Genius. We need more speeches like this at colleges and universities.

[@herotyranus6540]

Why? He’s a whiny baby who can’t take criticism. I completely believe Larry David was the real mind behind Seinfeld.

[@janelevey3435]

Brilliant and thought provoking!

[@avocado7947]

​@@herotyranus6540 Jerry Seinfeld is a whiney baby? I watched the commencement speech. find a mirror.

[@herotyranus6540]

@@avocado7947 I was talking about him whining about how you “can’t make jokes anymore”

[@ElizabethSmith-kd4du]

LOVE JERRY! He is entertaining and he appreciates his gift. I hope those kids go back and watch this several times. You have to laugh to get through life. My parents always laughed. My mother taught us to laugh at ourselves. My dad taught us that we control our moods. Thank you, mom and dad!!

[@lg4360]

As a retired scientist, the experience I enjoyed during my higher education challenged me to think for myself. Today? Our universities and colleges have become the bastion of professional students that never grew up and instead surround themselves with likeminded academics who do NOT foster independent thinking, but rather dependent thinking. They live in a bubble they created, not understanding the true meaning of life. Unfortunately, we have a generation of narcissistic people who champion any and every "cause" in an effort to validate their own existence. I was so relieved when my children graduated and left the college campus. Instead of being smothered by all knowing "professors" they could finally experience real life, not the utopian ideal society created by fallible people. Think for yourself. Do NOT follow the mob. There are two sides to every coin. Open your mind.......it is a terrible thing to waste.

[@matthewsims9469]

Well said!

[@johnboysoftware7329]

Those people in the bubble are now running the country, and they want to run the world. Enough!

[@dontcallmegus]

I agree that this happens a LOT of the time. However, you're generalizing a bit - not EVERY teacher follows this nonsensical pattern. I teach English at a community college in Arkansas, and my entire aim with every class I teach is helping students learn to think for themselves. I left my previous community college in Texas because they very clearly did not want students to learn - they literally did not want them to think; it was generally discouraged from the curriculum. Having intentionally moved on to an institution that encourages critical thinking, I strive every day to help my students gain their own life opinions, challenge societal norms, and seek out life experiences, good, bad, and everything between. As I said, I would agree with you that the majority of professors (particularly at universities) aren't concerned with much in terms of what they're actually offering students, but I do know teachers that teach for the right reasons, as well.

[@sixmax11]

mission accomplished, public education

[@loppetto9298]

It’s the “everything was better in my time” complaint again. Fact is: the vast majority of universities and colleges provide high quality education and the vast majority of students are hard working, critical thinking students. To focus on the loud minority tells more about you than about the students and staff. I am 50. I have two university degrees from two different universities.

[@jamesoh8034]

Anyone who has watched Seinfeld extras he talks the same points in his extras interview, JS THE GOAT

[@blackout07blue]

😂😂 dork

[@kalakshe5082]

What a GENIUS! He put work , heart , comedy and wisdom! What a privilege!

[@bhernandz]

I really like the point about falling in love with things. Makes me remember to be thankful & appreciate each moment.

[@craigdavidson2977]

Congrats to Duke! You made an excellent decision to have Jerry give the commencement address.

[@sabrage8494]

his kids went to duke

[@imants.cekusins]

@@sabrage8494 Congrats to his kids, too, then 🙂

[@lizhentrich9220]

I miss his comedy!

[@lizhentrich9220]

What an awesome speech Jerry gave!

[@BeckyPike]

my graduation speaker was Bill Cosby. That didn't age well.

[@MariaPetrovaNYC]

So many gems here ... Most of all, "Do not lose your sense of humor ... You have no idea at this point in your life how much you're going to need it to get through." 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@write-only]

So deep ;)

[@Eye_Witness]

@@write-only So simple...so true.

[@R.T.Logan.80]

I find that part of his speech ironic because he isn't humorous. He's boring and has terrible "jokes".

[@SuperJolie2011]

@@R.T.Logan.80 I think he's funny af. Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, SNL, Seth Myers, now that's unfunny and boring.

[@R.T.Logan.80]

@@SuperJolie2011 you're a very easily entertained, doofus.

[@HarryJoiner]

The Warren Buffett of stand-up comedy … It all makes so much sense when he says it.

[@AnotherOneForTheToad]

OK Boomer

[@HarryJoiner]

@@AnotherOneForTheToad yeah that’s right (said in my best David Putty voice)

[@iuploadrandomstuff5]

Nah Hhe goodd

[@ivaibhav1111]

What an incredible message to give to a graduating class. A sense of humor is everything. Great speech.

[@uwharriewolfman]

I can hear his mother now: "How could anyone not like him?"

[@Derail07]

Half the people walked out before the speech

[@herotyranus6540]

He’s a whiny baby

[@libertyPersuitHappiness]

he is a monster who supports the ongoing genocide and starvation of children and orphans in Palestine. Fuck Genocide Seinfeld

[@Sunset672]

@@Derail07you are clearly terrible with numbers. 30 out of 7000 is not half

[@ahmedabdullah8909]

@@Sunset672 Yes, half of them

[@phillipsatkowski164]

“We’re embarrassed about things we should be proud of and proud of things we should be embarrassed about.” = perfect description of our culture today.

[@Acvdsxbfz]

People are more educated and wise today than they’ve ever been and it makes the centrists mad lol. And of course all the pro system boot lickers like you try to feed on it and sound smart. Just give it up.

[@surfwriter8461]

Actually, it's a vague and largely meaningless statement that many here treat as if it's somehow profound. Give examples of part one and part two of that little profundity. Part one, in particular, strikes me as ridiculous, while part two is perhaps right in certain cases. For example, people who are proud of supporting trump should be embarrassed for being ignorant failed citizens. And people who are proud of their possessions, as if that represents real value. But Seinfeld doesn't give any examples of either part of that quote I believe he cribbed from some other source, so it leaves the application open to endless interpretations from the listeners, most of which are nonsensical.

[@certificateiiiandivinfitne3265]

@@surfwriter8461 Stop sniffing your own farts.

[@esthersgift]

Did you watch the speech? He literally began with the example of privilege, specifically the privilege of going to a great university, as something we shouldn’t be embarrassed of.

[@bsbg-lifts]

@@surfwriter8461 are you a real person?

[@turiyapanama]

As a Harvard and MIT grad, who worked as a rocket scientist for 3 years, I now live in the jungle building modern mud homes! You truly don't know where life will take you. Being open to change, and working hard no matter what, is the way to really enjoy life

[@RealTalentHiring]

SOOOOO cool!

[@cecilcharlesofficial]

Naval Academy grad here, now playing guitar/singing at hotels and restaurants along the gulf coast. Experiencing more satisfaction now than I've ever had.

[@libertyPersuitHappiness]

are you bragging lol you sound dumb listing your university name

[@bobpx]

must be nice to not have to earn a living

[@turiyapanama]

@bobpx what makes you assume that? I am the breadwinner in my household. I am a college consultant for half the year so we can pay our expenses.

[@oDv.]

Congratulations Class of 2024!

[@operadog2000]

Haha. Most of them have the same mindset of the protestors. Indoctrinated morons.

[@randiD123]

At 59, I still managed to get a lot from this speech. He's really something.

[@mr.terrible7415]

Yeah he's a guy who dates 17 year Olds as a 38 year old

[@MG-pj2oo]

​@mr.terrible7415 and you're a guy who aspires to be a trrorst incel who only gets laid by force

[@justinsayin3979]

@@mr.terrible7415 True. Something else to be envious of.

[@leslieannestiles7026]

Thanks Jerry, from a Duke Grad, class of ‘59

[@Theseus9-cl7ol]

What an honor to have Jerry Seinfeld at your graduation speech. He's still making good jokes and good points.

[@CubiclePrizoner]

I love Seinfeld ! He looks amazing - he is 70 but if I didn’t know who he was I would guess early 50s - he seems so much younger.

[@iuploadrandomstuff5]

E

[@66lao3jie]

As a Duke Dad 2014 myself, my tears keep flowing 😂😂. Congrats Duke 2024 boys and girls !

[@markconnelly1806]

It would have been classic if kramer walked on stage looking lost.

[@Sunset672]

😂😂😂

[@shady6131]

that speech was GOLD, jerry! GOLD!

[@joseesteban8864]

This is a nice lesson on life speech. This is something many should listen to, both young and old. I am just right behind Seinfeld in age, and can relate one hundred percent to everything he said. Brilliant!

[@dubberwubber-zo4yl]

I found myself laughing, reflecting, and worrying throughout his speech. His jokes landed with me, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud. The lightheartedness of his humor was just what I needed. His words made me think about what kind of society that we live in where everything seems so serious. I can't even get an ice-cream with my family without posters plastered everywhere denouncing political problems a world away. And finally, I worry that the algorithms that dictate what we see online, work only to divide us over issues we cannot or don't understand. I think Jerry is right, we shouldn't lose our humor. Our world is messy, and we can either lay down and cry, or start laughing and build a better world for our children. Thanks, Mr. Seinfeld, for taking a considerable risk and giving a commencement speech in what some would consider a "hostile work environment". And finally, Congratulations, class of 2024! Welcome to the workforce--I'll be the one bringing you the coffee.

[@plruff2691]

Great speech! You gotta love Jerry!! Congratulations to Duke grads.

[@jessfam5954]

He’s a flipping genius, I’ve been falling in love all day, thanks JS

[@mr.mithmoth]

In my 50s, but this speech still rings true as if I were still in my 20s. The world is always going to be insane and you gotta have a sense of humor. And he's so right, fascination is WAY MORE USEFUL than passion. Too many people are passionate these days and they have little appreciation for anything. To be fascinated by something is to have a deep appreciation for it. And to appreciate something, you must be grateful for it. Gratitude is the way to happiness. And it really is the smallest of things that make it all worthwhile.

[@michaelp.9921]

Nice to see someone else who, like me, is also in his 50s watching this. I'm not sure why I feel like I want to put myself in the place of those graduates..... Kinda wish I were (younger like) them, but at the same time relieved, even glad, that I don't have to worry as much about money or what people think of me..... ....So that I can pursue my passions, er, fascinations...... 😉

[@youebutme]

Well put indeed

[@RosyD39]

Problem is, not many younger people appreciate things.

[@mr.mithmoth]

@@RosyD39 It sure looks that way sometimes, but I know there's a lot of good kids out there who do appreciate things. Just that good kids don't get plastered all over the media these days. The truth and being normal doesn't sell. But it's up to each of us to choose to not buy into the narrative. The real problem is that we've only just started to figure that out. You know, better late than never 😎

[@Themaddprof]

​@@mr.mithmothnot only that, the majority of the young people stayed for the speech.

[@ardiffley-zipkin9539]

Congratulations, Mr Seinfeld. Well deserved. I still watch your show often. Your three points are so important and invaluable at any age. Good luck to the Duke graduates.

[@sterlthepearl1000]

What's the difference between school and life? In school, we're given a lesson, and then a test. And in life, we're given a test, that teaches us a lesson.

[@brightideasbyme]

Humor will be your stainless cup of water on the brutal hike of life ♥️

[@flatdesk]

Jerry Seinfeld is an absolute genius. You can tell he put a lot of work into this speech. PERFECT!!!! I wish I saw it live.

[@lovly2cu725]

And he is up to his eyeballs lol'd about this wo ke crap

[@markconnelly1806]

Nah. Live means a lot of travel

[@R.T.Logan.80]

​@@lovly2cu725you buffoons can't even define woke.

[@R.T.Logan.80]

Genius? Absolutely not.

[@imants.cekusins]

When Jerry said "What a crowd !", I remembered the late Rodney Dangerfield, bless his soul.

[@Avatar711Wizard]

Oh my God Jerry. You are an incredible person. So grateful for all these years with you.

[@TrueWalker88]

Great speech! I'm 48 and I got some good things out of that. Notably the importance of figuring out the coolest job and doing that. So true.

[@jeffeyro]

I'm glad I avoided all the headlines and videos about this and just watched it. Very good, and overall entertaining for a commencement address! I like the part about being proud of your degree. I've seen a lot of people with good degrees tell people about it with some level of shame. Some degrees are extremely hard, require countless sleepless nights of studying, and deserve respect. If someone has put in the work, whatever it may be, they shouldn't have to ashamed just because there might be some level of privilege in the equation. You have to work with what you're given, and handicapping yourself helps no one.

[@davidlee8406]

I have couple kids in high school and junior high school. I'm going to collect the amazing commencement speeches that I wish I had when I was graduating and give them to my kids when they graduate. I will start with this one.

[@kathygibbs5734]

Great experience! I enjoyed it! My daughter was a graduate there. I am a proud mom!

[@aviationenthusiast4353]

Definitely one of the best commencement addresses I’ve seen.

[@leslieannestiles7026]

Me too and with 5 kids and 10 grandkids, Ive heard plenty.

[@FuNkYyBoY]

LOL ... I totally lost it when Jerry said "Thank you for the phony degree" ..... Although I'm sure he meant well about receiving the doctorate !!

[@chrisbrown2211]

It is phony. I don't see the point of it at all.

[@savasdemirci4315]

its a reference to his sitcom SEINFELD ;-)

[@melindavanfleet407]

BRILLIANT. As a 53 year old- I hope this lands for the younger generation. Thank you Duke and Jerry! 🎤🔥❤

[@fatgim]

Im 41 years old. I went to university, got a job in environmental consulting, went to work in the resources sector and have been in the industry for 19 years. Wife, 3 kids, dog, mortgage. I STILL have no idea what i want to do 😂. Do something, pick something, give it a go. If it doesnt work out, change your plans. Be open to opportunities, be humble, do what is best for you but dont burn bridges, do it to the best of your abilities. Life does not happen in a straight line. ❤

[@__get__grounded__]

I feel like I just got more value than I would have gotten out of a degree at Duke. Thanks for sharing this gem publicly!

[@barbaraschmidt6965]

I may not be one of those students however that speech gave this 77yo hope for our future. Awesome job Seinfeld. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@conundrum51]

Ok boomer

[@M98747]

​@@conundrum51Were you born a tool, or did you gradually become one?

[@ethos1236]

@@conundrum51 Troll

[@R.T.Logan.80]

​@@ethos1236okay idiot

[@R.T.Logan.80]

It sure doesn't take much to impress you.

[@davidfrankelguitar]

How beautiful to hear Seinfeld Minutia expand into a life-path of joy in the journey, in the details, and in engagement with life. ❤❤❤

[@SparaPartnersConsulting]

Fantastic Jerry. Don't EVER lose your sense of humor = words to live by

[@jimgraziano4015]

Talk about wisdom bombs. This is one of the best speeches I've ever heard. Even though aimed towards youth, I think it applies to all ages. Thank you, Jerry!

[@skylark5789]

Wow. Just amazing ! Jerry true to form, excellent and lovable. Good choice, DUKE.

[@JohnMalik]

"You just can't do it..." Hahahaha

[@TarmacSkin]

Jerry has just demonstrated he’s worth every penny he has. This speech is just brilliant for today’s world.

[@alisakim2571]

What an awesome speech! So much wisdom here. Jerry is the 🐐

[@Kitch-hu7tm]

One of the best I've heard. Don't loose your ability to laugh at yourself and others.

[@mairavp]

What a privilege to hear Jerry Seinfeld speaks during graduation. Wise words!

[@realyield]

Fantastic speech. Go USA Go Freedom

[@4papaya]

Great speech. I love it and I have rewatched it several times. Just perfect balance of humor and heartfelt wisdoms.

[@jonathanlichtle3418]

What a lovely speech. Thank you, Jerry.

[@Squid893]

One of the most interesting parts of life is how it will surprise you. Spent my whole life feeling confused and unfulfilled, square peg in a round hole. Feeling like I almost got it right, but was never quite the right fit. 28 now and finally feel like I've found my rhythm. Trust yourself and keep your humor. Amazing speech

[@luiggimondoli]

WOW man, just WOW. At the beginning I thought. Seinfeld? and now, oh yeah, Seinfeld. HE GOT IT! I got as emotional as I did with Steve Jobs's speech, Jerry's speech was so profound, unbelievable. This one was THE BEST: "We’re embarrassed about things we should be proud of and proud of things we should be embarrassed about." 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Here: A 57 year old man who is graduating tomorrow. My hat off to Seinfeld, no teleprompter, no script, JUST HEART. P.S. I've always loved J. Seinfeld

[@cherryyyy123]

One of the most genuine speech ever delivered at any graduation ceremony… every word is said purely straight out from the heart from beginning to end

[@EzGulnazIm]

What a great and inspiring speech! And funny too 😂.

[@jferrell003]

As a 2021, mask-wearing, no-family-allowed-to-the-ceremony graduate of Duke, I am so glad these students had such a wonderful graduation experience! What a speaker choice! ❤ I know our '21 class couldn't control what we experienced, but, Duke, if you ever offer a do-over ceremony, I'll be there. Congratulations everyone! 💙😈

[@theasianjaywalker4455]

I will never blame or resent your age group for being very rightfully upset about what was taken from you. my advice: You don't ask Duke for a 'do-over' rather your class, your age group, you take it when you want it and make them do what you tell them to do or not do.

[@Carlos-wy4on]

And to think some graduates from Duke walked out of their own ceremony because Jerry is Jewish. Absolute bonkers.

[@markconnelly1806]

Go to grad school

[@Vincent-xi8xq]

I love Jerry's slow metamorphosis from silly goose to father figure

[@JoseFernandes-xz3bu]

This guy is a pure GENIUS.

[@hristopopov7345]

Gotta love Jerry - that's gold, Jerry, gold!!

[@ns2110theonly]

I wonder if they went out to Mendy's and ordered soup after commencement. It counts as a meal!

[@bsasxoxo]

How could anyone not like him?

[@lynnturman8157]

How come he didn't say puke? That's a funny word.

[@libertyPersuitHappiness]

fuck Jerry for support the war and starving the orphans in Palestine

[@Bongofurry]

I used to "love " everything.

[@kccodex8931]

You can always count on Seinfeld to deliver. A real Pro.

[@garydale8874]

Thank you Jerry, for making me laugh at myself and the world.

[@cervelott]

Those that walked out missed a gem of a speech. The wisdom of a life lived well is priceless!

[@conundrum51]

Ok boomer

[@libertyPersuitHappiness]

oh really, the guy who wants to starve children and against peace!?

[@MichaelClerk-xd6ft]

I was there. Those that walked out were just a couple dozen morons. They tried to disrupt, but they were booed out by the crowd.

[@spenser9908]

@@conundrum51 Ohhh are you ok, petal? Did the scary Jew hurt your feelings telling his speech?

[@shysonofficial]

A gem who dated a 17 year old when he was 38 and who supports apartheid and ethnic cleansing. Why is seinfeld set in new york yet only has white people in it? Jerry is an old racist creep to be blunt.

[@Mitchell-cb8un]

My daughter graduated today from Duke and I thought he did a very good talk.....humor mixed with seriousness.

[@randomno0]

Congratulations to your daughter! I hope she makes you beam with pride more so with every passing milestone. Hats, off!

[@lynnturman8157]

Did Jerry have a kid that graduated? I was thinking that maybe that's why he did this.

[@libertyPersuitHappiness]

Are you also proud of his support for the starvation of orphans in Palestine. They are starving and dying now as you read this. End famine now. Fuck genocide Seinfeld

[@R.T.Logan.80]

What humor?

[@AJKPenguin]

"Focus on becoming. . .BEES! I LOVE BEES!" --Jerry Seinfeld

[@ParticleLarry]

The students are thinking to themselves " this is the guy who did the voice of the animated bee from when I was a kid".

[@Supt3100]

He made a show about nothing, and gave a speech that meant everything. And I laughed at both. Thank you, Jerry!

[@AndrewMeyers-ow3ft]

I watched this because I love Jerry Seinfeld, but have now sent it to all of my friends and to my children because it's also profound, and kind of moving. Thank you, Jerry, for sharing your humor and wisdom, especially in the face of ridiculous behavior from a few well-intentioned but misguided people. Their loss for missing it. This made my day.

[@SD-th9sp]

This was so well said. 10000% spot on.

[@surfwriter8461]

Yeah, it's really profound when he advises graduates of Duck U to choose the torture you can stand or confesses that he's spent his life oblivious to the "big issues" while focusing on shallow and minor stuff. You thought he was joking there? Oh, he is not. He got by in his life on "humor" while these poor schmucks will end up in jobs that have a diminishing return on "fascination". Because they have to pay back their loans or make their parents "proud" by selling stock or climbing the corporate ladder. As for the "misguided people" who left before the first weak joke, their loss of principles might have been more damaging had they stayed despite objecting to his recent reactionary comments about Israel's destruction of Gaza and its people.

[@michaelp.9921]

If I may, thank you, and I feel Mr. Seinfeld's, as well as so many other comedians' (like John Cleese, for example) advisements about maintaining a sense of humor are extremely poignant and valuable today. This is the real, justified criticism of contemporary and extreme "wokeness".

[@thatrandombro6838]

@@surfwriter8461 OH MY GOODNESS!!!!....ain't your back hurt from spewing these exaggerating and common statements that we are so tired of listening to. You're so hurt jeez, get a break and listen to his speech two or three times and u might actually recoginze your victim mentality.

[@AndrewMeyers-ow3ft]

@@SD-th9sp Thank you! I don't usually comment on KZbin, but I felt compelled. I appreciate your response.

[@SharonSmith-sb6xx]

I really enjoyed this. Thanks Jerry!

[@afterlifewelcomesyoutofore2992]

He is not reading off of a script. He is not looking down, but out and around. Well done for a speaker.

[@andyp91]

He's so right about humor. I once had a weird medical issue. Told a buddy of mine and all he did was laugh about it! Made me lose all my stress about it. Made it okay. Part of life.

[@kgeo753]

Don’t worry about anyone who walked out on this speech. They’re not going to make it and we won’t have to worry about them in a couple of years.

[@P3rson.lInf0]

I'll believe anything you say and anything you want me to believe. Thanks and God bless, you're a treasure!

[@madmushro0m417]

Haha sure bud whatever you tell yourself

[@MihaTech]

these are exactly the guys we will need to worry about in a couple of years. Extreme.

[@thomasvelazquez9789]

👍👍

[@thomasvelazquez9789]

​@madmushro0m417 yeah I'm afraid he's right Antifa (the 0.000001 percent )

[@elsiebirgen768]

I graduated from Duke !!!!Class of 2024

[@RosyD39]

Congrats!

[@Sunset672]

Congratulations!