Stephen Colbert 2011 Commencement Speech at Northwestern University

Pardon the capture errors.

[@ChrisPBacon-fu4dw]

"If everybody followed their first dreams in life, the world would be ruled by cowboys and princesses". Brilliant.

[@shaymary5247]

But what about the Indians? :P

[@darkrebel01]

Chris P. Bacon I became a bagger at a local grocery store as a boy. ....When they said place your dreams amongst the stars, I placed them amongst the glow-in-the-dark stars that were at my feet. I reached for them, and I did obtain my dream. Now I have one question to leave you with. Would you prefer plastic... or paper?

[@waltermontiel4405]

Chris P. Bacon Wrong quote.

[@user-ig8fn5pn4m]

Co Co李玟生前多次強調自己是中國人，曾在佩洛西窜台時發文：中國人要團結！不要讓外人干涉咱們！ 如果從人類的道德以及佛陀的教育來看，美國是邪惡的大國，假自由民主之名，處處造作惡業，例如，同性婚、廢死刑、搞墮胎、吸毒、搶劫，放縱人民私慾，「殺生、偷盗、邪淫、妄言，綺語、兩舌、惡口、顛倒是非、造謠抹黑」使人下墮三惡道，來世難得到人身。（還處處干涉人家內政， 讓世界處於二分法）。 佛陀大覺者預言，人類會越來越沒道德心， 放縱人類私慾的結果，就會使這個世界人類越來越沉淪！ 六四那些反動份子，造成國家動亂，害死那麼多人，應該以古代刑罰罪誅九族，才能夠對得起人民。 中國從古至今受聖賢教導，再壞也壞不到哪裡去，（不要刻意做個案的突顯對立，整體上還算是好的）反而西方國家，崇尚言論自由，可以為所欲為，容易違背道德，而且兩黨像是雙頭馬車，能做什麼事。 佛言：「世間無常，國土危脆；四大苦空，五陰無我；生滅變異，虛偽無主；心是惡源，行為罪藪。如是觀察，漸離生死。」 佛言：「一切有為法，如夢幻泡影，如露亦如電，應作如是觀。」

[@lsaito4670]

This, in my humble opinion, was an excellent speech. Enough jokes, wit, and life lessons to keep you entertained and serve it's purpose. 😊 👍🏼

[@jeffyhtsao]

This is how you do a graduation speech. Man I wish he was the commencement speaker for my class.

[@katiekurilko4848]

“If we should serve others, and together serve some common goal or idea for any one of you, what is that idea and who are those people? In my experience, you will truly serve only what you love because service is love made visible. If you love your friends you will serve your friends. If you love community you will serve your community. If you love money you will serve your money and if you love only yourself you will serve only yourself and you will have only yourself. So no winning, instead, try to love others and serve others and hopefully find others that love and serve you in return.” -stephen colbert

[@nifemiadejumobi2486]

Katie Kurilko iii

[@LucidDream]

I still come back to listen to this speech when I get down on myself. Reminds me to really look around and think about what my direction is. I really love a good speech and this is one of my favorites ever.

[@ThePureEast]

"Service is love made visible. If you love friends, you will serve your friends. If you love community, you will serve your community. If you love money, you will serve your money. And if you love only yourself, you will serve only yourself, and you will have only yourself. So, no winning, instead try to love others and serve others, and hopefully find those who will love and serve you in return."

[@TheCobrapilot]

I was there. I graduated on June 17th. It was UNREAL! He was incredible.......I'm still laughing.

[@ikkila]

One of the best!

[@lij2015]

The part he took completely serious was probably the most amazing speech I've ever heard.

[@isaacli3891]

"In my experience, you will truly serve only what you love because service is love made visible. If you love friends, you will serve your friends. If you love community, you will serve your community. If you love money, you will serve your money. If you love only yourself, you will serve only yourself and you will have only yourself."

[@FloydGirl51]

I think this man is the most impressive, articulate, talented, discerning, ingenious, hilarious, handsome, & SEXY person who has ever lived!!!!! I am one lucky girl to be alive when he is & that someone {Jon Stewart... Another awe-inspiring person!!} realized how unbelievably exceptional he is!!!! Evie- I am so happy for (& incredibly jealous of!!!!) you. In my humble opinion this man is one of a kind. You must be, too!!

[@vancekangyishu]

Of other Celebes I have watched on commencement speeches ... His was not just jokes ... But actually some lessons

[@neelanshguptaa1440]

Watch the one given by J.K Rowling at Harvard.

[@jimmygoode9482]

Umm... They all say something meaningful

[@ardentandrew]

I love the woman in the background who just can't take it anymore at 9:00

[@yesgregyes1416]

"No Winning." My new mantra. And perhaps the antidote to Donald Trump. Thanks Stephen Colbert (the person & the character). I aspire...

[@DRassers]

His talent got him where he is more than his hard work. Talent is more elusive and most people won't develop an outstanding one. He knows that. So what is there to strive for, for the majority of the people? To live for community is a good option, since it gives everyone a meaning, a purpose. Seeing life as a lottery isn't incorrect, but is it inspiring for most? Just because you aren't wrong doesn't make you right.

[@suurreaal]

"service is love made visible." truth.

[@nicolasjamo]

I knew that this was going to be good when I saw Steven Colbert in a robe.

[@QuarterMasterGaming]

I will admit I do not know a lot about Colbert as a man and father but I was pleasantly surprised when he said to think of others and love others. To serve others instead of yourself. Under the selfish guise that his show portrays of him he is a man like all else with values. That is comforting.

[@geradical]

I enjoyed this. Love Conan's own a little more.

[@fernie51296]

Forever a favorite of mine. Stephen Colbert is amazing. Not just a genius, but a great man. Perhaps that's more important.

[@neelanshguptaa1440]

It's been 11 minutes and he still hasn't stopped joking.

[@preservation.6591]

Beats boasting right?

[@jazztonish]

I've lost count of how many times I've watched this. Very funny and thoughtful speech.

[@Truthiness231]

Very touching speech; I took more away from this than all the other celeb speeches combined this year (and not because I'm a huge fan, which I rightfully am, but because he - as per usual - hit the nail on the head).

[@AWSOMEPOSSUM16]

One of my idols right there, what a great man.

[@DrHowbeit]

"Thankfully, dreams can change." I liked that a lot.

[@MrMustacrackish]

This is probably my favorite speech. Just the right tone for the event. As much as I like this I really didn't care for his correspondents dinner. It just didn't seem like him or his character belonged there.

[@ficoferrer6612]

This is why I love this guy.

[@thrumymind]

hilarious yet sincere and even inspiring. the perfect mix.

[@sbkdevelopment]

I was there. Colbert was hilarious and relevant. Great speech!

[@benignomodesto5743]

I like this man...He is good and nice person as well.

[@kamleung9]

Watching Colbert is like a lesson in public speaking, the guy has all the elements down.

[@Musicdudeyoutub]

Hilarious and inspiring, we love you Stephen!

[@katearchibald8976]

Watching this is 2021 for my speech class, kinda eerie to hear the year being mentioned in a speech that came out 10 years ago.

[@xmohamed]

the only person that makes you watch and applaud a 20 min video on youtube these days. long live stephen colbert.

[@roberttrail7013]

The greatest commencement speech of all time, bar none.

[@TelephoneToughGuy]

Man I love his sense of humor. Funniest TV personality imo

[@masterrobber]

that sailing analogy... genius. still thinking about it. I've watched a few Commencement speeches on youtube now and while there are really some great ones out there (for example Steve Jobs comes to mind) this is probably my favorite so far. He just goes beyond the usual "follow your dreams", "never give up" etc. and really knows how to deliver what he is trying to say.

[@MsPatriotx]

Was expecting something, but that speech was fantastic! Loved it! Our entire family loves Stephen Colbert! He rocked the Northwestern Graduation...

[@belmont167]

Can you imagine him coming to your college? That would be awesome!

[@CarterFilmLtd]

So proud to have graduated after this speech!

[@KiraKirin]

Whenever he breaks character, theres always words of wisdom that is worth listening to =)

[@jonasgeirjonsson2042]

Made me like him even more, great speach

[@LisaLoops]

Just the most wonderful man to ever grace the planet...

[@kittenwithagun]

I wish our graduating class could have had someone like Stephen Colbert. I graduated two months ago and already forgot who was our commencement speaker and what their talk was about.

[@netipothead]

Wow, what an amazing speech. It must have been awesome for everybody there, especially the graduates!

[@gineriella]

Stephen Colbert fuckin' killed it. I was watching via webstream. My year got gypped so bad with Mayor Richard M. Daly. What a tool, worst commencement ever. Colbert is the man and I'm so proud to be an alum with him. Thanks for the upload! NU '08!

[@pedramsafaee2737]

Stephen is awesome.

[@annmcl]

I just love this guy! Wonderful speech!

[@TyrSkyFatherOfTheGods]

What a great address - especially when he gets serious at the end.

[@JimelWalker]

Yes. Barely any downvotes compared to others..

[@xafion]

Colbert has some truly wonderful writers.

[@blockygamer1]

12:28 Now that it's actually 2021 I wouldn't be surprised

[@clk430gt]

The best commencement speech ever.

[@fuelieover30]

Wonderful from beginning to end!

[@colinjohnson8106]

That kinko’s was one of the best I’ve ever heard.

[@loudlong]

Fantastic speech. Insightful jokes about Evanston and the school, along with everything else that was good.

[@deranger17]

16:32 Didn't realize how true this was until recently. Your perception is the thing you have the most control over in this world, so don't stress anything too much

[@ItsYourManDan]

Thumbs Up if you think that Stephen Colbert will be one of the greatest comedians of all time.

[@katenguyen0107]

What a great speech!!!! he makes me wanna go to this schoollll!!!!

[@LizRobbinsGauna44]

Eventho this is a few years old, it was great, fun and I enjoyed listening to it. Thanks for posting.

[@myleskairi528]

I love both his commencement speeches (Northwestern and Wake Forest), jim carrey's @Maharishi n will farrell's @ USC...

[@3lyssiaa]

"im here to inspire you, by talking about me" GOLD

[@vkb1272]

I wish this guy was at my commencement. He's too funny.

[@kjmcc2]

brilliant speech i love stephen colbert

[@JennaColclough]

Funny at the beginning, great in the middle, inspirational at the end. Great job again Colbert

[@alexleviyev]

he is awesome

[@HymanKaplan]

How can someone actually DISLIKE this speech? What's the problem of those 10 people?

[@oOIceTOo]

WHY CAN'T I BE A GENIUS LIKE STEVEN.

[@MinisterAilingTongue]

His serious bit was great.

[@coopercrampton]

incredible

[@ahkbaedaru1384]

How kinko's got its name...

[@JayJubes]

"That's how Kinko's got its name" This man is a genius.

[@SugarSkullNola]

i needed this today :)

[@CyewWayne]

I wish Stephen Colbert would give a speech at my school...

[@BoricuaPRoductionz]

it's always wisdom. he doesn't have to break character to spread some truth.

[@deezeejoey]

How could anyone dislike this video?

[@jackboy9754]

God people should watch Conan's address at Dartmouth , he is someone who actually experiences and goes through big downs and controversies but is able to write in a way to entertain you while inspiring you as well

[@daliyablumenthal]

always a clever person

[@holyknight234]

amazing speech...

[@SquarecutK]

man this guy's a fricking genius

[@LucidDream]

I love someone who can be serious one minute then say something completely unpredictable and funny. "I hope the word 'brothel' comes in a close third.". xD

[@patelvidhu4840]

He is very good at comedy.....

[@iMattcat]

Anyone else get this emailed to them by Northwestern admissions?

[@Kenniffth]

such a clever and amazing speech. wow

[@diln5]

My grandfather was an Indian peasant who slept on a dirt floor in a one room hut with 10 other people. He is now a respected and cited civil/nuclear engineer in America. In my comment, I was talking about people of different races in college. Many Chinese and Indians in our top universities have lived in America for most, if not all of their lives, yet to oneirishpoet, they're not americans.

[@bagels75]

Fantastic speech. funny and meaningful at the same time!

[@tonglimp]

this guy should run for President

[@JULEPPS]

yeeeaaaah class of 2011! (; haha i love stephen so much more after watching this! truly a great comedian

[@samarabob]

i like seeing the cottonwood float by. definitely the midwest for you.

[@Sev394]

I never knew one man can contain so much comedy

[@birdsaflyin]

Life is an improvinisation.

[@dan22482]

Proud to be a Northwestern student! Great speech

[@trackboy17]

Amazing speech

[@KemptonLam]

16:25 Love the speech, especially the last bit.

[@___Will__Ferrell]

I'm sure that there are thousands of pimps that are very proud of this speech. Sincerely, Stephen's friend, Will.

[@becauseimjaide]

there should be a loved button

[@Vertson]

10:38 Ay girl

[@vinceho5757]

I literally just fell in love haha

[@vaibhavpawar4455]

I still think 15:39 is better

[@iPhoneGuy7]

LEGEND

[@shaymary5247]

I haven't seen Colbert in that 1985 film. :| (!!) [rofl]

[@eracholo17]

I'm serious when I say this: Stephen Colbert is a fucking GENIUS! Absolute GENIUS!

[@anthrosk9411]

I like to see him break out of character quite often in here. This is just honest, my highest regards, Stephen.

[@merveil3979]

Proud Kellogg graduate, 1995