Tom Hanks tells Harvard graduates truth is no longer a public service benchmark
The actor talked about superheroes, truth and the ‘American way’ in his Harvard Commencement speech.
Tom Hanks has told the Harvard University graduates of 2023 that the search for truth is “sacred” and “indifference will narrow the vision of America’s people”.
The two-time Oscar-winning actor was the principal speaker at the 372nd Harvard Commencement on Thursday, where he received an honorary degree.
Speaking to the thousands of graduates, the Hollywood star spoke of superheroes, the “American way” and the quest for truth.
The 66-year-old said: “The truth to some is no longer empirical, it’s no longer based on data nor common sense, nor even common decency.
“Telling the truth is no longer the benchmark for public service… Truth is now considered malleable, by opinion, by zero sum end games.
“Imagery is manufactured with audacity, with purpose to achieve the primal task of marring the truth with mock logic, to achieve with fake expertise, with false sincerity, with phrases like ‘I’m just saying’; ‘Oh, well, I’m just asking’ (and) ‘I’m just wondering’.
