OpenTube

Aaron Sorkin's Commencement Speech - 13 May 2012

Syracuse University

283,605 views

Aaron Sorkin '83, screenwriter of the Social Network, used his particular blend of wit and principles to deliver a stirring commencement address for our 158th graduation ceremony on Sunday, 13 May 2012.

20 Comments

@astrologerdawn1200 2 years ago

Thanks, James Corden for recommending this. Brilliant Aaron Sorkin!

@kdiff77 14 years ago

This was my sister's commencment, and I was incredibly fortunate to be there in person for this speech. Truly inspiring and thought-provoking. As my mom said on the way out, "this is why you always get a writer to do a big speech."

@NFranco1 13 years ago

Sorry, full of himself? He's one of the best scriptwriters out there. He's sharing the way his education and experience at Syracuse prepared him for life. That's what they do.

@bennyvee88 10 years ago (edited)

13:06 "Decisions are made by those who show up!" One of my favorite quotes of all time!

@twoshedsful 14 years ago

"Decisions are made by those who show up" - also said by Bartlett in the last episode of the first series

@wristakerrr 14 years ago

this speech is like music to my ears, like how he handles his dialogues.

@100theDork 14 years ago

wow that was amazing "dont ever forget you're a citizen of this world" great line! Not too long either some of these just drag on and on...

@KatrinaTulloch 14 years ago

He's such a master of words. I'm so proud to go to the university he attended.

@jtse09 10 years ago

Amazing, well-written, well-spoken speech. I come to this video a lot since my own commencement speech was so pathetic in comparison. This is the one I want to remember.

@hEyBaNaGiRl 12 years ago

I was there :)

@4ldarond0 14 years ago

Inspiring words from one of the great writers of our time. Thank you.

@HenryBrewerCalvert 13 years ago

Best screenwriter I've ever had the pleasure to listen to :)

@andrewtrenarysr.3730 1 year ago

"...you're too good to think people who disagree with you are your enemy."

@blessedspear2642 7 years ago

You're too good for schadenfreude

This has stuck with me for 7 years and I'm not sure why

@TheDramaCoach 2 years ago

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Loved this (recommended by James Corden after listening to him on Jey Shetty’s podcast) 👍🏻

@doyourpeace12 14 years ago

So inspiring. I love how he ties all of his thoughts together into this min

@redlightmax 14 years ago

06:11 "Welcome to the NFL" is a line that Vice President Hoynes says to Josh in S1E4 of The West Wing.

@ibrews 14 years ago

Great speech Aaron! Thrilled to hear him talk about taking class with Geri Clark-- she's such a character. And hey! Brewster-Boland got a shout out-- nice.

@bobbykilla95 14 years ago

That's respect and dedication to his daughter.

@Viewingpublic08 14 years ago

'Decisions are made by those who are show up' (said by CJ at Rock the Vote). And the bit about probable impossibilities is said by Sam when he realises he's going to be running for office in California.