Tom Hanks’ fans celebrate after the 66-year-old received an honorary doctor of arts degree from Harvard University.
The Forrest Gump star even joked that he managed to get an honorary degree from the ultra-prestigious university ‘without having done a lick of work.’
During his acceptance speech on May 25, the actor told graduates to defend their truth and resist those who wanted to twist the truth for their own gain as he referenced the widespread information in the country.
“For the truth to some is no longer empirical. It’s no longer based on data, nor common sense, nor even common decency,” he said, The Guardian reported.
The Castaway star also referenced Harvard’s motto, ‘Veritas,’ which is Latin for ‘truth.’
“Telling the truth is no longer the benchmark for public service. It’s no longer the salve to our fears, or the guide to our actions. Truth is now considered malleable, by opinion and by zero-sum endgames,” he said.
“It’s the same option for all grownups who have to decide to be one of three types of Americans: those who embrace liberty and freedom for all; those who won’t; or those who are indifferent. Only the first do the work of creating a more perfect union, a nation indivisible. The others get in the way.”
Hanks continued: “The responsibility is yours. Ours. The effort is optional. But the truth, the truth is sacred. Unalterable. Chiseled into the stone and the foundation of our republic.”
The actor also noted that he had barely any academic credentials during his speech.
“It’s not fair, but please don’t be embittered by this fact,” he said. “Now, without having done a lick of work, without having spent any time in class, without once walking into that library – in order to have anything to do with the graduating class of Harvard, its faculty, or its distinguished alumni – I make a damn good living playing someone who did.”
The beloved actor added: “It’s the way of the world, kids.”
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