Violet.Lotus

Inquiring Mind. Free Speech.

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@ArmandDoma Compelling!

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@valdombre This is a profound statement and so beautifully expressed.

[CONSEQUENCE @consequence]

Conan O'Brien used his Harvard University commencement speech to argue that humility and the human connection matter far more than any diploma.

"I always recognize the enormous role of luck in my life. Refusing to see how luck has played a role in anyone's success is simply ignorant. Many people are happy to mistake a lucky poker hand for their own brilliance, and fighting that human instinct has kept me sane.

"I honestly believe that community, spontaneity, and a real commitment to humility has helped me build a rich life that means much more to me than any diploma. And believe me, I'm not saying the goal is to renounce accomplishments, but rather to metabolize them. If you carry your victories lightly, other qualities –- kindness, originality, courage, humor, and humanity –- have room to emerge.

"Maybe the greatest lessons I've learned along these lines have been through my 24 travel shows. I have degraded myself in Cuba, Ghana, Korea, Armenia, half of Europe, Argentina, Thailand, Mexico, and Greenland, where I visited a real estate office and tried to buy the country. When I travel to another land, every quality I have discussed -- community, adaptation, and a sincerely humble approach -- are all necessary. When you don't speak the language, no one truly cares where you went to college, and you have no choice but to make friends.

"It's on these travels that I learned a great lesson: let yourself be bad at things. I have been a bad dancer in every country I have visited. But the people laugh because it turns out everyone everywhere is related to at least one terrible dancer. For me, humility on these trips can easily lead to humiliation, which is also a useful tool.

"Three weeks ago, I visited Amsterdam, dressed up as Van Gogh, and forced my way into the Van Gogh Museum, where I started loudly demanding a cut of the merchandising because I made no money during my lifetime. Guards forcibly ejected me. I was roundly mocked by patrons for my pathetic display. But I did see a lot of smiles. And not one person said, now that's a Harvard grad.

"In Tokyo, I met with a teacher of Japanese etiquette who volunteered I wasn't her type. And when I asked her why, she just said, 'face.' In Ghana, after accepting a royal invitation, I was kicked out of the Ashanti Palace by the Queen Mother, because her favorite soap opera was starting.

"I understand that I am preaching modesty and connection at a time when this is not in style. We are living through a period of extreme narcissism. Our current leadership in Washington believes that empathy is a weakness and that our nation stands supreme and alone. Add to that, everyone here today has a phone in their pocket that is algorithmically programmed to celebrate you and you alone by making you the protein-maxing hero of your own special journey.

"Much has been written about how isolated and siloed we've become, but for me, the antidote is quite simple. By de-emphasizing what makes us special — in your case, a prized degree — we can really find one another, not as an exercise in virtue, but as a path towards greater laughter, love, and real growth."

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@ShmaleDale @PumpCapitalLLC @IamSean90 It's public/private partnership.

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@Noahpinion Well said!

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@CoreyWriting @Noahpinion Poverty is not a standalone issue that disadvantages smart & talented people. Adverse Childhood experiences commonly lead to negative outcomes in health & QOL. ACES commonly co-occur with poverty. Not every talented person can escape poverty without intervention and support.

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@RollingStone Lexapro is a good one!

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@_mgriisser It can't support the weight.

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@zherbert @stanfordNYC Exactly. I suppose he's allowed to have his awful opinion.

[Cathy Young 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇮🇱 @CathyYoung63]

The "stealing from the Louvre is cool" bit from Tolentino & Piker is especially dumb performative radicalism. Stealing from the Louvre means an artwork anyone could enjoy for a small fee will now end up in some super-rich asshole's private collection. Good socialisming, guys!

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@BostonGlobe Everyone can stop feeling victimized now, it has nothing to do with "white people". Try reading the article!

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@cgp42 @1000HolyPlaces @maryarchived He should've been more delicate with his wording. His point does stand, though, and hopefully the renewed interest is sustained.

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@_CynicalCyanide @luusssso 100% agreed!

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@imthehonestboy Well said!

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@SamanthaTaghoy The irony is too potent.

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@StrangelEdweird Well said. There was no genuine racism present.

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@roxana_hadadi @vulture Very compelling interview!

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@icedancenomoney An amazing role model, both in athleticism & healthy mindset. :)

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@texastwnk @teacake90s @micah_erfan Sure but Candace is 100% antisemitic.

[Violet.Lotus @VioletLotus8]

@NewReaganCaucus Great point.