Speech

I was born in Iran. At the age of six, my family was forced to flee because of the Iranian Revolution. Today I stand in front of you giving the commencement speech at one of the top universities in America. I am the American dream.

Following your passion is not a secure choice in life, but if you can find the light and go for it, you will see that it is the best choice.

Put yourself in the shoes of the less fortunate and have empathy.

Nobody knows what they're doing. Nobody does. Everyone's winging it out there. Some people are just better at pretending to be confident.

We cannot expect others to understand our point of view if we don't understand theirs.

We are all much more similar than we are different. We're all just looking for food, and love, and meaning.

There is always something left to love.

Nothing productive rises out of hate.

When you stop looking — or when you see only what you want — as a human being you become a stenographer.

It has always been doubt, not certainty, the constant questioning and testing of cherished assumptions, that has moved us closer to a humane and just world.

Don't let our current national tribalism give 'tribe' a bad name. See yours. Show up, leave your phone in the car — your reassuring, here-for-you physical presence. Make that happen.

Purpose is that sense that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, that we are needed, that we have something better ahead to work for. Purpose is what creates true happiness.