Harvard President Alan M. Garber addressed the graduating class during the Baccalaureate Service in Tercentenary Theatre on May 26, emphasizing the importance of human effort in an era shaped by artificial intelligence. Garber said that while technological advances like ChatGPT have transformed society and prompted new anxieties about labor and knowledge, it remains up to individuals to determine how they engage with these changes.
“There will always be value in toiling laboriously to reach new levels of understanding,” Garber said. “When you do so, you do more than celebrate the exquisite potential of human beings; you elevate the meaning of your singular existence.” He reflected on historical concerns about technology by referencing a 1903 opinion piece from the Pittsburgh Gazette, which worried that balloons could allow tourists to ascend mountains without effort. Drawing a parallel to today’s rapid access to information through AI, Garber said, “We live today in an age of balloons, gaining perspectives in fractions of seconds rather than tens of minutes, dispensing with the toil of the climb in favor of the ease of flight.”
Garber also noted that while some discoveries may only be possible with advanced tools like artificial intelligence, there are still achievements worth pursuing through personal endeavor. “You alone will have to determine what it is that you want to know, which knowledge you are not willing to relinquish for the promise of push-button omniscience,” he said. “Effort still matters.”
The Baccalaureate Service continued Harvard’s tradition dating back to its first Commencement in 1642 and included readings from various religious traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Salish spirituality. Rev. Matthew Ichihashi Potts told graduates, “If you are here today, it is because you are descended from generations…who have survived deprivations or immigrations or persecutions or liberations just so you could sit here this day…You are your ancestors’ dreams come true.” Rabbi Jason Rubenstein shared his own family story as an example for students becoming inspirations for future generations.
Rev. Monica Sanford reminded students about selflessness drawn from Buddhist teachings: “In their happiness we find our own; for in their freedom we find our freedom.” In closing his remarks to graduates preparing for life beyond Harvard Yard’s gates, Garber urged them “to go forth with eyes open,” wishing them kindness and wisdom as they chart their paths.
