Key Takeaways
- Conan O’Brien used humor to address growing concerns about AI and graduate employment.
- The comedian criticized legal and political disputes involving Harvard and the Trump administration.
- O’Brien urged graduates to prioritize humility, empathy, and community over prestige and personal achievement.
Comedian and television host Conan O’Brien mixed humor, criticism of artificial intelligence, and commentary on higher education during Harvard University’s commencement ceremony, drawing laughter and applause from graduates while addressing concerns about technology, politics, and career uncertainty.
Conan O’Brien Uses Humor to Address AI Concerns
O’Brien, a Harvard alumnus who graduated in 1985, served as the principal speaker for the university’s 375th graduating class. His remarks came amid growing debate over artificial intelligence on college campuses and in the workplace.
“Despite your fears, trust me when I say AI cannot replace you,” O’Brien told graduates. “It’ll be too busy replacing those creeps from Princeton.” The joke drew laughter from the audience and continued a theme that appeared throughout his speech.
He also joked that Harvard professors can detect student use of AI because they rely on “sophisticated AI software” to grade papers. The comments came after several commencement speakers nationwide faced criticism from students when discussing artificial intelligence and its future impact.
Speaker Targets Lawsuits and Policy Disputes
Conan O’Brien also referenced ongoing legal disputes involving Harvard and the Trump administration. The administration sued the university in March, alleging it failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students from antisemitism on campus. Harvard has asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit.
Keeping the tone light, O’Brien joked that he was suing Harvard over his former dormitory accommodations and other grievances from his student days.
“Harvard, I’ll see your a** in court!” he said. He added that he believed his claims would have “more merit” than those filed by the president. The remarks drew strong reactions from graduates attending the ceremony.
The comedian also received applause after defending the contributions of international students. Referencing efforts to restrict foreign student enrollment, O’Brien sarcastically asked what foreigners had contributed to American culture before listing achievements in fields including science, art, literature, and cuisine.
Graduates Hear Message on Humility and Community
Beyond the jokes, Conan O’Brien encouraged graduates to value humility, adaptability and community. He spoke about lessons learned during his years at Harvard, where he served as president of the Harvard Lampoon, the university’s historic humor publication.
“We are living through a period of extreme narcissism,” O’Brien said, urging students to resist self-centered thinking and focus on empathy. He also criticized social media algorithms that encourage people to place themselves at the center of attention.
In his closing remarks, O’Brien encouraged graduates not to define themselves solely by their Harvard degrees.
“My wish for you is not that Harvard becomes the last thing people know about you, but instead that Harvard becomes the least important thing people know about you,” he said. “Your greatness comes from the mess around you, not despite it.”
Conan O’Brien, known for hosting “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and for his podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” received a warm reception throughout the ceremony as graduates celebrated the conclusion of the academic year.
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