The big face of Facebook was on Thursday, 25th of May honored with a degree (Doctor of Laws) at Harvard. In his address after appreciating the school’s kind gesture he emphasized the need for all to join hands in the making of the world a better place and an improved society. Mark delivered a long speech on purpose and determination before the audience comprising of Board of Overseers, Faculty, Alumni, Friends, Parents, Members of Ad Board, graduates of the university and President Faust.
“I am here to tell you finding your purpose isn’t enough. The challenge for our generation is creating a world where everyone has a sense of purpose,” Mark said. “Purpose is that sense that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves, that we are needed, that we have something better ahead to work for,” he added.
He congratulated the graduating class of 2017, saluting them for accomplishing something he could not. “I am honored to be with you today, let’s face it, you accomplished something I never could. If I get through this speech, it will be the first time I actually finish something at Harvard. Class of 2017, congratulations.”
He also recalled his excitement on the day he launched Facebook from his place in Kirkland House and shared what the feeling was like, to be a founder at that age, with the audience. “I remember the night I launched Facebook from my little dorm in Kirkland House. I went to Noch’s with my friend KX. I remember telling him I was excited to connect the Harvard community, but one day someone would connect the whole world.”
He challenged the audience, identifying the creation of a renewed sense of purpose as a way of moving the society forward. “To keep our society moving forward, we have a generational challenge: to not only create new jobs, but create a renewed sense of purpose,” Mark noted and encouraged the graduating class rise up to it. “Class of 2017, you are graduating into a world that needs purpose. It is up to you to create it,” he urged.
