Speech
2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University
Mark Zuckerberg returns to Harvard, where he started Facebook, to argue that finding your purpose is not enough: our generation's challenge is to create a world where everyone has one. He draws on his own hardest moment as a leader and on three ways to build purpose: big shared projects, the freedom to try and fail, and community.
The recording
Video from Harvard University, the original recording. Open on YouTube. Published text (Harvard Gazette, Harvard University). Harvard published the speech as written, so the words as delivered can differ slightly.
Quotes, in order
Each quote links to the moment it is said. A Verified source label means the words were checked against the recording; other quotes are the widely published wording of a passage, which can differ slightly from what was said.
The challenge for our generation is creating a world where everyone has a sense of purpose.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 5:50 · Harvard University on YouTube
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.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 6:14 · Harvard University on YouTube
A change in the world that seems so clear you're sure someone else will do it. But they won't. You will.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 8:21 · Harvard University on YouTube
You see, my hope was never to build a company, but to make an impact.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 8:41 · Harvard University on YouTube
I know, you're probably thinking: I don't know how to build a dam, or get a million people involved in anything. But let me tell you a secret: no one does when they begin.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 11:18 · Harvard University on YouTube
Ideas don't come out fully formed. They only become clear as you work on them. You just have to get started.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 11:33 · Harvard University on YouTube
If I had to understand everything about connecting people before I began, I never would have started Facebook.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 11:39 · Harvard University on YouTube
The idea of a single eureka moment is a dangerous lie. It makes us feel inadequate since we haven't had ours. It prevents people with seeds of good ideas from getting started.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 11:54 · Harvard University on YouTube
It's good to be idealistic. But be prepared to be misunderstood. Anyone working on a big vision will get called crazy, even if you end up right.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 12:18 · Harvard University on YouTube
In our society, we often don't do big things because we're so afraid of making mistakes that we ignore all the things wrong today if we do nothing.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 12:53 · Harvard University on YouTube
Let's do big things, not only to create progress, but to create purpose.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 14:23 · Harvard University on YouTube
The greatest successes come from having the freedom to fail.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 15:41 · Harvard University on YouTube
We all know we don't succeed just by having a good idea or working hard. We succeed by being lucky too.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 17:04 · Harvard University on YouTube
If we're honest, we all know how much luck we've had.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 17:25 · Harvard University on YouTube
Every generation expands the circle of people we consider "one of us".
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 22:44 · Harvard University on YouTube
Change starts local. Even global changes start small, with people like us.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 27:41 · Harvard University on YouTube
I hope you find the courage to make your life a blessing.
Verified source2017 Commencement Address at Harvard University · Watch at 31:22 · Harvard University on YouTube
The recording is the university's own. We link to and embed it from the university's channel and quote short excerpts.