Commencement speeches are meant to be inspirational farewells for graduating students, filled with wisdom and hope for the future. However, at Ohio State University’s recent ceremony, the selected speaker, Chris Pan, gave a speech that left many puzzled and some even booing.
Pan, a 1999 graduate and entrepreneur, created controversy when he confessed on LinkedIn that he had written the initial draft of his speech under the influence of ayahuasca, a potent psychedelic drug. This disclosure marked just the beginning of the unexpected series of events.
Bitcoin Front and Center
Despite expectations for Pan to share traditional insights on navigating careers and life post-graduation, his speech veered sharply towards the realm of cryptocurrency. Pan, a self-proclaimed Bitcoin enthusiast, fervently advocated for the digital currency as a safeguard against inflation, encouraging graduates to invest.
This endorsement was met with audible disapproval from the audience, which was live-streamed by the university.
“Merely saving isn’t sufficient anymore,” Pan proclaimed. “Inflation is spiraling out of control, leading to increased prices! Bitcoin represents a misunderstood asset class. It’s decentralized and limited in quantity, meaning no government can arbitrarily produce more.”
Chris Pan, right, discusses Bitcoin in his commencement speech alongside Ohio State President Ted Carter. Photo credit: Ohio State University.
University Position on Bitcoin Clarified
Ohio State University promptly distanced itself from Pan’s Bitcoin advocacy. A university representative declined to comment on the specific content but emphasized that they do not approve commencement speeches in advance.
The university’s official recap of the ceremony notably excluded any mention of cryptocurrency, instead focusing on Pan’s emphasis on civility and social responsibility.
Bitcoin is now trading at $64.192. Chart: TradingView
Ayahuasca Influence or PR Stunt?
Pan’s use of ayahuasca to construct the speech added another layer of peculiarity to the situation. While some may view it as a publicity stunt, others pondered the impact of such mind-altering substances on the speech’s content.
Unconventional Techniques, Unorthodox Message
Irrespective of the inspiration, Pan’s core message about conquering fear and embracing new mindsets struck a chord with some. He highlighted common obstacles to investing – fear, idleness, and closed-mindedness – urging graduates to transcend these barriers.
Pan’s Varied Background
Pan’s background offers insight into his unconventional approach. A self-professed “social entrepreneur, musician, and inspirational speaker,” his career journey has encompassed prestigious establishments like McKinsey & Company and PepsiCo, as well as tenures at Facebook and his current venture, MyIntent, a company that designs custom-message bracelets. This diverse background likely accounts for his readiness to diverge from the norm with his commencement address.
Open Questions
The aftermath of Pan’s speech lingers. Whether his use of ayahuasca was a genuine creative outlet or a publicity stunt remains ambiguous. The university’s attempt to distance itself from the Bitcoin promotion raises queries about the control they exert over commencement speeches.
Ultimately, Chris Pan’s unconventional commencement speech will likely be remembered more for the controversy it incited than for any words of wisdom it offered.
Featured image from Shoshana Gordon/Axios, chart from TradingView
