REFLECTIONS ON TWO ICONIC SPEECHES
History is replete with instances of memorable and inspiring speeches delivered by Kings, Army Generals, Heads of State and the like. Recently, in some free time I had occasion to listen to some iconic speeches — something which I am fond of and had done earlier on many occasions, with the added motive this time of analysing, understanding and dissecting them and imbibing their essence. However, perhaps going against the grain, I propose to refer to two speeches (both of which I had heard several times earlier) and which have left an indelible mark on me — the Sir Donald Bradman Oration delivered by cricketing legend Rahul Dravid in 2011 and the commencement address delivered by the Canadian — American Actor Jim Carrey at the 2014 Graduation of the Maharshi University of Management (MUM), USA.
For those wondering as to what is remarkable in these speeches from icons in their respective, yet diverse, fields well one has to listen to them with a detached mind and internalise and appreciate the underlying thought processes, which specially in the case of Jim Carrey appear somewhat contrarian. Both these efforts are reflective of thought processes bordering on nobility, erudition transcending Everestian heights and intellectual depth of matchless pedigree.
The Sir Donald Bradman Oration delivered by Rahul Dravid in 2011, which incidentally was the first to be delivered by a non Australian cricketer, is reflective of the man himself on the playing filed- clinically researched, methodically presented and masterfully delivered with unprecedented levels of effort, determination and concentration . The dignified demeanour and controlled mannerisms were reflective of his approach to the game of Cricket, which he was so passionate about, and which made him a legend both on and off the field.
Talking about the specifics of his oration, the range is issues covered, although vast, do encapsulate contemporary issues- right from emphasizing the historical and emotional significance of the venue of the Oration, to emphasizing the shared colonial history of India and Australia, to how cricketing contests between the two countries have transformed from being hopelessly one-sided to one of the most watched and riveting contests in contemporary history- the range is vast, thought provoking and profound. The unmistakeable message that Dravid, in the course of his masterful rendition, sends out is the need for athletes in all sporting disciplines to conduct their lives with dignity, integrity, courage and modesty, attributes which are totally compatible with pride, ambition, determination and competitiveness — play the game and compete with extraordinary poise, mixed with unbridled confidence never breaching the written and unwritten code of fair play whether intentionally, unintentionally, mistakenly or even unwittingly, in which context he unabashedly refers to the Don with evidently deep-rooted reverence.
The Oration also lays, somewhat bare Rahul’s thoughts, logically and lucidly on how the game of cricket should develop in future with his views on day-night cricket and his reading of the contribution of all three formats giving the Administrators really appetising food for thought. The thing that I found particularly interesting was his description of the Indian dressing room — a unique example of the Unity that binds the diversified and at times intensely unedifying diversity that is so reflective of Indian society. Indeed, while referring to the dressing room he dwells on the fact of it being a microcosm of Indian society, with at times, as many as fifteen different languages being spoken, what to talk of the cultural divide, and how the language of cricket and the pride of representing the Country makes them communicate on the playing field to prevail (I hate to use the word “demolish” in this context) over the opposition and conjure up records one after the other. All in all a speech worth listening to repeatedly for the message it conveys (my appreciation may be somewhat biased because he is one of my favourite sportsmen but my admiration for him went up several notches when I came to know that it was conceptualized and written by Rahul Dravid himself and not ghost written).
Jim Carrey’s commencement address at the MUM graduation in 2014, is remarkable for the simplicity and lucidity with which it seeks to deliver life’s complex and intricate lessons. Having been an admirer and avid watcher of Jim Carrey’s performances, the address reflects unfathomable depth, intellectual prowess and seriousness of thought coupled with a remarkably thoughtful and deep-rooted personality that lies behind the seemingly carefree, ever-smiling and careless exterior of a comedian. The address delivered in his trademark style, laced with wit and humour is an unmistakable attempt at helping the graduating class to declutter their minds and develop the resilience and fortitude to navigate life’s pathways. While nuggets of wisdom abound in his address, the words that caught my attention were “Life doesn’t happen to you, it happens for you” and the importance of letting each other know that we are here, and constantly reminding each other that we are part of a larger self. Similarly, while he talks of “fear” definitely being a player in our lives, and that we get to decide how much time we spend imagining ghosts or pathways, what is important is what is here and now. Decisions that we make in this moment could be based either on love or fear (invariably disguised as practicality). Choosing our paths out of fear of what we want appearing impossibly out of reach or ridiculous to expect that we dare not ask the universe for it — can only lead to unbridled unhappiness. He encourages the young men and women to rise above their fears and ask the universe for their dreams and, as he very tellingly puts it, if it doesn’t happen for you, the delay is only because the rest of the world is busy fulfilling the order.
Talking about his own life and the lessons learnt from his father he very inspiringly and evocatively puts it — you can fail at what you don’t want, so might as well take a chance at what you love — mirages and dreams have a very uncanny ability to come true, so pursue your passion, dreams and desires and the jigsaw puzzle that is life will ultimately find a solution and unearth ways and means to fulfil them. Jim Carrey’s advice to the Graduating Class — think about “How would you save the world, about what they need that your talent cannot provide- thats all you have to figure out and the effect that you have on others is the most valuable currency there is” — seemingly commonplace and regular teachings but delivered in the most telling, simple and effective words. While each and every word of the entire address is laced with wisdom, effectuated by a deep-rooted and intense thought process, the excerpts that I have highlighted are what have indelibly stuck in my mind.
The speeches discussed are reflective of my personal preferences and I would definitelyrecommend everybody to listen to them from beginning to end- you will not stop in the middle- they are engaging and inspiring . Of course, as I said in the beginning, the list of inspiring speeches is endless- iconic figures spanning all fields and at various stages of human development have invariably used the power of speech effectively to convey their message.
P.S: Please share any particular speech that has inspired you.
