Noah Eckstein – “And somewhere along the way, the person sitting across the table stopped being a person and became an obstacle.” A Harvard student is going viral after delivering a powerful commencement speech urging people to reject division and embrace understanding.

“Whenever you meet someone you disagree with, state your case. Yes. Stand up for what you believe. And absolutely, but also ask the other person about their beliefs. Ask them how they got there. Place yourself in their shoes an ask, “Why do I believe this?” Listen like you might be wrong. That is not a weakness or betrayal of your own ideals. That is the hardest and most important thing you can do in a world that is constantly telling you pick a side.”

Read the entire transcript here: https://singjupost.com/noah-ecksteins-senior-english-address-harvard-commencement-2026-transcript/