‘Effort still matters’ in age of AI, Garber tells grads — Harvard Gazette
‘Effort still matters’ in age of AI, Garber tells grads — Harvard Gazette
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2026/05/effort-still-matters-in-age-of-ai-garber-tells-grads/
Publish Date: 2026-05-26 18:11:00
Source Domain: news.harvard.edu
Here are six key points summarizing the article about Harvard’s 375th Commencement and President Alan Garber’s Baccalaureate address:
* The rapid rise of artificial intelligence coincided with the Class of 2026’s undergraduate years bringing anxieties alongside advancements.
* President Alan Garber emphasized the value of laboriously reaching new understandings, asserting that effort matters and the pursuit of knowledge should not be abandoned for instant AI-generated answers.
* Garber illustrated historical parallels, noting how people in the past had concerns when a new technology made something possible with little effort but still found value in the difficult journey.
* The Baccalaureate Service included readings and prayers from diverse faith traditions, highlighting the multicultural backgrounds of the graduating class.
* Faculty members spoke about the responsibility each graduate has to uplift the future generations, reflecting on the sacrifices of ancestors.
* Garber concluded by urging the graduates to find their direction with wisdom and adapt while remaining kind to one another.