Apple CEO Tim Cook returned to his Alma Mater Duke for the commencement speech for the 2018 graduates, and left to a standing ovation.
– A + Tim Cook Duke commencement calls out to Steve Jobs, urges grads to think different
By Mike Wuerthele Sunday, May 13,2018,11:55 am PT (02:55 pm ET) Apple CEO Tim Cook returned to his Alma Mater Duke for the commencement speech for the 2018 graduates, and left to a standing ovation.
Cook addressed many topics, ranging from climate change, Apple’s use of renewable energy, and issued a clarion call to graduates to leave the world better than they found it. Hard to believe it’s been nearly 30 years since I was celebrating with my @DukeU classmates and these lifelong friends. I’m honored to join the #Duke2018 Commencement today! pic.twitter.com/biPQ7taE8S — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) May 13,2018
While not an overt call back to Apple’s late-’90s advertising slogan, Cook still called on graduates to « think different » and not just accept how things are.
« Don’t just accept the world you inherit. Don’t just accept the status quo, » said Cook. « No big challenge has ever been solved, and no lasting improvement has been achieved, unless people dare to try something different. Dare to think different. » Congratulations and thank you to the @DukeU class of 2018! Graduates, be fearless! pic.twitter.com/XeDV9seX0E — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) May 13,2018
As with most of Cook’s speeches, he invoked Steve Jobs, and thanked the Apple founder for his vision.
« I was lucky to learn from someone who believed this deeply. Someone who knew changing the world starts with following a vision, not following a path, » reminisced Cook. « He was my friend, my mentor, Steve Jobs. Steve’s vision was that the great idea comes from a restless refusal to accept things as they are.
« The question we ask ourselves is not what can we do, but what should we do. Because Steve taught us that’s how change happens. And from him I leaned to never be content with the way things are, » said Cook. « I believe this mindset comes naturally to young people —and you should never let go of this restlessness.
