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.
