Maeda's SIMPLICITY

Reboot

A week ago we celebrated commencement here at MIT. One of the advantages of being a faculty person here is that you get a great view from the podium.

Like most institutions, it is difficult to get faculty to go to commencement. There's no explicit incentive system really. And it's pretty hot sitting there. I have gone every year since I've been here, and every year I wonder why I still come back.

The rules are very clear. For instance there's the one, "No faculty member is allowed to go up to the railing and shake students' hands." I recall the year we had Bill Clinton (while he was President) give the commencement speech. We as faculty were told to not move at all while he was speaking, otherwise we might get taken out by the snipers watching from the roofs. I didn't move one bit and followed that order to the tee. But the rule about not going to shake students' hands -- I think that's a bit ridiculous. We all break it of course.

And it's that moment when I shake the hand of a student that oddly believes I've had even some minor impact in his or her getting to this point in their career when they've achieved an MIT degree -- I feel it's all worthwhile. Sitting in the hot sun. Attending boring (and the occasionally spirited) faculty meetings and so forth. It all seems worthwhile. That something good has been done, that will result in more good in the world. Okay, I think I've convinced myself to go back next year. See you in June 2008.