Jim Carrey’s commencement address to the graduating class of 2014 at Maharishi International University of Management is considered “one of the best commencement speeches ever” (Jim Carrey, 2014, n.d.). Since May 30, 2014, when Carrey delivered this speech, it has been used as a motivational and inspirational tool, a guide for personal development, and is frequently quoted in spiritual and philosophical discussions. The speech has even been used in treating alcoholism and drug addiction (Jim Carrey’s Commencement Speech May Help Get You Sober, 2014). It has been reposted across all public viewing mediums in its entirety, and clips and quotes are often used to make specific points.

Jim Carrey’s speech is not a traditional Western commencement address because he is speaking to graduates from Maharishi International University of Management, which describes itself as the “Home of Consciousness-Based Education.” Carrey demonstrates that he knows his audience by including references to the university’s “core abilities”: development of consciousness, health, holistic thinking, creativity, critical thinking, communication, problem solving, teamwork and leadership, and local and global citizenship (“Core Abilities,” n.d.). He also incorporates references to transcendental meditation and ancient Vedic knowledge.

Carrey establishes ethos by sharing that his father could have been a great comedian but didn’t believe it was possible for him. Instead, his father made a conservative choice and got a safe job as an accountant. When Jim was 12 years old, his father was let go from that safe job, and his family had to do whatever they could to survive. Carrey explains that he learned many great lessons from his father, not the least of which was that “you can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.” He provides pathos through one of his larger paintings, explaining that “the painting is big for a reason. It’s called High Visibility. It’s about picking up the light and daring to be seen.” He then describes the tricky part—how everyone is attracted to the light—and introduces symbolic figures: the party host who thinks unconsciousness is bliss, Misery who despises the light, the Queen of Diamonds who needs a King to build her house of cards, and the hollow one who clings and begs not to be left behind. Carrey provides logos with the statement: “Like many of you, I was concerned about going out into the world and doing something bigger than myself, until someone smarter than myself made me realize that there is nothing bigger than myself” (Jim Carrey Maharishi 2014 Commencement Speech Transcript | Rev, n.d.). He explains that if he can become the biggest and best version of himself and see his dreams come to fruition, his audience can too.

Carrey uses comedy throughout his speech, making the audience laugh not only at him but at themselves. This creates an environment that is warm and receptive while he discusses heavier subjects about life. The humor creates balance so that the speech is neither too heavy nor too light. He is embraced by the audience, and his words are taken seriously, with applause throughout as proof that the audience is connecting with him. He uses intonation in a sincere way, making the speech flow naturally as he conveys his thoughts, feelings, and overall message.

The speech’s exigence and overall message is to choose love—of life, oneself, and others—over fear, despite all of the things that can happen in life to hinder true happiness. Carrey uses anaphora by stating “life doesn’t happen to you, it happens for you” at the beginning and again toward the end, which sets the tone and brings the speech to its conclusion. The immediate reception was a standing ovation. The long-term influence is evident in how this speech continues to be shared around the world, in its entirety or through individual quotes, to this day.

James "Jim" Eugene Carrey was born January 17, 1962. He is a Canadian American actor, comedian, children's book author, painter, and political cartoonist.

Maharishi International University Commencement