Trevor Noah speaks at Princeton University's 2021 Class Day
Author, comedian and ‘The Daily Show’ host Trevor Noah participated in a Q&A with seniors for Princeton's virtual 2021 Class Day ceremony. Class Day co-chairs Morgan Smith '21, Kamya Yadav '21 and Michael Wang '21 not only spoke to Noah about comedy and the pandemic's lessons but also inducted Noah as an honorary member of the Class of 2021.
On May 15, Emmy Award-winning talk show host and comedian Trevor Noah spoke to Princeton University graduates for Class Day, an annual event organized by senior class members that takes place one day before the commencement ceremony.
In a Q&A session with Class Day co-chairs Michael Wang, Morgan Smith and Kamya Yadav, Noah spoke about his journey to becoming a comedian as well as the lessons he’s learned about risk-taking throughout his career.
“Number one, not all risks are worth taking,” he told the students, while emphasizing that some risk will require you to think about the impact your decision could have on not only you, but those around you.
For example, Noah explained that as a comedian, if he’s trying to tell a joke that may come off the wrong way, then he will spend more time cleaning up what he likes to call “the target of the joke” in order to “minimize the risk.”
“What I do know is comedy, not just professional comedy but even between human beings, interpersonal comedy, is all contextual,” he says. “You can say something Morgan to your friends that a stranger could never say to you because you have the context of your friendship.”
In today’s social media age, Noah urged students to understand how easy it is for the context of a conversation to get lost, making it even more important to be mindful of how their words or actions might impact others.
“And so when I look at risk, I try and mitigate as much as I can that happening because...I don’t have time to offend people,” he says. “I’m not even trying to. I don’t benefit anything from that.”
Noah also spoke to the students about his hope for the future as he reflected on the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had this past year.
“I hope that after this we have a little more compassion in going like, ’Wow, you’re unemployed. I know what it’s like to be unemployed because coronavirus made me unemployed,” he said. “Or, ‘Wow, you’re sick or disabled. I understand these things a little bit more because temporarily I experienced these same statuses.’”
Moving forward, he said he hopes that everyone operates “with a certain sense of compassion” because one of his fears, “especially for America, is that coronavirus will merely become a blip on the radar where people learn nothing from it.”
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Trevor Noah speaks at Princeton University's 2021 Class Day
Пікірлер: 677
Trevor is not simply a comedian. His raw intelligence, his articulation of the issues and his grasp of world affairs, societies is mind boggling. Outstanding work.
@davidajibo
3 жыл бұрын
Couldn't have said it any better. You captured it all.
@1gypsy731
3 жыл бұрын
Agreed but the comedy gets me through it and puts a smile on my face and a sense of humor to go forward through these very tough times.
@funkhouse5936
3 жыл бұрын
I couldn't have said it better Spot on
@doriswashington7299
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, always enjoyed his comments, well read, thanks to his mother and grandmother.
@12Hydrocarbon
3 жыл бұрын
Nuuradiin, you captured it perfectly 🇸🇴
The fact that he memorized their names and actually mentioned them in his responses and examples is just humbling
@ediramaj2208
3 жыл бұрын
O
@akinniyigabriel9845
3 жыл бұрын
That's the simplest thing he can do. This man reads wide and has interviewed lots of remarkable people on/with their work.
You can tell the Class President at the beginning was legit hyped for Trevor to address them. I'd be excited too!!!
@DevSAGurus
3 жыл бұрын
i could hear her voice deep down screaming from that smile
Our South African Hero We’re proud of you Trevor “Mr Noah” Love from beautiful Cape Town 🇿🇦
@habibaali5443
3 жыл бұрын
And Extra love from Ethiopia 🇪🇹 living in Montreal. African luv ❤
@not-even-german4892
3 жыл бұрын
African❤️
@elsandungu5627
3 жыл бұрын
He is one human being who's worked hard to earn his platform and now we all get to appreciate how amazing he is.
@crsingh1565
3 жыл бұрын
yEAH FUCKINnIGAAAA
@lovinglife5476
3 жыл бұрын
Qua ???
Trevor is by far the most fluent English speaker. He is so clear and easy to understand. Do you agree?
@stormyweather8798
3 жыл бұрын
The English bullies made it the first language in Africa.
@nhlakanakhwela1037
3 жыл бұрын
@@stormyweather8798 Africa is 1 huge continent hey, like Australia, Asia etc. It has over 50 countries which were colonised by other different countries. Some countries were colonised by France, Portugal, Holland and many others. Not all African countries have English as their "official" language. So no English was forced in Africa as it is a giant continent and not a country.
@bongephiwazulu6373
3 жыл бұрын
@@nhlakanakhwela1037 mtshele
@nhlakanakhwela1037
3 жыл бұрын
@@bongephiwazulu6373 Laba ba ignorant kabi. Bazenza os'yazi bengazi twa.
@aldobonaso3481
3 жыл бұрын
@@stormyweather8798 Haha that's so ignorant. In South Africa alone we have 11 official languages (only 2 of them of European origin), and not everybody (no matter what ethnicity, black, white, coloured, mixed race, or asian) speaks English as well as Trevor does. And as far as the rest of Africa goes, there are far more fluent French and Portuguese speakers than first language English speakers...
Trevor Noah, a man that hardly need to use curse words to make himself to be heard, he is more than a “comedian”, he speak with empathy, knowledge and always humbled! The son of Patricia 😊 stay that way
@sealyoness
3 жыл бұрын
If you know what to say, you don't have to fall back on expletives.
@ramonareinhold8424
2 жыл бұрын
Amen 👍🏻🇿🇦
@user-hc8co5xz4e
2 жыл бұрын
Indeed, comedy that uses vulgarity turns me off.
I'm always so impressed by Trevor's insights and humbleness. He's wise beyond his years.
@HillTrekkerSarge
3 жыл бұрын
he's a whimpy little queen lol
@francinelaveau5715
3 жыл бұрын
@@HillTrekkerSarge jealous???
@andrewkipkorir8307
3 жыл бұрын
His humility and wisdom stuns me too Thank you Trevor
@allevosyndicate2475
3 жыл бұрын
@@HillTrekkerSarge Okay. And who are you? Exactly.
@gloriatshabalala3619
3 жыл бұрын
This is Patricia's son.
I love how Trevor just chillin talking to Princeton University student with his hoodie. Looks comfortable
@emmarose9466
3 жыл бұрын
The thumbnail threw me off a bit, I was really expecting him to wear a suit but at least it's a Princeton sweatshirt 🤷🏽♀️
@e376342
3 жыл бұрын
The hoodie is labelled Princeton anyways
Trevor Noah is not just any funny comedian. He is very well spoken in various topics and has a great insight in serious subjects as well.
Wow. His closing remark hit me deep... "Don't let the world be the same way as it was when you came into it." Definitely added to my top 5 favorite quotes of all time
@treeeva
3 жыл бұрын
💯% agree. 💯%
Don't let the world be the same as when you entered it. - Trevor Noah.
@tomadams3528
3 жыл бұрын
"Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice umm um ahmm umm umm shame on you again." - George W Bush.
A great and a wise soul, the son of Patricia, a citizen of the world and an inspiring human. Thanks for being around Mr. Noah. May God bless you.
Trevor is an amazing human being. I love seeing how he easily expresses his point of view of the world.
@akinniyigabriel9845
3 жыл бұрын
You're amazing as well - "shooting my shot 😂 " Hope you're even more beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside?
@AnnieWayTrilingirl
Жыл бұрын
Totally agree, amazing
Having seen him talk about growing up South Africa, where he had a difficult childhood; I am grateful that he developed such philosophical humor. He grew well into his shoes, as they say.
Trevor speaks like a philosopher, thoughtful, insightful👌 👏 👍 ❤💯
@conniepayton-nevels2685
3 жыл бұрын
So proud of you Trevor!!!
@ramonareinhold8424
2 жыл бұрын
He was Socrates in a previous life, and yes, I'm psychic
@neilledejongh1290
2 жыл бұрын
@@ramonareinhold8424 what a BOLD STATEMENT Yes his Eloquent but so is alot other celebrities
The man who sets a new standard for comedy and in my prediction will change America. And he’s not even American.
@congodrums01
3 жыл бұрын
Sometimes it takes an outsider with a different view of the world to open people's eyes and bring change. Please stay in our lives Trevor!
@StrangeTerror
3 жыл бұрын
You'd be amazed at how common that actually is. Do you know the last time an "American genius" was actually born and raised in America?
"Comedy is speaking the truth", I really like him
"Home is where my people are" 💕💙❤💓💖♥
"Don't let [the world] be the same way it was before you came into it" - Trevor Noah, 2021
@tomadams3528
3 жыл бұрын
"Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice umm um ahmm ummm umm shame on you again." - George W Bush.2001.
@geniusbillionaireplayboyph7719
3 жыл бұрын
@@tomadams3528 lmao 😂
Trevor, The smartest dude I've ever known. Whenever he opens his mouth there's something new to learn. Thanks so much for all you do. You're a blessing to the world ❤️
@pretisia7
3 жыл бұрын
Exactly
I can listen to him speaking whole day
@jathebest2835
3 жыл бұрын
@@hannetgordon7889 For what?
I can see Mr Noah being emotional there. Thank you for flying the African flag Mr Noah. Africa is proud of you.
@dana.j9062
3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely right and well said!!
@ramonareinhold8424
2 жыл бұрын
Amen 💖🇿🇦🤩👍🏻
These graduates had some really great questions for him. Congratulations class of 2021!
@onicamatidze2679
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Jim no ok p
Trevor is very intelligent and he communicates it so well...
@sheilameyers152
3 жыл бұрын
Right..... he’s a great communicator!
@missangela6720
3 жыл бұрын
It takes an intelligent mind to understand that, Julie :)
He nailed my fear. I appreciate you Trevor. I love the country you came from. It's desperately faulty (like everywhere) but it's oh so beautiful.
To call Trevor Noah a comedian is kind of reductionist. He is a social commentator who makes people laugh and reflect on their attitudes and beliefs
@godswillchijioke1320
3 жыл бұрын
Uhhhh but he makes jokes, so what is he, comedian😂😂😂
@smitas65
3 жыл бұрын
@@godswillchijioke1320 a social commentator with a funny bone
@mariadelosangelesramirezac7764
3 жыл бұрын
So true. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
@godswillchijioke1320
3 жыл бұрын
livewithdignity big grammar😂😂😂
@smitas65
3 жыл бұрын
@@godswillchijioke1320 and apt, I'd like to think. But thanks, I take that as a compliment
"I study hoodlie" I just love Trevor, always a ray of sunshine in my day 🤩
Trevor Noah, I love your heart, humility and compassion for humanity. I definitely relate to your hopes and fears. Keep the good work up
@becauseofreasonslol9476
3 жыл бұрын
The only thing I don't like about him is that he actually interviewed Logan Paul...
I love how diverse the class is at Princeton! so heartwarming to see
Trevor Noah is a super intelligent, humble inspiring speaker...💕⚘🇿🇦
Yes, home is where your people are. Can only confirm.
*'Mr. NOAH' hits different.*
@claudiawoods4382
3 жыл бұрын
@Mavys Zachary - Yes definitely. By any measure Trevor Noah commands that level of respect. I was pleasantly surprized that the entire panel demonstrated the same level of respect towards him. He deserves it.
Fascinated by how he remembers NAMES. It makes it more of a conversation than an interview
@ayoomotola9319
3 жыл бұрын
Mee too!
@ademolaadebanjo1477
3 жыл бұрын
My observation exactly!
@noguruespanol
3 жыл бұрын
Yes He mentioned their names more than once to feel at home and it a more relaxed conversation. Loved it
@annecaulder9495
3 жыл бұрын
That's the sign of a professional.
@claudiawoods4382
3 жыл бұрын
@@noguruespanol - Exactly. That is a basic memory retention technique. Immediately use/repeat new information as quickly as possible to "cement" that knowledge. As someone else has already stated, Trevor Noah is a consummate professional.
He is a precious gift to the world. I love you trevor❤️❤️
The luckiest graduating class.
What a well-deserved induction, congratulations Trevor!
Well, that's it. I'm enrolling into college to study hoodie management and my major will be sweatpants and general hoodie zoom couture.
My man dropping wisdom everywhere 😍
Sounded strange when they said that “Mr. Noah is a comedian”…….Then I realized that, that was because I’d stop seeing him as a “comedian” from a while back ago….after he’d became a world class political commentator…..Better than those on CNN, MSNBC and FOX…..With comedy just being like icing on the cake.
@ayodeler39
3 жыл бұрын
I saw Trevor as a Satirist. Millennials are more familiar with comedy.
@sealyoness
3 жыл бұрын
But he also comments on other things. Intelligent people talk about ideas and can laugh at themselves; regular folk talk about the day and the news; the ignorant talk about each other.
@ramonareinhold8424
2 жыл бұрын
Amen 👍🏻💖🤩🇿🇦
"The way you think the world is,... isn't. It's just how your world is."
@israelayokunnu7974
3 жыл бұрын
Trevor Noah, 2021
Trevor is so intelligent. Very captivating and fascinating listening to...
Trevor’s killing it! C’mon Princeton give this guy an Honorary PHD in Sociology!
@sonicblare
3 жыл бұрын
Not that Trevor don't deserve it but they don't even give it for folks who slog for 8 years or more.
@cecilejoubert7933
3 жыл бұрын
OMG! I wonder if he ever finished school in SA. I doubt it.
@nkosibless2253
3 жыл бұрын
@@cecilejoubert7933 expected from an afrikaners
@noguruespanol
3 жыл бұрын
@@sonicblare in my opinion Trevor doesn't need any honorary degree from any university, cos his wisdom is way beyond his years in this world and his intelligence & being humble can't be simply can't be defined or limited by a honorary degree from an educational institution. He is an institution himself with a positive influence on millions around the globe at almost no cost.
@missangela6720
3 жыл бұрын
He deserves a PhD in 'Loveology'
How can there be any dislikes to this outstanding interview of an amazing human being!!!!!
@alexkwamina596
3 жыл бұрын
You can always expect that from criminal Trump's supporters.
Am I the only one who fell in love with him by the end of the video? 😆 Such a great mind, such a humble person!
I'm a final year University Student in South Africa and this has been really informative 🎓🙏🏽🔥🔥🔥
This man is a genius. Thank you for this video.
This made my cold hearted self cry. Beautiful.
I love Trevor's intellect and his ability to turn interviews into natural flowing conversations.
This was so sweet to watch. Thank you so much Trevor Noah for everything you do and the way you do it.
@jamalboma4990
3 жыл бұрын
He's great at it there is no doubt about it.
@alfabraxton
3 жыл бұрын
Amiya you look beautiful ❤️
@arlenecameron5593
3 жыл бұрын
Trevor,this was wonderful.Bless you for making this a very intellectual and compassionate interview.We need people like you to break down the barriers,and to embrace our humanity no matter who we are..Thanks again.
Outstanding !! I wish he could run for President. He is a precious gift to the world.
@timjanssen6846
3 жыл бұрын
Nah, he's way too good to be a politician. Politicians for the most part are mediocre shills. And yes, he makes me feel better. Not worse or bored or sick. Get my drift?
@tayouriri7415
3 жыл бұрын
Not a politician . .. yes certainly a special gift to the world .
It literally feels like Trevor is being interviewed for a position lol
"Traveling is the antidote to ignorance." Was just thinking, yesterday, and wondering if there is a relationship to being conservative vs being liberal, not as an absolute, but as a factor, of people that live in one place (or mostly one place) their whole lives vs people that have lived in several places throughout the country.
@GuyVinmara
3 жыл бұрын
This will sound very zero-sum, but I feel like conservatives travel to affirm to themselves the lie that they are better than everyone, while liberals travel to affirm to themselves that we are all the same people.
@gggnumber1
3 жыл бұрын
@@GuyVinmara - Sure. Certainly worth thinking about.
@eljoseph4171
2 жыл бұрын
Was just thinking that!
Incredible human being , Trevor Noah
This was so very sweet. Congratulations to all of the graduating class of 2021. 😁
Dr .Trevor Noah yea that title is well deserved,highly talented young man.
TREVOR NOAH Is damn right in factual analysis of Life lessons and surroundings.
Congratulations Trevor! You’ve done all those things! You should be proud. Thank you for educating and inspiring us through laughter! #MrNoah
I suppose one day Trevor Noah will be given nobel peace prize for his actions. Do you guys not think so?
So nice to see Richardson/ Alexander Hall! Great to see Princeton again. Excellent choice of Trevor Noah!
Noah at Princeton, the Class Day. Sweet to watch!
Congratulations Trevor Noah, you’re such an inspiration!! 👏🏽👏🏽
Trevor is gifted and shares that gift with all.
son of Africa winning ....
Trevor, have you received a more praiseworthy, decent, down-to-earth and appropriately crafted introduction?
I absolutely love Trevor! Graduates, terrific and stimulating questions. Trevor, articulate and insightful answers. Kudos guys.
Well, well. What a joy to listen to Trevor at any time. And one correction to the students. Trevor isn't just inspiring to you youngsters. I am 65 and I am deeply inspired by Trevor too. Isn't it strange that through Trevor's "comedy" there is more voice of reason, more common sense than through the politicians in their endless name calling and irrational party bunkering ? And of course he's intelligent, humble .... and lets not forget FUNNY !!!! Great to see for me that he's inspiring young folks too and that there is a chance thats some of the bright faces we have seen today will move on into leadership roles in future society.
@ML-ni1tk
3 жыл бұрын
I'm 22.What wondeful kind words. Thankyou.
@novelistusonthewater
3 жыл бұрын
@@ML-ni1tk My pleasure. You know, the trick is that its all in good education. good education at home, in school and through people like Trevor who can put out the truth in a "timeless" and funny way. Your generation is better and earlier educated than mine ever was. That also leads to being more conscious earlier, and being conscious more early leads to see the truth earlier and easier. And that will lead to a better future for all of us because the truth can never be fully hidden from conscious people. And seeing the truth always leads to the best actions and reactions. People who've listened to Trevor for a while will never be able to fall for idiots (pardon my words) like trump again. Keep learning, keep enjoying life, and of course keep watching Trevor ..... I am sure he's just getting started ;-)
Trevor you will always be the best . I don't fan out on people but I will gladly fan out on you. So relatable!! 😊
Genius. U dont get tired or bored watching/listening to Trevor Noah. A very good African export to the world. Proud of u man. From Ghana 🇬🇭
After Corona let's move forward with compassion... Something i picked up and will spread around... Thank you Trevor "Mr. Noah"
Such a touching definition of home. Not necessarily a physical location but being with loving and supporting people.
I enjoy him more because he is so genuine. Where other comedians who have writers seem to be reading other people’s work. He is very clever.
Congratulations Sir. Thank you for the joy you bring through your comedy. I find Trevor's comedy very informative too
Beautiful! Congratulations Mr Noah! Thank you for sharing your views and for impacting society with your comedy🙏🏽
Simply irreplaceable!!!
Belonging...it's how people make you feel. Thank you for this.
John Oliver > Trever Noah > Stephen Colbert All of them truly amazing though - so glad that Jon Stewart raised his lackeys well lol
I watched it on Princeton's online commencement celebration, as my grandniece was in graduating class. What fun!
So beautifully said. Trevor. I already, many times have felt that with you in your work.
Oh....wow! So much love and respect Trevor sir. 🤗🤗🤗🤗❤🙆♀️🙋♀️🥳
Trevor is pure light, always uplifting, healing with laughter.
We are proud of you, keep doing the best. South Africa Gauteng Jozi
Congrats Trevor! I love your comedy and your hoodies! Congrats to the class of 2021!🎊
On travelling . I wish he would visit Nigeria and Ghana 😂
Very true comedy is about telling the truth which people doesn't want go public with in humorous way.😭
What a beautiful human being, Trevor. 💕
@6jay66
3 жыл бұрын
He's a chump!
He wore the hoodie😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
So true "home" is where we feel in peace. So, there's no place like peace 🍀...
17:55 i appreciate the honest emotion and you deserve every honor remember that Trevor
'World are bigger than your world' and 'no one correct way of doing anything' great thinking and humble way to say that we should not live like a frog who dwells in a well.
The connection made with these bright talented students is wonderful. Thx Trevor
Keep up the positive work Trevor. Stay true to yourself.
@petermugodhi1211
3 жыл бұрын
wow......just wow😯😓
Wow! Thank you so much Trevor 🙏
Wooooo congratulations to all the graduates and Woooooooo trevor noah
@veemaliz5949
3 жыл бұрын
I actually heard that! 😂
@rabeahrasdienruby184
3 жыл бұрын
@@veemaliz5949 me tooo🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇸🇩🇸🇩🇸🇩❤️
Home is where your people are ... wow ! Thank you so much MR Noah.
I love Trevor Noah. He's so intelligent. He inspires me all the time, being an African.
We appreciate you Mr Noah 🙏🏿. Thank you Princeton class if 2021.
This brother of mine from AfricaTrevor Noah is intelligent not just a comedian. The way he explains his points and arrive to conclusion is amazing. I believe he can even get more positions of leadership in other institutions. Keep it up brother.
The class president keeping it all together is incredible. I may not have done as well as she did.
How did the intro host bring me to tears just speaking facts. Man...
Currently binge watching Trevor’s interview. He is so intelligent and well-spoken! Note how he engage with the interviewers by their name..LOVE HIM!!