- Ohio State University’s recent commencement speech by alumnus Chris Pan took an unexpected turn when he promoted Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation.
- Pan’s endorsement of the cryptocurrency was met with mixed reactions, including boos from the audience.
- The university has since distanced itself from Pan’s Bitcoin advocacy, stating they do not approve commencement speeches beforehand.
Chris Pan, a 1999 graduate of Ohio State University, stirred controversy during his commencement speech by promoting Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation, leading to mixed reactions from the audience and the university distancing itself from his views.
Bitcoin Takes Center Stage
Instead of the expected conventional wisdom about navigating careers and life after graduation, Pan’s speech heavily promoted Bitcoin. He urged graduates to invest in the digital currency as a hedge against inflation, stating, “Saving isn’t enough anymore. Inflation’s out of control, that’s why everything costs more! Bitcoin offers a misunderstood asset class. It’s decentralized and finite, meaning no government can just print more at will.”
University Clarifies Stance On Bitcoin
Ohio State University was quick to distance itself from Pan’s Bitcoin advocacy. A university spokesperson clarified that they do not approve commencement speeches beforehand. The university’s official write-up of the ceremony omitted any mention of cryptocurrency, focusing instead on Pan’s message of civility and social responsibility.
Psychedelic Inspiration Or Publicity Stunt?
Pan’s use of ayahuasca, a powerful psychedelic drug, to craft the speech added another layer of eccentricity to the situation. Some might dismiss it as a publicity stunt, while others wondered about the impact of such mind-altering substances on the speech’s content.
Unorthodox Methods, Unconventional Message
Regardless of the inspiration, Pan’s core message about overcoming fear and embracing new mindsets resonated with some. He highlighted common barriers to investing – fear, laziness, and closed-mindedness – urging graduates to break free from these limitations.
Pan’s Diverse Background
Pan’s biography offers a glimpse into his unconventional approach. A self-described “social entrepreneur, musician, and inspirational speaker,” his career path has spanned prestigious firms like McKinsey & Company and PepsiCo, along with stints at Facebook and his current venture, MyIntent, a company that creates custom-message bracelets. This eclectic background might explain his willingness to break the mold with his commencement speech.
Conclusion
The fallout from Pan’s speech continues. Whether his use of ayahuasca was a genuine creative outlet or a publicity stunt remains unclear. The university’s attempt to distance itself from the Bitcoin promotion raises questions about the control they have over commencement speeches. Ultimately, Chris Pan’s unorthodox commencement speech will likely be remembered more for the controversy it sparked than for any pearls of wisdom it offered.
