Rhetorical Analysis Of Commencement Speech - 1092 Words

Commencement Speech Rhetorical Analysis Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, a popular face on NOVA documentaries and TV talk shows, is famous for his Morgan Freeman-like chronicles of the universe and all of its intricacies. So it’s no surprise when he is invited to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to give a commencement address to the graduating class of 2015. Dr. Tyson hopes to inspire a new generation of lifelong learners to change the world by discussing a variety of global problems ranging from education and science to politics. Dr. Tyson begins his speech by asserting that a classroom education is immensely distant to that of the real life the graduates are about to enter. After receiving a wave of applause when†¦show more content†¦He first argues that â€Å"science matters† because cavemen had â€Å"clean air, fresh water† and had food that was â€Å"free range† yet they never managed to live past â€Å"thirty-five†. This conjures the image of pollutant-free earth and natural foods but logically proves that human life expectancy only increased because of â€Å"innovation in science and technology†. Thus, Tyson believes that it is necessary to continue researching and improving upon current technology to make a difference in the lives of future humans. He then continues on the subject of scientific innovation by addressing the topic of fossil fuels. He states literally that the sun is a â€Å"limitless source of energy† and then playfully insults supporte rs of fossil fuels by predicting that they will â€Å"move back to the cave† when all the oil runs out. Although this sets a lighthearted tone, it still highlights the symbolism of the cave as an uncivilized state of human history, with no science and therefore no knowledge. Lastly, Dr. Tyson focuses on the bigger picture of scientific inquisition. He introduces a hypothetical situation in which a vendor advertises crystals that will cure sickness if â€Å"you rub them together and dance under them†. But, Tyson asserts that both obliviously buying all the crystals and blatantly rejecting the vendor are â€Å"equally as lazy†. Asking about the â€Å"composition† or the â€Å"scientific studies† done on the crystals in order to draw an informed conclusion actually â€Å"takes effort†Show MoreRelatedRhetorical Analysis Of Steve Jobs Commencement Speech929 Words   |  4 PagesHarmon 1 A Rhetorical Analysis of Steve Jobs Commencement Speech for Stanford Universitys Graduating Class of 2005: Jobs titled his speech Youve got to find what you love. Steve Jobs is best known as an American entrepreneur, inventor and industrial designer. He was the cofounder, chairman and CEO of Apple Inc. and founder, CEO and chairman of Pixar Animation Studios. Jobs and cofounder of Apple Inc. 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Graduation is an important milestone in most people’s life, as they get a degree and move on to their next level, something better and more important, with the hope that they can use their new knowledge to achieve their life goals andRead MoreEssay about Wallace Rhetorical Analysis1393 Words   |  6 PagesA Rhetorical Analysis of â€Å"This is Water† If one were to try to imagine a world without air, then it would certainly be very different than the world as humans know it. Since air is essential to the livelihood of most life on Earth, it could be considered an â€Å"important reality.† In David Foster Wallace’s commencement speech, â€Å"This is Water† to the 2005 graduating class of Kenyon College, Wallace states that â€Å"the most obvious, ubiquitous, important realities are often the ones that are the hardest