Steve Carell thinks young people are missing an important life lesson: Romantic rejection is good for you.
The “Office” star told Princeton grads yesterday that today’s youth are worse off because they can be dumped via e-mail, Facebook and text message.
In-person rejection provides “the humiliation and self-loathing a young man or woman needs for growth,” Carell cracked.
“My point is,” he said, “I suffered, and you should have to suffer, too.”
The “Crazy, Stupid, Love” star, speaking at Princeton University’s pre-commencement ceremony, also offered some real advice.
Students cracked up at Carell’s tongue-in-cheek address, during which he reminded them of the “good old days” before modern technology.
“Have we forgotten the beauty of a handwritten letter, lovingly delivered three to six weeks later? Do we no longer need the encyclopedia — almost 300 pounds of readily accessible knowledge?” Carell asked.
He also shared the results of his early-morning Google search.
“I found lies, conjecture, half-truths … so hurtful, in fact, that I had to take the painful, but necessary, step of un-friending my 86-year-old mother,” Carell said.
Carell urged students to embrace their “analog past,” telling them he purchased a 150-year-old general store a few years ago — and not entirely to save a historical landmark.
“I bought this quaint little anachronism because I wanted people to think I was a really nice guy,” Carell said. “And that’s what we need more of these days: ‘Perceived heroes.’”
He referred to a senior who may be considered a hero — Doug Davis, Princeton’s No. 2 all-time basketball scorer.
“Does Doug Davis strive for excellence selflessly? Or, does he do great things for the recognition, the accolades and the reverence, like a normal human being?” Carell asked.“I can’t answer that, because I don’t know Doug Davis. Doug Davis doesn’t even sound like a real name.”
Carell generally steered clear of clichés during his 15-minute address, but he did end with a few sincere “random thoughts” in lieu of advice.
“Remember that the words ‘regime’ and ‘regimen’ are not interchangeable. When you eat out, tip on the entire check — don’t subtract the tax first,” Carell said. “And don’t take yourself too seriously.”
Several students also spoke during Class Day, which honors the achievements of graduates and honorary class members.
One student ribbed Carell about his decision to leave the highly rated “The Office” television series.
Senior Spencer Gaffney said that after high school, he decided it was time for a change, “but instead of leaving the best show on television to make ‘Dinner for Schmucks,’ I went to Princeton.”
That remark prompted the comedian to stand, confronting Gaffney in mock fury.
Class Day is a Princeton tradition of more than 150 years. Entirely run by students, the ceremony has featured famous speakers since 2001.
The “Office” star told Princeton grads yesterday that today’s youth are worse off because they can be dumped via e-mail, Facebook and text message.
In-person rejection provides “the humiliation and self-loathing a young man or woman needs for growth,” Carell cracked.
“My point is,” he said, “I suffered, and you should have to suffer, too.”
The “Crazy, Stupid, Love” star, speaking at Princeton University’s pre-commencement ceremony, also offered some real advice.
Students cracked up at Carell’s tongue-in-cheek address, during which he reminded them of the “good old days” before modern technology.
“Have we forgotten the beauty of a handwritten letter, lovingly delivered three to six weeks later? Do we no longer need the encyclopedia — almost 300 pounds of readily accessible knowledge?” Carell asked.
He also shared the results of his early-morning Google search.
“I found lies, conjecture, half-truths … so hurtful, in fact, that I had to take the painful, but necessary, step of un-friending my 86-year-old mother,” Carell said.
Carell urged students to embrace their “analog past,” telling them he purchased a 150-year-old general store a few years ago — and not entirely to save a historical landmark.
“I bought this quaint little anachronism because I wanted people to think I was a really nice guy,” Carell said. “And that’s what we need more of these days: ‘Perceived heroes.’”
He referred to a senior who may be considered a hero — Doug Davis, Princeton’s No. 2 all-time basketball scorer.
“Does Doug Davis strive for excellence selflessly? Or, does he do great things for the recognition, the accolades and the reverence, like a normal human being?” Carell asked.“I can’t answer that, because I don’t know Doug Davis. Doug Davis doesn’t even sound like a real name.”
Carell generally steered clear of clichés during his 15-minute address, but he did end with a few sincere “random thoughts” in lieu of advice.
“Remember that the words ‘regime’ and ‘regimen’ are not interchangeable. When you eat out, tip on the entire check — don’t subtract the tax first,” Carell said. “And don’t take yourself too seriously.”
Several students also spoke during Class Day, which honors the achievements of graduates and honorary class members.
One student ribbed Carell about his decision to leave the highly rated “The Office” television series.
Senior Spencer Gaffney said that after high school, he decided it was time for a change, “but instead of leaving the best show on television to make ‘Dinner for Schmucks,’ I went to Princeton.”
That remark prompted the comedian to stand, confronting Gaffney in mock fury.
Class Day is a Princeton tradition of more than 150 years. Entirely run by students, the ceremony has featured famous speakers since 2001.
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