“There’s no better use of a day than learning something new.” These words encapsulate the driving force behind Hank Green’s philosophy on life. Ahead of his address at MIT’s 2025 Commencement, Green, a prolific YouTuber and science communicator, shared his thoughts on the essence of curiosity, the evolving challenges of communication, and the human connection.
The Everlasting Dance of Curiosity
Green’s love for exploration and learning echoes the sentiments of MIT President Sally Kornbluth. As Green explained, “I feel like everybody is like that.” Whether it’s his son’s interest in dark matter or his quest to understand the unknown, curiosity remains his guiding star. Nurturing that curiosity, Green notes, is less about cultivation and more about orientation. “It’s easy to orient my curiosity toward what would make me the most money,” Green confesses, yet for him, aligning curiosity with values is paramount.
Communicating Science in a Rapidly Changing World
Green’s journey through the maze of science communication is a testament to adaptability. Reflecting on the rise of platforms like TikTok, he recalls his initial skepticism: “You can’t do science communication in a minute.” Yet, witnessing friends creatively explain vaccines in short videos changed his perspective, demonstrating that impactful communication transcends format.
The Human Element at the Core of Innovation
In his Commencement address, Green delves into the role of power and technology in shaping our future. He describes this era as a “super-weird moment” akin to the nuclear age, where the rapid advances in biotechnology and AI present unprecedented challenges and opportunities. However, the heart of his message is the enduring human touch. Green argues, “At the root, the base, we do it for people.” The pursuit of humanity’s progress is, at its core, about building meaningful connections.
Hank Green’s Vision for the Future
Green’s words are a clarion call to never lose sight of why we innovate. As technology continues to evolve, the essence of what makes us human—our capacity for meaning and connection—gains even greater importance. In a world where machines may eclipse human abilities, Green asserts our unique “monopoly on meaning,” urging us to “orient toward people” in all that we create.
According to MIT News, Hank Green’s insights mirror a universal truth: our journey into the unknown is not just about discovery but about enriching the human experience. In this race towards the future, may we always remember the people we run for.
