The graduation ceremony for the 23rd class of the Executive MBA last Friday became a clear statement for freedom, an open society with tolerance and diversity, and a clear rejection of any form of discrimination, racism, misanthropy and misogyny. With their choice of Professor Michel Friedman as their patron, the graduates of the 23rd class were already sending a signal against anti-Semitism, racism, agitation and for a tolerant, strong and open democracy. The speech by the lawyer, philosopher, publicist, author and moderator Author and Presenter, to a forceful appeal for the indispensable defense of our values in the face of current internal and external attacks on our value system. These values are essential for the preservation of our liberal democratic system, freedom, equality and human rights.
Friedman emphasizes that we are fundamentally free to decide on everything we do and do not do, with all the consequences. We live in a time of fundamental change that has nothing in common with the times in which we grew up. The digital revolution has triggered an economic revolution whose changes we cannot yet foresee. This, along with the declaration of war by totalitarian states, calls into question the very foundations of our existence.
In order for us to continue to live in a free and safe world, the commitment, work and efforts of many people who want to continue to live these values are indispensable. The actors now taking action are characterizing a transmission society that has to rebuild the world due to the changed circumstances. A continuation of the work-life balance attitude can mean the downfall of our western affluent societies.
Interdisciplinary collaboration between the sciences, as the cradle of civilization, humanism, the idea of freedom and human rights, can help to find solutions to global challenges. The development of the coronavirus vaccine has highlighted the potential of science when all brains work together worldwide to find a solution. Friedman sees graduates in the enviable position of being able to renegotiate the world. They have the opportunity to influence whether the world will be confrontational or cooperative, a world full of respect or contempt, or a world in which lies determine life and thus power is finally shifted into the hands of unreason, resulting in the death of millions. The goal is to create a world with personal or political freedom in contrast to a world in which a single person dictates to others what they must do.
Friedman emphasized his call to the graduates to take responsibility for the responsibility that comes with their MBA degree with his closing words: “You don’t have to do anything, but you can and may do anything.”
You can find the full speech here.
