“Don’t follow your passion” -Commencement Speech at Columbia University

Ben Horowitz, a top venture capitalist in Silicon Valley, was invited to give a commencement speech this week at Columbia University for the 2015 graduate class of Engineering and Applied Science. He announced, “don’t follow your passion”. What he said might sound unconventional but he listed solid reasons that I think are worth pondering over. First, passions are hard to prioritize. Are you more passionate about video games or K-pops? What about math or engineering? Isn’t asking yourself what you are good at much more clear-cut and easier to answer? Second, passions change over time. You may be passionate about luxury cars at 21 but may not be when you’re 50. Third, you may not excel at your passion. Ben inquired the audience whether they have watched American Idol and reasoned that you may love singing but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should be a professional singer. Above all, he argued finding your passion is very self-centered. What you take out from the world such as money, cars and accolade are in reality much less important than what you can put into the world. What matters is finding what you are good at and whether what you are good at can make a difference in other people’s lives. Collectively, each one of us is capable of making the world a better place to live in. Ben’s point of view on the matter may bring much contention, but it sure will change the way you think about what your passion really is.

-BARJIS