Summary

In "Very Good Lives," J.K. Rowling delivers a profoundly moving and insightful commencement address, reflecting on the benefits of failure and the crucial importance of imagination. Speaking to the graduates of Harvard University, Rowling shares personal anecdotes and life lessons gleaned from her own experiences, both before and after her success with the Harry Potter series.

Rowling candidly recounts her struggles with balancing personal ambition and familial expectations. She discusses her parents' pragmatic concerns about her career aspirations and her own initial fear of poverty, which led her to compromise on her academic pursuits. However, she ultimately followed her passion for writing, a decision that shaped her future.

The author emphasizes that failure, though painful, can be a catalyst for growth and self-discovery. Rowling details her own experience of hitting rock bottom after a short-lived marriage and professional setbacks. It was through this adversity that she found the determination to focus on what truly mattered to her: writing. This experience taught her resilience and the importance of inner security, qualities more valuable than any academic qualification.

Beyond personal resilience, Rowling champions the power of imagination as a force for empathy and social change. Drawing from her time working at Amnesty International, she illustrates how imagination enables us to understand and connect with the experiences of others, especially those suffering under oppressive regimes. She argues that the ability to empathize is essential for combating apathy and enabling collective action to alleviate suffering.

Rowling challenges the graduates to use their unique status and influence to advocate for those without a voice. She encourages them to consider the global impact of their choices and to embrace their responsibility to create a more just and compassionate world. Ultimately, she conveys a message of hope and empowerment, reminding the audience that they possess the inherent power to imagine and enact positive change.

She concludes by reflecting on the importance of lifelong friendships and sharing Seneca's wisdom on the value of a good life over a long one, wishing the graduates "very good lives" filled with purpose, empathy, and meaningful connections.