IIn June 1978, the legendary Russian novelist and thinker, Aleksandr Solz- henitsyn gave a famous and often quoted commencement address at Harvard University’s 327 graduation. Perhaps the graduates at this prestigious institution were expecting a “feel good” word of congratulations and praise for reaching the goal of completing Harvard’s arduous curriculum. But Solzhenitsyn, a survivor of Joseph Stalin’s gulags and workhouses, and a dissident who spoke out against the Communist party line which gained him exile to the West, imparted to them the hard truth instead, which he presented in Russian and translated as well to the audience. The tall, bearded prophet’s words can be read verbatim today with even more significance for you, dear graduate of 2021.
