Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Natalie Portman tells Harvard graduates: 'Accept your lack of knowledge'

The actress, director and science major graduated from Harvard in 2003

Jenn Selby
Thursday 28 May 2015 06:20 EDT
Comments
Natalie Portman arriving at the Premiere of Thor: The Dark World in London
Natalie Portman arriving at the Premiere of Thor: The Dark World in London (PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

From Ian McEwan’s stirring speech on freedom of expression to Robert De Niro’s rather more terse “you’re f**ked”, household names have been delivering pearls of wisdom to universities the length and breadth of the US.

This week, it was Havard alumni Natalie Portman’s turn to bestow graduates with some sage advice.

Citing her work in Black Swan, for which she won an Oscar, she said that not have taken the role had she known how “woefully underprepared” she would be to perform the ballet moves for the film. She also wouldn’t have met now-husband Benjamin Millepied, who was her choreographer on the set.

“The point is, if I had known my own limitations I never would have taken the risk,” she said. “And the risk led to one of my greatest personal and professional achievements.”

“Make use of the fact that you don’t doubt yourself too much right now because, as we get older, we get more realistic.

“Accept your lack of knowledge and use it as your asset.”

Portman graduated from Harvard in 2003. Her address to college seni0rs was part of a day of scheduled speeches and award presentations.

Last year, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg delivered the keynote speech.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in