During an Ohio State University commencement ceremony, speaker Chris Pan, a social entrepreneur and investor, delivered a cringe-worthy speech that included peddling Bitcoin and leading the audience in two awkward sing-alongs. Pan admitted that his speech was written with the help of a psychedelic, which he referred to as “AI (Ayahuasca Intelligence).” The unusual and memorable 17-minute speech started with Pan encouraging graduates to stand up and participate in a breathing exercise used by Navy SEALs to remain calm in stressful situations.
Pan then led the audience in a rendition of the 1993 song “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes, as well as a breathing exercise before delving into the topic of cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin. Despite facing a chorus of boos from the audience, Pan continued to promote Bitcoin as a misunderstood asset class, attempting to work through the notable jeers with the audience before performing a magic trick which transformed quarters into Bitcoin. Following the magic trick, Pan offered free bracelets to the crowd as an apology for his Bitcoin discussion.
The Class of 2024 was then led into another musical number, “This Little Light of Mine,” by Pan, who discussed the importance of young adults in healing divisions in the world. Pan later revealed that he had written his commencement speech with the help of ayahuasca, a plant-based psychedelic from South America, which he referred to as “AI.” Pan graduated from Ohio State in 1999 and obtained a master’s degree from Harvard Business School. He is the founder of MyIntent.org, which aims to facilitate meaningful conversations and positive energy through custom-made jewelry.
Despite the bizarre moments in Pan’s speech, the Ohio State University spokesperson declined to comment on the Bitcoin reference, as the university does not approve speaker speeches before the ceremony. In a press release about the keynote address, the university focused on Chris Pan’s encouragement for graduates to set their sights on making a difference in the world. Overall, Pan’s speech at the commencement ceremony was unconventional and polarizing, with its psychedelic-inspired content and promotion of Bitcoin, leaving many college grads unimpressed.
