Paul Scofield, as Sir Thomas More

Yes, I’d give the devil benefit of the law...

March 4th, 1966

A Man for All Seasons

filed under:

Saving Democracy

Peace Gatherings

Talks

Yes, I’d give the devil benefit of the law...

What We Wish to Become

Dr. E. O. Wilson

Commencement Speeches

We are alive for a reason.

Claire Dubuois

Talks

Truth and Indifference

Tom Hanks

Commencement Speeches

Introduction to our commencement archive and top ten speeches.

29 commencement speakers

Commencement Speeches

Democracy doesn't recognize east or west; democracy is simply people's will. Therefore, I do not acknowledge that there are various models of democracy; there is just democracy itself.

Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian political activist, lawyer, a former judge and human rights activist and founder of the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran. In 2003, Ebadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her significant and pioneering efforts for democracy and human rights, especially women's, children's and refugee rights. She was the first Iranian and the first Muslim woman to receive the prize.