Gov. JB Pritzker says the smartest people are the kindest. Are you one of them? In his 2023 Northwestern commencement speech, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker shared a powerful message: true success isn’t just about what you know, but how you treat others. He emphasized that to rise above primal instincts like fear and judgment, we must choose empathy over cruelty. In a world where cruelty is often seen as a tool for power, Pritzker reminded graduates that kindness is the real mark of intelligence. The kindest person in the room is often the smartest because they’ve transcended their fears and biases, thinking with creativity and compassion. This isn’t just a message for graduates — it’s a call for all of us to evolve toward a future defined by empathy. #Commencement #Graduation #Kindness #Compassion