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A Call to Embrace Uncertainty: Ben Sherwood's Commencement Address

On May 17, 2026, Ben Sherwood, the renowned CEO and publisher of The Daily Beast, delivered a thought-provoking commencement speech to the master’s and doctoral degree candidates at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). As graduates stepped into a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, Sherwood urged them to embrace uncertainty and maintain a sense of human connection in their lifelong journey.

The Challenge of AI

Sherwood began his address by acknowledging the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on our lives and professions. “You are graduating into a world transformed by AI. Machines now replicate tasks like writing essays and composing music, yet there’s one essential thing they cannot do: live a human life,” he remarked. This statement resonated deeply, offering a clear contrast between the capabilities of machines and the nuanced experiences of humanity.

He stressed that while technology can generate answers rapidly, it is the journey through questions that defines the human experience. “Machines generate answers. You get to live your way into one,” he added, highlighting the importance of navigating uncertainties with curiosity rather than seeking easy solutions.

Navigating Life's Questions

As he spoke, Sherwood encouraged graduates to frame ambiguity not as a challenge to avoid but as an integral part of the human experience. He reflected on his own life, sharing insights from his journey through journalism, executive leadership, and personal loss. He emphasized that the moments perceived as detours in one’s journey often reveal valuable lessons and connections.

“The people you held onto were the point. The questions you lived your way into were the answers,” he said, underscoring the vital role of relationships in shaping our understanding of life’s complexities. Sherwood’s message was clear: fostering human connections is not just beneficial—it is essential for survival in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven environment.

The Importance of Purpose

Rooted in LMU's long-standing beliefs, Sherwood reflected on the university’s mission since its establishment in 1911: to equip students with a sense of purpose and a connection to something greater than themselves. He passionately conveyed that every significant answer in life invariably leads back to other people.

As he concluded his remarks, he urged the graduates to proactively seek out friendships and embrace learning. “Make a lot of friends, learn a lot of things, and live the questions,” he advised, leaving the graduates with an empowering call to action as they move forward into their futures.

A Legacy of Leadership

Ben Sherwood’s accomplishments extend far beyond his recent address to LMU graduates. He has served as a strategic partner to media mogul Barry Diller and held prominent positions at Disney Media Networks and Disney ABC Television Group. As the former CEO of MOJO, he has aimed to make youth sports more accessible, illustrating his commitment to community and education.

Sherwood’s career trajectory, starting from journalism and production to holding leadership roles in media, is a testament to his ability to adapt and reinvent himself—qualities he encourages in the new graduates facing an unpredictable world.

The commencement festivities at LMU were multi-faceted, featuring tennis champion Venus Williams as the keynote speaker for the undergraduate ceremony, portraying a broader theme of inspiration and achievement that resonated throughout the weekend. Nearly 3,000 students across various programs participated in this celebratory weekend, marked by hope and new beginnings.

In a world buzzing with technological advancements, Ben Sherwood’s speech serves as a reminder of the enduring power of human connection and the importance of embracing life’s uncertainties. Indeed, as graduates embark on their personal journeys, the lessons learned from Sherwood’s address will likely resonate as they navigate their futures and strive to live with purpose.