VIDEO: Jim Carrey Receives Honorary Doctorate, Gives Touching Commencement Speech

Emma Watson apparently isn't the only movie star taking the long walk to the graduation podium. Jim Carrey received an honorary doctorate from Iowa's Maharishi University of Management, and in accepting the honor, the star delivered a commencement speech that was equal parts touching and insightful.

"So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality," he told the graduates. "My father could have been a great comedian, but he didn't believe that that was possible for him, and so he made a conservative choice. Instead, he got a safe job as an accountant."

However, as Carrey explains, his father would go on to lose that job, prompting him to do whatever he could to provide for his family and make ends meet. "I learned many great lessons from my father, not the least of which was that you can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love."

Carrey would go on to state that his life's mission has been to free people from worry through his comedy.

"I've often said that I wish people could realize all their dreams and wealth and fame, so that they could see that it's not where they're gonna find their sense of completion," Carrey said, before accepting his honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts Honoris Caus. It's a genuinely moving oratory from a guy who's come a long way not just in the entertainment business, but also in life. His message is one that really ought to be heard by more people. You can check out highlights from the lovely commencement address below:

Credit: KEN WEST/MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT

Via: New York Daily News