An 83-Year-Old Hollywood Legend Just Shut Down the Baby Boomer Generation
Harrison Ford is the biggest movie star of his generation. Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Blade Runner, and the Jack Ryan-centered films Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger. His longevity in the industry is even more impressive. He's transitioned to TV roles in his 80s, currently starring in the Apple TV+ comedy Shrinking.
Ford's 60-year career has given him a unique perspective on the world around him. He gave some of his wisdom to this year's graduating class at Arizona State University, and in the process, he shut down some of the atrocities of the baby boomer generation, especially as they relate to the state of the environment.
"Humanity is a part of nature, not above it," Ford stated. He then talked about the battle for environmental change and how indigenous people have fought for the world in an inspiring manner. "These communities have long understood that the trees, the mountain, water, soil are not commodities, they are relatives to be cherished.
Harrison Ford: "Humanity is a part of nature, not above it. We need cultural change. We need to extend social justice. We need to respect and elevate the indigenous people that are being marginalized, and in many cases, killed in cold blood. The world you're stepping into, the… pic.twitter.com/emkXBzmVpZ
— Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) May 14, 2026
"We can all play a role by embracing that wisdom in our day-to-day lives, by loving the planet, by honoring nature's authority, her generosity, the bounty she affords us, the justice of her example," he said. "Because the world you're stepping into, the world my generation left you is a real mess."
Ford has been an advocate for protecting the world's resources and bringing awareness to environmental issues for decades. He didn't solely focus on just that subject, though. His words to the class were for young people who don't believe they have the power to enjoy their existence on this planet, especially with all of the contemporary upheaval.
"Find a place for yourself," Ford pleaded with the students. "Whatever talent or ambition you have, find some way to put it to work. Build something that didn't exist yesterday. Stand up for someone who can't stand up for themselves. Bring people together that weren't talking before. That's leadership. That's what moves the needle.
"Your generation has far more power than you may realize. And if you harness that power, if you find your leadership, your issues, your voice, the world will not be able to ignore you."
Ford then made a call to action for the graduates to live in the present and make sure they don't regret their lives decades from now. "This is your time. Own it. Enjoy every second of it. Because what could be worse than getting to the end of your life and realizing that you haven't fully lived it. Congratulations. Go change the world."
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 10:18 PM.