Arnold Schwarzenegger Gives 'Epic' Graduation Speech: 'I'm Not Going To Bull---t You'

Arnold Schwarzenegger has delivered some brutally honest advice for the class of 2020.

The former California governor and A-list actor gave his salutatory address via ATTN. Schwarzenegger’s graduation remarks were dedicated to all graduating students who couldn’t attend their own in-person ceremonies due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, TMZ reported.

In his commencement speech, the 72-year-old actor began by congratulating the graduating class of 2020 and then proceeded to get real with his audience.

“I’m not going to stand here and bull---t you about this being a fantastic time to graduate,” Schwarzenegger quipped, before adding that he recently participated in his son’s Christopher’s University of Michigan graduation via Zoom.

The ex-bodybuilder then acknowledged that though a virtual graduation ceremony was not what anyone would have wanted, the world is currently undergoing a crisis and tapped how the coronavirus was “unbelievable.”

“But no matter how much damage this coronavirus does around the globe, let me be clear— the coronavirus can’t erase your success,” Schwarzenegger remarked.

The former California governor then continued to share his uplifting message, encouraging students to reflect on the journey that they have made while looking forward to what’s to come in the future.

Schwarzenegger backed up the powerful salutatory remarks when he recalled his emergency open-heart surgery. The “Terminator” star compared his unfortunate experience with the world’s current pandemic, harking back to when his procedure almost rendered him lifeless.

With only four months left before he was set to shoot his most recent film franchise, “Terminator 6,” Schwarzenegger said that his recovery post-surgery was an enlightening process albeit a laborious one. He emphasized that having a “vision” helped him get around his endeavor and made him able to do his movie.

“The reason I’m telling you all this is because life will throw obstacles in your path like it was with my heart surgery,” the former Mr. Universe said in the video. “Or like with your graduation now.”

For the 72-year-old actor, the virus may not be the last obstacle that people will face, but it will definitely mold and prepare them for the next. He continued by underscoring the importance of “having a very clear vision,” urging young people to remain driven and inventive for what’s ahead.

Schwarzenegger concluded his speech by stating that “a disaster can change what you are” and “force you inside,” but it is who people are that will “rise in the face of adversity.”

From the words of the actor himself—it may be the end of a particular chapter, but it is only the “beginning of the next climb.”