Commencement speeches were invented largely in the belief that outgoing college students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated.

Garry Trudeau’s quote, "Commencement speeches were invented largely in the belief that outgoing college students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated," humorously critiques the traditional practice of commencement speeches. Trudeau suggests that these speeches are often long, tedious, and filled with platitudes, serving as a kind of sedative for graduates. The humor in this quote lies in the idea that after years of rigorous academic study, students are almost in need of a calming moment before they are released into the "real world," filled with uncertainty and challenges.

The origin of the quote likely comes from Trudeau’s satirical perspective on societal norms and expectations. As a political cartoonist and humorist, he often uses irony and humor to point out absurdities in cultural practices. In this case, the tradition of commencement speeches—which are intended to inspire and motivate graduates—can sometimes feel more like a pause before the graduates embark on their next phase, rather than an exciting or uplifting experience.

Trudeau’s statement also touches on the nature of commencement speeches themselves. These speeches are often filled with well-meaning advice and reflective thoughts, but they can come across as overly serious or disconnected from the energy and excitement of graduates on the verge of their futures. By saying that these speeches serve to “sedate” students, Trudeau humorously suggests that they are more about delaying the reality of adult life than actually preparing students for it.

Ultimately, the quote serves as a critique of the conventionality of commencement ceremonies and the way they treat the transition from college to the real world. Trudeau highlights the often humorous contradiction between the excitement of graduating and the serenity (or boredom) induced by the speeches meant to mark the occasion. Through his wit, he suggests that perhaps these speeches are less about inspiration and more about giving graduates a moment to pause before diving into life’s next challenges.