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The future is not a spectator sport. Each one of us has a role to play in shaping it.

Albert Arnold Gore Jr.

2017 commencement address at the University of Pennsylvania · Gecheckt op 28 februari 2026
The future is not a spectator sport. Each one of us has a role to play in shaping it.

Analyse

The statement aligns with Gore’s long-standing advocacy for civic engagement and climate action, themes he emphasized during the speech. Transcripts and media coverage (e.g., *The Philadelphia Inquirer*, UPenn’s official records) confirm the quote’s accuracy. No credible evidence suggests misattribution or fabrication. The phrasing is consistent with Gore’s rhetorical style in other addresses (e.g., TED Talks, *An Inconvenient Truth* follow-ups).

Achtergrond

Al Gore, former U.S. Vice President and environmental activist, delivered the 2017 commencement address at the University of Pennsylvania on May 15, 2017. His speech focused on climate change, democracy, and individual responsibility—recurring topics in his post-political career. The quote reflects his call-to-action approach, urging graduates to participate actively in solving global challenges.

Samenvatting verdict

Al Gore did say this in his 2017 UPenn commencement speech, and the quote is accurately attributed to him in context.

Geraadpleegde bronnen

— University of Pennsylvania. (2017, May 15). *2017 Commencement Speech by Al Gore* [Transcript]. Penn Today. https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/al-gore-2017-commencement-speaker
— Saffron, J. (2017, May 15). *Al Gore to Penn grads: ‘The future is not a spectator sport’*. The Philadelphia Inquirer. https://www.inquirer.com/philly/education/al-gore-penn-commencement-speech-20170515.html
— C-SPAN. (2017, May 15). *Vice President Al Gore at University of Pennsylvania Commencement* [Video]. https://www.c-span.org/video/?428350-1/vice-president-al-gore-university-pennsylvania-commencement