Whedon, Affleck Deliver Commencement Speeches

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Over the weekend, Joss Whedon, Ben Affleck and Stephen Colbert spoke at various college graduations, imparting wisdom -- and humor -- to the class of 2013.


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Affleck, who received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Brown University, was short but sweet in his speech, saying, "This is a spectacular honor for me. Among other things today, in terms of high education, I passed Matt Damon."

Colbert brought his trademark wit to the University of Virginia, bringing out a fake game show-sized paycheck and asking the crowd to follow him on Twitter. Following the jokes, however, Colbert got smart and serious.

But perhaps the most lauded and applauded graduation speech was delivered by Joss Whedon. The Wesleyan alum (he's class of 1987) delivered his address on May 26, talking about contradiction, besting your body's natural state and closed with this perfectly profound quote: "Be all of yourselves. Don't just live. Be that other thing connected to death. Be life. Live all of your life. Understand it, see it, appreciate it. And have fun."

Ben, Stephen and Joss join an illustrious list of amazing graduation orators, from Meryl Streep to Dolly Parton to Amy Poehler. Watch: