The best speech ever

But not for those lucky enough to listen to Donovan Livingston, whose delivery of his awe-inspiring poem at Harvard University is going colossally viral online.

Nearly eight million people have now watched the powerful address since a video of his oration was posted to Facebook last week.

Many have even hailed it as the greatest graduation speech ever. The likes of Justin Timberlake and Hillary Clinton have even shared his heartfelt rendition of his own artistry. Those lucky enough to hear the speech live, including Harvard professors, greeted Donovan’s poem with a standing ovation.

He is now a social sciences research assistant at the university, and began his speech quoting educational reformer Horace Mann: “Education then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is a great equaliser of the conditions of men.”

Captivated by Donovan’s compelling prose, a video of his delivery was uploaded by the Harvard Graduate School of Education. They wrote: “One of the most powerful, heartfelt student speeches you will ever hear! Thank you Ed.M. candidate Donovan Livingston for today’s spoken word poetry.”

The video has already been shared over 170,000 times and commenters are unanimously impressed. Jackie Pritchard wrote: “Love love love this! printing and putting it up so my children and I are reminded of this wisdom daily.”

And Bee Keepers simply put: “The next Obama. Great speech.” “Seriously tho, I’m overwhelmed by this outpour of support!! Thank y’all for the love!! And thank you #HGSE for creating the space!!” Tweeted Donovan.