Trevor Noah Shares Wit and Wisdom in Final Ubben Lecture Series Event

Speaking to a crowd of 3,600 in DePauw University's Neal Fieldhouse on April 30, award-winning comedian and author Trevor Noah brought his signature sense of humor to timely questions of personal identity and cultural meaning. His appearance marked the final event in the Timothy and Sharon Ubben Lecture Series, a beloved university tradition that has hosted world-renowned speakers since 1986.

In a wide-ranging conversation moderated by Jeff Dunn, associate professor of philosophy and Phyllis W. Nicholas Director of the Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics, Noah spoke about his childhood, his career and his perspective on a full spectrum of topics including authenticity, masculinity and the importance of not taking things for granted.

"Humans are good at constantly readjusting our baseline in life," said Noah. "It's why we survive, but it's also why we get bored. One of the most difficult things I do is to remind myself that many of the things I now see as normal are the things that I once wished for. But if I keep adjusting my wishes, it will seem like none of my wishes have come true. This is one of the hardest things we struggle with as humans."

Noah also spoke about his experiences growing up in South Africa and his sense of being an outsider has shaped his story and informed his growth.

"Resist the allure of being inside," Noah said. "There's a trap with being inside that comes from not having to learn, not having to grow, not having to understand. It feels comfortable when you're in it, but what's absent is the friction. I spent most of my life wishing I looked like other kids and sounded like other kids, but when you get on the other side of it, you realize how much of a gift it can be because you're forced to engage."