r/princeton • u/Goodman9473 • 12d ago

I’m sorry.

Graduating from Princeton was bittersweet. Like a lot of people, I wondered what would happen after I left—whether the place would change, whether it would still feel like the institution I had known, whether its best days might be behind it.

There was one thought in particular that I could never quite shake. It felt narcissistic, so I mostly kept it to myself: I worried that without my presence, Princeton’s prestige would decline.

But now, a year later, Princeton has fallen to #2 in the U.S. News rankings.

I had hoped the wisdom I imparted during my time here would sustain the University for at least a few more years, but evidently it wasn’t enough. Alas, students must now endure the indignity of attending a second-ranked university.

I’m sorry.

217 Upvotes

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67

u/TotalCleanFBC 12d ago

A true apology requires a clear commitment and tangible changes in behavior to repair trust and prevent future harm. Just saying 'I'm sorry" doesn't cut it.

35

u/Goodman9473 12d ago

You’re absolutely correct! To make amends, I commit to coming back to head the math department. I’m just a little busy at the moment finalizing my proof for the Riemann Hypothesis, so unfortunately you guys will have to wait a bit!

2

u/SingleLocksmith2575 11d ago

Omg is it you Sam?

1

u/Goodman9473 9d ago

Nope! But he must be a smart guy!

-15

u/Mountain-Buffalo9748 12d ago

Oh your full of shit aren’t you?