Back in 2009, one of the world’s most famous technology leaders, Larry Page, stood in front of the graduating students of the University of Michigan. As the cofounder of Google, many people expected him to give a typical speech about working hard, never giving up, and putting in endless hours to succeed. But Page surprised everyone with a very unusual piece of advice. With a smile, he told the young graduates, “Technology, and especially the internet, can really help you be lazy.”
This statement shocked many at first. How could one of the most successful people in the world tell students to “be lazy”? But Page was not encouraging people to waste time or avoid responsibilities. What he really meant was that technology should be used as a tool to save time and effort, so that people can achieve bigger goals without wearing themselves out. For him, “being lazy” meant being smart enough to let technology handle repetitive or boring tasks, while humans focus on creativity and innovation.
Larry Page’s own story reflects this idea. In the late 1990s, when he was still a student at Stanford University, he was encouraged by his advisor to “work on the web for a while.” At the time, the internet was starting to grow quickly, and many companies and investors were rushing to be part of it. Page and his friend Sergey Brin decided to work on a project that made information on the internet easier to find. That project eventually became Google, a company that completely changed the way people access knowledge around the world.
During his speech, Page explained his philosophy with a very simple example. He asked, “A group of three people can write software that then millions can use and enjoy. Can three people answer the phone a million times?” The meaning behind this question was clear. Human effort alone has limits. A few people can only do so much when working with their hands or answering calls one by one. But with technology, a small team can create something that serves millions or even billions of people at once. That is the real power of using technology wisely.
This way of thinking has been at the heart of Google’s journey. What started as a small research project in a university dorm room grew into one of the most powerful companies in the world. Today, Google is not just a search engine. It dominates digital advertising, develops artificial intelligence, and has expanded into countless areas of technology. From the moment Google went public in 2004, with shares priced at $85 each, it became clear that Page’s belief in leverage through technology was working. That single decision made the company worth billions of dollars. Now, the parent company Alphabet is valued in trillions and stands among the largest companies in the world.
Page’s message to graduates in 2009 was not just about his company. It was a reminder that the world changes when people think differently. He wanted students to understand that they should not only work hard but also think about how their work can create a larger impact. Instead of focusing on doing the same task again and again, they should build systems, tools, or ideas that multiply their effort. That is what he meant by being “lazy” in a smart way.
Of course, Page’s own wealth is proof of how effective this mindset can be. According to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index, he is now worth around $174 billion. But his advice was not about money alone. It was about the importance of dreams, creativity, and the courage to try new things. He reminded students that timing also matters. Google succeeded not just because of hard work, but also because Page and Brin chose the right moment to build their idea—when the internet was exploding with opportunities.
The idea of working smarter, not just harder, is still relevant today. Even as the technology industry changes, and even as companies like Google face new challenges in artificial intelligence, the lesson remains important. Modern tech leaders, including Google’s current CEO Sundar Pichai, also speak about similar values. Pichai often tells people to embrace discomfort, take risks, and surround themselves with great people. Yet, at the same time, today’s competitive world sometimes pushes employees to work 60-hour weeks. This shows how the balance between smart work and hard work is still something people struggle with.
Despite these pressures, Larry Page’s words continue to inspire. He ended his speech to the graduates with a heartfelt reminder: “Don’t give up on your dreams. The world needs you all.” These words carry deep meaning. They remind us that even though technology can multiply human effort, it is people’s dreams, ideas, and determination that truly change the world.
For today’s graduates and young professionals, the message is simple but powerful. Use technology not as a distraction, but as a tool that helps you reach higher goals. Let machines and software handle the repetitive tasks, while you focus on solving bigger problems. Whether it is creating a new app, writing a piece of software, or starting a business, the lesson is the same—work smart, and let your effort create something that lives beyond you.
Google’s advice from 2009 still matters in 2025 because the world of work is changing faster than ever. With artificial intelligence, automation, and digital tools becoming part of everyday life, the people who know how to use these tools will have a clear advantage. Instead of being afraid of change, Page encourages us to see it as an opportunity. After all, the internet was once a new and uncertain place, but it gave birth to companies like Google that reshaped history.
In the end, Google’s unusual advice about “being lazy” was not really about laziness at all. It was about vision. It was about using your energy wisely, multiplying your impact through technology, and believing in your dreams even when others doubt you. The message reminds us that true success does not always come from working the hardest—it often comes from working the smartest.
