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Have you heard any commencement speeches that impressed you?
I don't remember who said my highschool or university commencement speeches, and maybe partly it was because I think it's taken me a while to appreciate wisdom given anyway.
I just watched this one by Oprah Whinfrey - which I think she nailed in so many ways!
Her comments reflect not ony intelligence and wisdom, but also spiritual sensitivity.
3 main points...
1. What do you want/who are you?
2. Serve in significant ways.
3. Always do what is right.
Dave & Declan'sDad...
This thread is NOT intended to be a commencement speech for graduation.
I don't remember a thing about any 3 of mine & one of them I didn't even attend.
You know, the "pomp and circumstance" ceremonial "BS" is not required for graduation.
The point of this thread is to collect sources of motivation and inspiration.
And before you rip on me for living my life based on the narrow topic of this thread... there are many sources of inspiration... (regular exercise being the best)... this is just ONE of them.
If you have any good speeches (even if not commencement) that motivate & inspired - please share.
Thank you for sharing some commencement speeches.
As mentioned, I don't remember a thing about my 3 graduation ceremonies - not even who gave the speeches. And when I look at the guys and girls bored, even in the most inspiring commencement speeches, I realize most of the wisdom given is probably more appreciated by the parents & other older adults.
So, this is why I am collecting them here... I can appreciate it more now.
Here's one by Bono.
I respect his efforts and passion in helping those suffering in extreme poverty...
I appreciated Dr. Oz's commencement speech.
He explained that, "Success is moving oneself toward a better understanding of what's important in life.
Happiness is being grateful for what happens along the way.
Optimism is an undervalued commodity. Indeed it is the fuel of human progress.”
He shared a top 10 list of achieving success and happiness...
10. Every day feel productive and challenged in a way tailor made for your unique desires and strengths.
9. Generate an expertise in an area other than the profession in which you earn your living.
8. Develop a system for living your life, meeting challenges and evaluating opportunities. (establish good habits, so you don't have to reinvent the wheel every day)
7. Find a mentor, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and copy their positive attributes. (get out of your comfort zones)
6. Whatever you choose, do it fully with a passion and child-like enthusiasm.
5. No one is a jerk on purpose. Let people surprise you.
4. Recognize relationships need to keep growing and partners should positively influence each other.
3. Never forget that the body is the temple of the soul.
2. Live in the present. Yesterday is history and tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why they call it the present.
1. Make the driving force in your life love, even more than wisdom. Humans die, not of darkness, but of cold.
My favorite is the one by Tribune columnist Mary Schmich, although she never actually gave it to a graduating class. Chicago Tribune
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