The real world doesn't reward rule followers the way the educational world does and the real world is not always merit-based. The institutions and organizations we yield to and trust in to support our success, whether they be employers or government, are flawed.
speech graduation independence
Rashida Jones
Harvard University Class Day 2016, 2016
Looking back at my ambition to become a lawyer, it looks less like a plan for the future and more like an alibi for the present.
speech graduation self discovery
Peter Thiel
Hamilton College Commencement 2016, 2016
You're about to embark on careers that will take many of you to companies not yet founded, using devices not yet developed, based on ideas not yet conceived. That is how fast things are moving.
speech graduation innovation
John F. Kerry
Northeastern University Commencement 2016, 2016
Don't be so focused in your plans that you are unwilling to consider the unexpected. The most exciting parts of your life aren't even on your radar screen.
speech graduation growth
Elizabeth Warren
Suffolk University Commencement 2016, 2016
Avoid a life plan. You cannot imagine what will be invented in the future. You cannot imagine the opportunities that will be presented. A life plan will limit your future. Instead, spend your time developing a life philosophy.
speech graduation wisdom
William Foege
Emory University Commencement 2016, 2016
Don't build your life around the expectations of others.
speech graduation independence
Bernard Harris
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Commencement 2015, 2015
Don't always go through the tiny little door that everyone's trying to rush through. Maybe go around the corner and go through the vast gate that no one's taking.
speech graduation independence
Peter Thiel
Stanford University CS Lecture 2015, 2015
Rejection might sting, but my feeling is that it often has very little to do with you.
speech graduation failure
Robert De Niro
NYU Tisch School of the Arts Commencement 2015, 2015
Rejection might sting, but my feeling is that it often has very little to do with you.
speech graduation resilience
Robert De Niro
NYU Tisch School of the Arts Commencement 2015, 2015
Make your decisions in life based on love instead of fear. Let money be the byproduct of following your passion.
speech graduation passion
Peter Hollens
University of Oregon Commencement 2015, 2015
Passion, not profit, should always be your guide.
speech graduation passion
Jimmy Buffett
University of Miami Commencement 2015, 2015
The road to success is a long, winding road that is littered with wreckages of promising careers that crashed and burned. It's not a pretty thing to see talent wasted, it's even sadder to waste it yourself.
speech graduation discipline
Jimmy Buffett
University of Miami Commencement 2015, 2015