Gratitude

Don't search for defining moments, because they will never come. The moments that define you have already happened, and they will already happen again. And it passes so quickly.

At least I get to pursue what I want. That's something not to take for granted—the actual pursuit of happiness.

Live in the present. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift — that's why it is called the present.

There will be many doors along your path, and behind each of those doors will be things that can change you and your lives. But you will recognize them only if you have embraced a philosophy of appreciating everything that happens to you.

There is compound interest in altruism — the earlier you get started helping others, the more impact you will have over time.

This democracy we have is a precious thing. For all the arguments and all the doubts and all the cynicism that's out there today, we should never forget that as Americans, we enjoy more freedoms and opportunities than citizens in any other nation on Earth.

We were all put on this earth to serve others. Sometimes the more successful you get, people tend to forget that. Don't forget, no matter how successful you become, to serve others.

All of us are here today because somebody helped us. And now it's our job to help others. And that is education, and that is human progress in its simplest form.

What if I told you that you are about to embark on a great adventure, that you will be given all the proper equipment for this adventure — food, clothing, shelter. And what if I told you further that you will have about eight decades to complete this adventure, and that every day you will be able to discover something new along your path.

Let your joy be in your journey, not in some distant goal.

Always remember that the moments we have with friends and family, the chances we have to make a difference in the world — all those wonderful chances that life gives us, life also takes away. It can happen fast, and a whole lot sooner than you think.

You don't need the answers today. Your job is to walk out into the unknown and see what happens. Take your time, learn and enjoy something from each job, layer it on, and then pass it along so others can benefit from your wisdom.