Graduation

Recognize that you are the change you seek. You are the great agents of change in the world. You can adapt, you can embrace, you can respond in ways that will better your life and better the life of your society. You cannot ignore them. You cannot fight them. But what you can do is adapt and make the world a better place.

It is likely that human beings will find fulfillment and will be rewarded for the same qualities that they have been rewarded for for 5,000 years. And that is intelligence, hard work, honesty, a sense of character, loyalty to family and friends, and above all love and faith.

The main difference for you, between life yesterday and life tomorrow, is you can go to the bathroom whenever you want. It's a pretty big responsibility, but you've earned it.

Don't forget to follow your dreams — unless your dreams are stupid — like eating all the cake in Arlington.

Things can kill you. So just keep that in mind, you fearless know-it-alls.

Not knowing is just as important, if not more important, because you do not know yet what can't be done.

I've always tried to be that little kid with his hand in the air. It really works to be that naive, to really think you can do anything.

I had to substitute money with creativity and that's what made all the difference. I had to make a movie in a way that broke the traditional mold and learn not to be a slave to tradition.

Being average doesn't mean you can't have an effect on the world.

You don't receive respect, you earn it, and you aren't given opportunity, you fight for it.

You are brilliant, and the earth is hiring. The earth couldn't afford to send any recruiters or limos to your school. It sent you rain, sunsets, ripe cherries, night blooming jasmine, and that unbelievably cute person you are dating. Take the hint.

Do what needs to be done, and check to see if it was impossible only after you are done.