I waited a long time out in the world before I gave myself permission to fail. Please don't even bother asking. Don't bother telling the world you are ready. Show it. Do it.
speech graduation courage
Peter Dinklage
Bennington College Commencement 2012, 2012
For kids like me who couldn't articulate what they needed to do, the arts were my way of speaking. For people who may not be able to say exactly what they mean, they can draw it. It's a way of communicating, and if we cut it off then we are more than barbarians, because we know better.
speech graduation arts
Whoopi Goldberg
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Commencement 2011, 2011
Sometimes I'd save them the trouble and raise the questions myself, in my own head, lying awake at night, doubting whether I had what it took to succeed.
speech graduation resilience
Michelle Obama
Spelman College Commencement 2011, 2011
Wealth and fame are an illusion. The only times I've been truly miserable is when I was lying to myself or to others.
speech graduation authenticity
Glenn Beck
Liberty University Commencement 2010, 2010
You can count on yourself. Your self is your best ally. You know who you are, even when sometimes it becomes a little blurry. Just go deeper.
speech graduation self discovery
Patti Smith
Pratt Institute Commencement 2010, 2010
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.
speech graduation mortality
Larry Page
University of Michigan Commencement 2009, 2009
As painful as it is, failure has been my friend. And it can be your friend too.
speech graduation failure
Jarl Mohn
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism Commencement 2009, 2009
Really when I look back on it, I wouldn't change a thing. I mean, it was so important for me to lose everything because I found out what the most important thing is — to be true to yourself.
speech graduation authenticity
Ellen DeGeneres
Tulane University Commencement 2009, 2009
Nearly losing my life made me want to live my life.
speech graduation mortality
Rahm Emanuel
George Washington University Commencement 2009, 2009
Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.
speech graduation failure
J.K. Rowling
Harvard University Commencement 2008, 2008
I had fame and fortune but I was very unhappy. The harder I worked, the more famous I got, the bigger the hole in my heart became.
speech graduation authenticity
Chuck Norris
Liberty University Commencement 2008, 2008
It is not the things we do in life that we regret on our deathbed. It is the things we do not.
speech graduation mortality
Randy Pausch
Carnegie Mellon University Commencement 2008, 2008