More from Arnold Schwarzenegger

Tear down this mirror that makes you always look at yourself and you will be able to look beyond this mirror and see the millions of people that need your help.

AS

Arnold Schwarzenegger

University of Houston Commencement 2017, 2017

18:30

Video starts at 18:30 — the moment this quote was spoken

The Story Behind This Quote

Schwarzenegger attributed this advice to his father-in-law, Sargent Shriver — the man who created the Peace Corps, the Job Corps, and Legal Aid to the poor under the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. Shriver had delivered these words at a Yale commencement speech, and Schwarzenegger said they changed everything for him. Hearing Shriver's call to look beyond self-interest inspired Schwarzenegger to get involved in Special Olympics, become chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness, and launch after-school programs now serving over 100,000 kids across 48 cities. The metaphor of tearing down the mirror — destroying the self-focused lens — became the bridge between his speech's two halves: gratitude for help received and the obligation to help others.

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