Wise Words
“Dream big. Work hard. Think for yourself. And love everything you love, and every one you love, with all your might.”
~ David McCullough, Jr., English teacher, from his Wellesley High School Commencement Speech
Wise words. Inspiring words. Yet apparently McCullough’s speech to the 2012 graduating class of High School seniors caused a fuss ~ because, in the speech, he told the students that they were “nothing special.” But if you listen (and I recommend that you do), many of you, like I did, will wonder what the controversy was all about.
Are we so coddled and inattentive that we get sidetracked by dissecting the minutia of a few phrases without hearing the full context of truth and wisdom?
Maybe the shame here is that it took the raising of eyebrows to make it to a broader audience. It’s outstanding. Bravo, well done!
If you want more on this, there’s a great editorial write-up about this video here.
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chris norman
June 13, 2012 at 9:58 amThe state motto of North Carolina is: Esse cum videri- it is better to be than to seem. Alas, I believe the wise persons who made this the motto fore-saw the tendency of the population (everywhere) to strut and pose rather than strive and produce. This speech captures that truth and should be required viewing/reading as we seek to revive our economy, our culture, and our moral center. Not a bad “fire up” speech for all of us, every day, either!
saxtonstudio
June 13, 2012 at 10:18 amYou are so right. Agreed, and well said, Chris!