I am enthralled with commencement speeches. These are the times when some of the world’s greatest influencers take great care in crafting their best advice for a group of people that the world truly believes in: those who are being entrusted with the keys to the world. Those who are beginning.
So it makes sense to me that commencement speeches are for all of us who are choosing to take the keys and step into the driver’s seat of our lives. After all, if we’re students of freedom, aren’t we always beginning?
Here are my 5 Favorite Commencement Speeches. Advice for starting:
Neil Gaiman – University of the Arts 2012
George Saunders – Syracuse 2013
J.K. Rowling – Harvard 2008
Steve Jobs – Stanford 2005
Jeff Bezos – Princeton 2010
And finally, I leave you with this…
In the comments below, share what you’re starting and how the advice here has encouraged you, or share your best advice for others who are at the beginning of something. I look forward to reading your comments!
Zen Pencils recently illustrated a portion of “Calvin & Hobbs”-creator Bill Watterson’s commencement speech at Kenyon. Brought me to tears! http://zenpencils.com/
So sweet, Leah! I sent it on to a few friends – thank you.
Much Love,
Nisha
Awe… that last video is amazing. Great collection here Nisha! Thanks for this 🙂 x Ritu
Isn’t it? So cute!
Wow, thank you for sharing. I’ve only watched one so far (JK Rowling) and wowza – isn’t it amazing the energy that can happen when we really get in out heart spaces and honour what a profound journey were on?
xoxo
So amazing, Beth. Watch my fave: Neil Gaiman.
As an artist, you will surely appreciate it!
Much Love,
Nisha
I knew the JK Rowling and Steve Jobs one and love these speeches so much. Watched Saunders and Gaiman plus the little boy’s video. He pretty much sums up what everybody’s saying, cute 🙂
I watched the Ted Talk of Jacob Barnett today, it’s not a commencement speech but I feel it has its place in between all of these.
Thanks for the recommendation, Christelle.
I’ll definitely check it out!
Much Love,
Nisha
Nisha,
Thank you for these well timed inspirational videos! How apt all the advice and wisdom is for starting a business!
xo
Totally, Mary Jane!
Glad you’ve enjoyed 🙂
LOVE all things Gaiman and Rowling, even have quotes of both of them on many of my blog collages or FB Pics. Such gorgeous, warm spirits !
I also love Amanda Palmers TED talk …
Have a great day !
Amanda Palmer’s TED talk is awesome!
Totally agreed.
Thanks for reading!
Much Love,
Nisha
I’m starting a food blog that I hope will grow into a career. I just watched the Steve Jobs commencement speech, thank you for the inspiration and motivation!