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Motivational Speeches That Stand the Test of Time
Iconic commencement speeches and words of wisdom made immortal in book form.
Published on August 1, 2022
Take My Advice: Letters to the Next Generation from People Who Know a Thing or Two
James L. HarmonIf you’re looking for life advice, don’t take it from us, take it from them — some of the greatest artists, academics, visionaries, novelists, and cultural icons of the 21st century. Simon & Schuster’s collection of letters contains countless nuggets of wisdom for people in all stages of life.
Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning
Leslie Jr, Odom“The path to moments of greatness in your life will be paved, in part, with your spectacular failures,” writes “Hamilton” icon Leslie Odom Jr. in his stirring memoir. In an interview with Shondaland.com, Odom shares that he wrote this book as a kind of commencement speech for all the different ways we graduate in life: from college, as well as into careers, serious relationships, and parenthood. The Broadway star’s words are a motivating reminder that “the work you put in when no one is watching will matter far more than the work you do when the cameras are rolling.”
For Every One
Jason ReynoldsA moving rallying cry for anyone who questions whether they can make their dreams come true. Reynolds, award-winning YA author who made his own creative dreams a reality, offers poetic inspiration. This is the encouragement grads need to keep running toward their passions.
Maya Angelou at Spelman College
Words MatterAcclaimed for her poetry, essays, and contributions to the civil rights movement, Angelou’s legacy has influenced several generations — and will continue to do so for countless more to come. Of all her speaking engagements, her iconic 1992 commencement address at Spelman College remains one of her most well-known and powerful.
Make Good Art
Neil Gaiman“Go and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here.” Neil Gaiman encouraged the class of 2012 to get creative in his commencement address at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts. Read his full speech, and remember what Neil says: “If you’re making mistakes, it means you’re out there doing something.”
WOLFPACK: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game
Abby Wambach“Old Rule: Play it safe. Pass the ball. New Rule: Believe in yourself. Demand the ball.” Wambach, soccer sensation and co-captain of the champion 2015 World Cup team, scored big with her rallying commencement speech at Barnard College in 2018. It went viral and became the basis for this book filled with empowering leadership lessons for everyone.
Way More than Luck: Commencement Speeches on Living with Bravery, Empathy, and Other Existential Skills
Way More than Luck: Commencement Speeches on Living with Bravery, Empathy, and Other Existential Skills
Chronicle Books DigitalThe wisdom from commencement speeches often applies regardless of whether you’re about to graduate. This anthology offers a wide selection of speeches given by some of the greats, including David Foster Wallace, Barbara Kingsolver, Michael Lewis, and Jonathan Safran Foer. While each offers their own unique advice based on their life stories, they all share a universal message of hope for the future.
Wait, What?: And Life's Other Essential Questions
James E. RyanTrue happiness comes not from having the right answers, but from asking the right questions. So, as a new graduate, you’re probably wondering: What are the right questions? That’s where Ryan’s book, based on his popular commencement speech given to Harvard’s class of 2016, can help. His five simple prompts promise profound answers, a new way of perceiving yourself and the world around you, and ultimately a more fulfilling life.
Now Go Out There: (and Get Curious)
Mary KarrKarr’s speech to the graduating class of Syracuse University in 2015 generated a lot of buzz, and was praised as one of the most memorable speeches in recent years. It’s a well-worn art to give a commencement speech, but so few leave such a powerful impression as this.
The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories
Marina KeeganKeegan died too young, only a few days after her college graduation, but she left behind the treasure of her writing with this posthumous collection of tender, starry-eyed essays and short stories. Keegan wrote the title essay for her class of 2012’s commencement, and it was published in the graduation issue of the Yale Daily News.
What Now?
Ann PatchettOne of the most common questions new graduates ask is “What now?” Hence the title of Patchett’s acclaimed 2009 commencement address. The author of “The Dutch House” and “Bel Canto” offers inspiration and solace for grads (and anyone at a crossroads, unsure of what lies ahead): “Sometimes not having any idea where we’re going works out better than we could possibly have imagined.”
The World Is Waiting for You: Graduation Speeches to Live By from Activists, Writers, and Visionaries
The World Is Waiting for You: Graduation Speeches to Live By from Activists, Writers, and Visionaries
Tara GroveCongratulations to the Class of 2022! Ursula K. Le Guin, Howard Zinn, Isabel Wilkerson, Wynton Marsalis, Barbara Kingsolver, Noam Chomsky, Toni Morrison, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and more celebrate your accomplishments and cheer you on with their inspiring commencement speeches.
Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout: How the Timeless Wisdom of One Man Can Impact an Entire Generation
Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout: How the Timeless Wisdom of One Man Can Impact an Entire Generation
Rick RigsbyIf you, like millions of others, saw Rigsby’s viral graduation speech, you know the impact of his words. This memoir, based on his powerful speech, summarizes his life teachings and emphasizes that advice can be found anywhere, including from a third grade dropout like Rigsby’s dad. As taught by his father, common sense and, above all, common decency should be at the core of everything we do.