As I mentioned yesterday, at graduation I was most excited about seeing and hearing one of AUP’s honorary-degree recipients, Mr. David McCullough. The two time Pulitzer Prize winner has an incredible talents for funneling mountains of historical research and information into interesting stories to read. His latest book, The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris, made him a spectacular choice for The American University of Paris as it tells the tale of young, bright Americans who traveled to Paris in the late 19th century. Of all the speeches given throughout the ceremony, his was my favorite. Short and sweet,  he doled out advice like the sweet grandpa I bet he is:

-Don’t spend your lives as spectators only

-Choose work you love. The work itself is the reward, if it’s the right work for you.

-Almost nothing of value is every accomplished alone; it’s a joint effort.

-Read. Read, read, read. “If your experience is anything like my own, the most important books of your life are still to come – you haven’t read them yet. And remember, you never read the same book twice, because the world changes, you change.

-See the world.

-And wherever you go, whether you’re in a motel or a hotel, don’t forget to tip the maid.

 

Such great advice, don’t you think?