Your Views Aren't That Important

As a university professor, I have the unique privilege to work with intelligent and motivated young people; several each year who take one of their final college courses with me.

I have tried for a long time to provide a bit of lasting advice, or a piece of profound wisdom, as they depart for the next journey of their lives.

It hasn't been easy. How do you boil down life into a few sentences? You probably can't.

Still, with the annual arrival of commencement speeches upon us, I thought I'd share what I've come up; fully aware that it is ultimately a futile attempt.

"Your "views" and those of others don't really matter that much.

What carries the day is not what you think, but how you think; and things like your politics are not nearly as important as your principles.

In the end, it is your "how" that endures; and writes your legacy."

Congratulations to all of the graduates of 2011!