I Sverige sker avslutningstal vid skolavslutningar. Men om man söker efter de bästa avslutningstalen så finns det inte mycket att visa upp. Om man däremot vänder ögonen västerut så ser det annorlunda ut.
Nu närmar vi oss säsongen då avslutningstalen ska genomföras, ska vi tro att några av årets tal kommer att bli klassiker liksom de som jag listar här?
Denzel Washington, University of Pennsylvania, 2011
”The world needs a lot — and we need it from you, the young people. So get out there. Give it everything you’ve got — whether it’s your time, your talent, your prayers, or your treasure. Because remember this: You’ll never see a U-haul behind a hearse.”
Oprah Winfrey, Harvard University, 2013
”Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction.”
Robert De Niro, Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, 2015
”When it comes to the arts, passion should always trump common sense. You aren’t just following dreams, you’re reaching for your destiny.”
Michelle Obama, YouTube’s Dear Class of 2020
”Deep and loving connections with others, honest work that leads to lasting contributions to your community. The vibrancy that comes from a diversity of ideas and perspectives, the chance to leave this world a little better than you found it. Don’t deprive yourselves of all that. There is no substitute for it.”
Michael Dell, University of Texas at Austin, 2003
”Recognize that there will be failures, and acknowledge that there will be obstacles. But you will learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others, for there is very little learning in success.”
Steve Jobs, Stanford University, 2005
”Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
Barack Obama, Howard University, 2016
”Change requires more than just speaking out — it requires listening, as well. In particular, it requires listening to those with whom you disagree, and being prepared to compromise.”
Vilka tal tycker Du borde finnas med på en lista som denna?