In a way, if you watch the movie, you’ll see everything I’m talking about today.
You’ll see what I mean about taking risks or being willing to fail.
Because taking a risk is not just about going for a job.
It’s also about knowing what you know and what you don’t know. It’s about being open to people and ideas.
Over the course of the film, the character I play begins to take risks. He slowly overcomes his fears, and ultimately his heart becomes flooded with love.
And I can’t think of a better message as we send you off today.
To not only take risks, but to be open to life.
To accept new views and to be open to new opinions.
After the show, another counselor came up to me and asked: “Have you ever thought of acting? You should. You’re good at that.”
When I got back to Fordham that fall I changed my major once again —for the last time.
And in the years that followed—just as that woman getting her hair done predicted—I have traveled the world and I have spoken to millions of people through my movies.
Millions who—up ‘till today—I couldn’t see while I was talking to them.
But I do see you today. And I’m encouraged by what I see. I’m strengthened by what I see. I love what I see.
Let me conclude with one final point. Many years ago I did this movie called Philadelphia. We actually filmed some scenes right here on campus.
Philadelphia came out in 1993, when most of you were probably still crawling around in diapers. Some of the professors, too.
But it’s a good movie. Rent it on Netflix. I get 23 cents every time you do. Tell your friends, too!
It’s about a man, played by Tom Hanks, who’s fired from his law firm because he has AIDS.
He wants to sue the firm, but no one’s willing to represent him until a homophobic, ambulance-chasing lawyer—played by yours truly—takes on the case.
The point here is that anyone that is depressed, is so, because there is an external factor that didn’t materialize in their life – i.e…. (They have lost something outside of their control, or don’t have something that is out of their control) the most common reasons for depression are : a lost a job, relationship break downs or non existence, body image, comparison to others.
The only way out of this is to work on yourself, every day.
In school we are taught how to get a job, but no one teaches us how to live in a state of happiness. No one teaches us how important our conscious and unconscious thoughts and associations are.
Is our happiness not worth more than a job?
Yes it is.
To be willing to speak at commencement at one of the country’s best universities… even though you’re scared stiff.
While it may be frightening, it will also be rewarding.
Because the chances you take… the people you meet… the people you faith that you have—that’s what’s going to define your life.
So… members of the class of 20xx: This is your mission:
When you leave the friendly confines of West Philly: Never be discouraged. Never hold back. Give everything you’ve got.
And when you fall throughout life—and maybe even tonight after a few too many glasses of champagne—fall forward.
Congratulations, I love you, God bless you, I respect you.
The Middle East needs your help. Japan needs your help. Alabama and Tennessee need your help. Louisiana needs your help. Philadelphia needs your help.
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.
You can’t take it with you. The Ancient Egyptians tried it—and all they got was robbed!
So what are you going to do with what you have? And I’m not talking how much you have.
Some of you are business majors. Some of you are theologians, nurses, sociologists. Some of you have money. Some of you have patience. Some have kindness. Some have love. Some of you have the gift of long-suffering.
Whatever it is… what are you going to do with what you have?
Now here’s my last point about failure:
Sometimes it’s the best way to figure out where you’re going.
Your life will never be a straight path.
I’ve seen some people, who many would consider to “have it all” end their life because they thought they were not good enough.
A thought, a belief within them told them they were not worthy.
These people that many were jealous of, many envious of, were not good enough.
You must value yourself enough, to take the time EVERY SINGLE DAY to work on you. To engage in something, that will ensure you are a positive influence on the of course doesn’t mean life will suddenly be perfect. The same life-challenges will show up, but if your mind is strong, if you mind is at peace, your REACTION to the challenging times will be very reaction will be HOW CAN I MAKE THIS WORK, not ‘why is this happening to me.
