Life Advice for The Next Generation

Issue 132: A graduation speech from teacher Ben Mook on how to live a good life

Every year there are a few viral graduation speeches that go viral. These speeches are often given at colleges with the goal of making the next generation aware of the opportunities ahead of them, along with their responsibilities. Some times, they also often brilliant advice about how to live the good life.

We have been fortune to have incredible speakers at our own graduation ceremonies—from the human rights activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu to legendary primatologist Jane Goodall. These moral and intellectual giants made us think more deeply about our role in the world.

This year, Jay was at his son Jack’s middle school graduation ceremony in New York City when he saw something different. Jack’s teacher Ben Mook delivered an incredible speech for the next generation about how to live a rich and fulfilling life while navigating many of the issues we discuss in our newsletter. Whether you are a teenager, a parent, or simply a citizen trying to make sense of the world, we strongly urge …