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“A book filled with so much wisdom that I have no choice but to recommend it.”—Craig Wilson, USA Today
The antidote to those cotton-candy platitudes that are all too familiar to anyone who’s ever worn a mortarboard, Wheelan’s 10½ head-turning aphorisms—backed up by a PhD in public policy and extensive social science research—set the record straight. Readers everywhere agreed, turning a Dartmouth Class Day speech that had gone viral into a best-selling book.
Whether praising the time “wasted” in fraternity basements; mentioning that, frankly, the worst days of your life still lie ahead; or simply asking that graduates avoid wreaking the kind of havoc that others before them have, Wheelan softens his candid conclusions with good-natured charm and tales of unconventional success. With cartoons sprinkled throughout to keep things light, this volume makes a perfect gift for graduates of all ages.
Dr_Wilson_Trivino
Posted May 15, 2012
One of the most unique opportunities I have had was when I was invited to be the commencement speaker at my undergraduate Alma mater Kennesaw State University. I did not really know what to share with these newly minted graduates. I had sat through my share of commencements and did not even remember my own undergraduate commencement speaker at my graduation.
Now there is a book that will help anyone in that dilemma. In 10 ½ Things No Commencement Speaker Has Ever Said by Charles Wheelan, the author shares wisdom that he wishes would have been in his hands as a new graduate.
Wheelan got a chance to share his thoughts to his own undergraduate school some twenty years after he left. These ideas are more than the mere pump you up I told you so but real good insight. The book expands from his lecture at the 2011 Class Day Speech at Dartmouth College.
From “your parents don’t want what is best for you” they want what is good for you. Parents want their children to be able to survive on their own.
How “It’s all borrowed time”, this is so true. When we are young we believe our own mortality but we discover that life’s a time sensitive adventure.
Most importantly I thought the best was “Don’t try to be great” just be solid. Good character and ethic will in the long run not lead you a stray.
I won’t list them all so that you will have to get the book, but these gems are a treasure for anyone at any age. It is the perfect gift for the newly minted graduate or someone that needs some might words of wisdom to renew their own journey.
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Posted November 2, 2012
I would recommend this book to any twenty somethings who are trying to figure out what they want to do with life. It offers insights in a light and funny way.
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Overview
“A book filled with so much wisdom that I have no choice but to recommend it.”—Craig Wilson, USA Today
The antidote to those cotton-candy platitudes that are all too familiar to anyone who’s ever worn a mortarboard, Wheelan’s 10½ head-turning aphorisms—backed up by a PhD in public policy and extensive social science research—set the record straight. Readers everywhere agreed, turning a Dartmouth Class Day speech that had gone viral into a ...