Jeff Bezos: Build Yourself a Great Life Story

So I just listened to Neil Gaiman’s 2012 Commencement speech to the University of the Arts graduates. It was inspiring most parts except when he talked about how he lied to get a job. Integrity matters, so I didn’t like that part too much and it marred his entire speech. I still like Steve Jobs, J. K. Rowling and Jeff Bezos’ speeches best. Here is Jeff Bezos, May 30, 2010. Thank you, Mr. Bezos for encouraging us to create epic love stories of life! (Start viewing at 6:00)

At the end, Jeff Bezos asks a series of thoughtful timeless questions we should often ask ourselves. Here they are. I hope they challenge you.

How will you use your gifts? What choices will you make?

Will inertia be your guide, or will you follow your passions?

Will you follow dogma, or will you be original?

Will you choose a life of ease, or a life of service and adventure?

Will you wilt under criticism, or will you follow your convictions?

Will you bluff it out when you’re wrong, or will you apologize?

Will you guard your heart against rejection, or will you act when you fall in love?

Will you play it safe, or will you be a little bit swashbuckling?

When it’s tough, will you give up, or will you be relentless?

Will you be a cynic, or will you be a builder?

Will you be clever at the expense of others, or will you be kind?

I will hazard a prediction. When you are 80 years old, and in a quiet
moment of reflection narrating for only yourself the most personal
version of your life story, the telling that will be most compact and
meaningful will be the series of choices you have made. In the end, we
are our choices. Build yourself a great story.

Source: http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S27/52/51O99/index.xml

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