George Saunders's Convocation Speech, Syracuse University, 2013

I haven't read any speeches in a while, and came across this yesterday. Now, I still haven't gotten to actually reading any of Saunders's work (see: http://wingedbywords.blogspot.com/2013/01/feeling-known.html), but I will, one of these days.

And meanwhile, I am so inspired and moved by this speech he gave at Syracuse University earlier this year. Especially this one bit (well, okay, it's more than a bit):

"Do all the other things, the ambitious things – travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes, swim naked in wild jungle rivers (after first having it tested for monkey poop) – but as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness.  Do those things that incline you toward the big questions, and avoid the things that would reduce you and make you trivial.  That luminous part of you that exists beyond personality – your soul, if you will – is as bright and shining as any that has ever been.  Bright as Shakespeare’s, bright as Gandhi’s, bright as Mother Theresa’s.  Clear away everything that keeps you separate from this secret luminous place.  Believe it exists, come to know it better, nurture it, share its fruits tirelessly."
-George Saunders

It's pretty simple stuff, when it comes down to it: doing things "that incline you toward the big questions," avoiding "the things that would reduce you and make you trivial." Simple and difficult, all at once. But start today. Whatever it is. Take a moment and look up at the night sky. Or close your eyes and breathe and breathe, and just breathe. Read. Listen to music. Make music. Be kind. 

And remember, "That luminous part of you that exists beyond personality – your soul, if you will – is as bright and shining as any that has ever been.  Bright as Shakespeare’s, bright as Gandhi’s, bright as Mother Theresa’s.  Clear away everything that keeps you separate from this secret luminous place."

To being kind. To nurturing that "luminous part of you." 




For the full text: http://6thfloor.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/31/george-saunderss-advice-to-graduates/?src=me

Alan Fletcher On Music

I'm thinking a lot about work (still). Maybe it's one of those questions that will always be with me. Most people go to work for a certain amount of time and it takes up a good deal of their lives, and of the people I know, most don't really enjoy their jobs. Oh, there are parts of each job, maybe, that they'll like, but overall, not really. And I have to admit I've been that person. Who hasn't?

I still have so many questions about work and fulfillment and meaning. Reading this article gave me a little more perspective. There's a difference between a job and work, right? Between what you do for a living and who you are as a human being? I think so.

Alan Fletcher (president and CEO of the Aspen Music Festival and School) is speaking about music, but I really think his words apply to anything you love to do, even if you're not doing it full-time, even if you're not getting paid for it. Because not everything is measured in money or externally praised. Maybe some things you just have to do.

 

"I believe in you, in your gifts, and especially in your ability to use very hard, purposeful work to make something of lasting value from those gifts."

 -Alan Fletcher

 

"The music is the mission, not the money."
-Alan Fletcher

"Meanwhile, you are here to do the beautiful work that is the heart of our whole profession. You have made a profound choice in your lives, a choice for music. You have followed up that choice with an immense amount of hard work."
-Alan Fletcher

For full article: http://www.npr.org/blogs/deceptivecadence/2013/07/08/200002444/music-is-the-mission-not-money

To hard work - at your job, certainly, but also on something you love to do.