Sometimes we’re at our best when speaking the elementary to adolescents. We’re more clear, more concise…
We’re better at sharing wisdom in ways that are patient and gentle without compromising boldness or truth.
We point fewer fingers. We emphasize the hope.
Perhaps because it wasn’t a campaign rally or PR event, there wasn’t a massive news media presence nor was there any reliance upon a TelePrompter. There also was thus minimal reporting on the address when it was given. Here was Chief Justice John Roberts, delivering the ninth-grade commencement address at Cardigan Mountain School in a small New Hampshire town.
With his son in the audience, he shared what The Washington Post would later publicize in an article entitled:
“The Best Thing Chief Justice Roberts Wrote This Term Wasn’t a Supreme Court Opinion.”
After solely reading one paragraph of his approximate 11 minute address, the Intramuralist concurs. After instructing the students to stand and applaud their parents and others who had provided significant guidance — and then joked that he would later be able to report that his speech was “interrupted by applause” — Roberts shared the following wise words with the budding teens:
“From time to time in the years to come, I hope you will be treated unfairly so that you will come to know the value of justice. I hope that you will suffer betrayal because that will teach you the importance of loyalty. Sorry to say, but I hope you will be lonely from time to time so that you don’t take friends for granted. I wish you bad luck, again, from time to time so that you will be conscious of the role of chance in life and understand that your success is not completely deserved and that the failure of others is not completely deserved either.”
How often are we impatient? … solely looking at the negative? … simply pleading or demanding that our circumstances change?
Are we missing the blessing? … the blessing in which…
Unfairness helps us know justice…
Betrayal teaches us loyalty…
And loneliness shows us the need for friendship and fellowship…
Roberts continues…
“Over the last couple of years, I’ve gotten to know many of you young men pretty well. And I know you are good guys. But you are also privileged young men. And if you weren’t privileged when you came here, you’re privileged now because you have been here. My advice is don’t act like it. When you get to your new school, walk up and introduce yourself to the person who is raking the leaves, shoveling the snow or emptying the trash. Learn their name, and call them by their name during your time at the school. Another piece of advice — when you pass by people you don’t recognize on the walks, smile, look them in the eye, and say hello. The worst thing that will happen is that you will become known as the young man who smiles and says hello. And that is not a bad thing to start with.”
Since all men are created equal, it’s wise to treat each other as such.
Smile and say “hello” to all those along your path. Don’t look down on or point fingers at anyone; neither wins friends nor influences people for good.
I love it when one is wise but still patient and gentle without compromising boldness or truth.
Well done, Mr. Roberts… well done.
Respectfully…
AR