FlyLittleBird: “an experiment in building collective wisdom from hundreds of undergraduate commencement speeches.” The findings are intriguing. For example, rating “components of the good life” reveals that the most common factor speakers gave was “Service: giving time to those in need.”
One thought: does the fact that this advice was given to a large group of people on a special occasion change its content? In other words, would each one of these speakers tell their own kids, say, that service is the most important part of leading a good life?
Don’t get me wrong: I’m an avid believer in the power of volunteer work and personal sacrifice. I just wonder if, in private, these commencement speakers might offer slightly less magnanimous pearls of wisdom. My own view is the good life is equal parts constructive work and loving relationships with friends and family. Service is crucial, but I wouldn’t say it’s the most important element.
(Via Kottke, who, incidentally, recently mentioned newley.com and sent my traffic through the roof.)