err in the direction of kindness.

somehow i missed this. this incredible convocation speech writer george saunders delivered for syracuse's class of 2013. luckily the new york times contacted him and ran it in july. here is only a snippet, to read the speech in its entirety, head here.

"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."

(image via creature comforts)

you really must read the rest of this speech, it not only underscores his talent as a writer, his words reign you in, they bring you down to where you ought to be, to where you know how to be and makes you realize that all of the other stuff is just that, stuff. enjoy!