Tag Archives for Class of 2024

Unlocking Life’s Lessons: A Commencement Message Drawn from the Cards

Published in RINewsToday on May 19, 2025

Throughout May, college and university campuses across the nation come alive with pomp, circumstance—and especially with words of wisdom. At these commencement ceremonies, a diverse array of speakers takes the stage: from prominent politicians, judges, media personalities, and Hollywood actors, to Fortune 500 CEOs, and even top students, themselves.

In speeches typically lasting around ten minutes and averaging 2,500 words, these individuals—some earnest, others lighthearted—share their personal stories and hard-earned insights gained through life’s challenges. Simply put, their goal? To inspire, inform, and equip graduating seniors with practical advice for navigating the twists and turns of both their professional and personal lives.

For the past twelve years as a columnist I’ve participated in this tradition, but in my very own personal way—by writing commencement-style articles offering my reflections and guidance to graduating classes. While I haven’t delivered these speeches in person, my essays serve as thoughtful addresses to students entering the next chapter of their lives.

Here are a few highlights:

  • 2013: Here’s My Advice to the Graduating Class of 2013 emphasized aging gracefully and embracing life’s journey, underscoring the importance of staying mentally and physically active.
  • 2014: Regular Folks Give Advice to Graduates offered tips for easing into professional life, highlighting the value of adaptability and learning from others in a competitive job market.
  • 2015: Sensible Advice from Seasoned Folk to the Class of 2015 compiled practical life lessons and words of encouragement from average everyday Rhode Islanders.
  • 2016: Regular Folks Give Sound Advice to the Class of 2016 for Future Success again reinforced the idea that meaningful guidance often comes from everyday individuals.
  • 2022: To the Class of 2022: Age Boldly, Enjoy Your Journey encouraged graduates to see aging as a lifelong, unpredictable  adventure—and to cherish good health as a vital asset.
  • 2023: Can AI Create an “Authentic” Commencement Address? explored how the newly emerging technology of artificial intelligence (AI) might shape future speeches.
  • 2024: Stoic Tips for the Class of 2024 drew on Stoic philosophy, originating in Athens around 300 BCE, today offers guidance on resilience, virtue, and perspective.  .

While these earlier Commencement Speeches blended my personal insight with broader philosophical reflections to support graduates on their new journeys, the Class of 2025 might also find them of interest, too. Today, I remain committed to the tradition of giving a fresh take on the classic commencement speech each May.

So, to the Class of 2025, I offer insights inspired by artificial intelligence (AI) and the collective wisdom of humanity. I know that this might sound a little over the top – but hear me out.  

A couple of years ago, Rhode Island hypnotist John Koenig gave the AI platform ChatGPT a unique assignment: “Comb through all human wisdom and identify the challenges each human being must face on their evolutionary journey.” This new technology also designed the images on the 64 cards, too. And AI delivered, notes Koenig, a Barrington resident who has practiced as a certified Hypnotist and past life facilitator for 27 years in Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts.  

The AI-generated survey—free from individual bias—produced 64 principles essential for personal growth. Koenig expanded on these insights with his own commentary and turned them  into the Universal Mind Map Oracle Meditation System (UMMOMS), which he describes as “a personal curriculum for spiritual and personal growth.”

What makes the system personal is its use of random selection. Koenig explains that you can imagine the “universal mind” tutoring you with the right lesson at the right time—whether by shuffling a deck of cards or by using a random number generator. (go to chttps://www.gigacalculator.com/calculators/random-number-generator.php).

According to Koenig, it is worth noting that the doctrine of reincarnation is mentioned in the system (a belief shared by roughly half the world’s population), however, it is not essential to work the system. The system does not ask you to believe – or disbelieve anything but merely poses questions for your consideration.

This deck is meant to guide individuals in becoming their best selves, explains Koenig. From a random selection, I’ve drawn eight life lessons that I believe every 2025 graduate would do well to carry into their lives and careers:

• Card No. 16: Self-Control (Equanimity) – “Who is the boss of you? Is it your desire for short-term pleasures or your focus on deep and lasting satisfaction?” This card invites you to examine how many of your thoughts and behaviors are automatic. The challenge? To “wake up,” dehypnotize yourself, and live consciously—acknowledging that some habits may be so deeply ingrained that outside help is needed to change them. Self-mastery doesn’t mean you have to do it alone, the card reminds us.

• Card No. 30: The Mask – This card is a call to live authentically. Most of us wear three faces: the public persona, the self we fear, and the self we tell ourselves we are. This card invites you to discover a fourth—the whole self, complete with both flaws and strengths. “Own your flaws as well as what is fabulous about you.” Perfection is not the goal. Wholeness is.

• Card No. 46: Purposeful Action – “When you take purposeful action, you break from the trance of ‘the same old, same old.’ You become the author of your life,” says the card, stressing that “there is always only now.” This card emphasizes living fully in the present. “Squeeze the most life out of each moment—starting right now.”

• Card No. 7: Generosity – “Start adopting the habit of generosity today. Your reward will be a feeling of profound peace and deep satisfaction,” says the card. It reminds us that generosity is more than giving material things. It can also mean offering your time and energy to improve the lives of those you encounter. Remember: God helps those who are there to help others.

• Card No. 9: Mindfulness (Present Moment Awareness) – While it’s wise to stop and smell the roses, the thorns are just as real. This card urges you to be fully present with whatever is happening—not only the joys but also the challenges of life. Mindfulness is the art of observing without judgment. “It is what it is” becomes a mantra of acceptance. Quieting the mind opens the door to the fullness of life—and is, as the card says, mindfulness is “the ultimate self-development tool since it gives you access to the whole of you and all your experiences.”

• Card No. 23: Graciousness (Loving-Kindness) – Focus on love—not just as a feeling, but as action. The greatest gifts aren’t material but emotional: a kind word, a warm hug, a caring gesture. These can brighten someone’s day—or even change someone’s life.  And don’t forget self-love. “Self-talk that is kind and supportive is one way to love yourself,” observes the card. Treat yourself to comforts, pursue long-term goals, and practice “tough love” when needed. Look around—someone may need your love today. 

• Card No. 36: Life Map (Discernment) – On your journey, define your highest priorities and align your actions with those values. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you stray—life detours are inevitable. What matters most is recognizing when you’re off course and returning to the path that reflects your deepest truths.

And finally…

• Card No. 50: Creativity (Expressing Originality) – Successful creation involves breaking through the walls of fear—especially the fear of being wrong. It means letting go of perfectionism and simply striving to do your best. It also requires patience and a commitment to the often mundane tasks that come with the creative process. This card stresses how you choose to express your creativity is entirely up to you. And it doesn’t have to be a traditional work of art. It might be a beautifully hosted dinner party or a small act that brightens someone’s day when they need encouragement. Define your highest priorities and let your actions align with them. The card urges you to “embrace and share your creativity fully in your world.”

To the graduates of 2025:

May the messages of these cards, randomly selected by universal mind, guide you to embrace your journey with clarity, courage, and curiosity. Let timeless wisdom—whether drawn from ancient philosophy or modern technology—help you become your truest self.

To learn more about Koenig’s oracle meditation system, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_gZ0MAeyBc.

To purchase the guidebook and the deck, go to: https://hypnosiscoaching.online

For the guidebook only (you can use a random number generator to select the cards’ messages), visit: https://a.co/d/4rG7oUB 

Links to my past speeches: 

2013   — https://herbweiss.blog/2013/05/31/heres-my-advice-to-the-graduating-class-of-2013/

2014 — https://herbweiss.blog/2014/05/23/regular-folks-give-advice-to-graduates/

2015 — https://herbweiss.blog/2015/05/17/sensible-advice-from-seasoned-folk-to-the-class-of-2015/

2016 — https://herbweiss.blog/2016/06/06/regular-folks-give-sound-advice-to-class-of-2016-for-future-success/

2022 — https://herbweiss.blog/2022/05/16/to-the-class-of-2022-age-boldly-enjoy-your-journey/

2023 — https://herbweiss.blog/2023/05/15/can-ai-create-an-authentic-commencement-address/

2024 — https://herbweiss.blog/2024/05/27/stoic-tips-for-the-class-of-2024/

Stoic tips for the Class of 2024

Published in RINewsToday May 27, 2024

Throughout May, across the nation at colleges and universities, commencement addresses are being given by well-known politicians, judges, television or radio personalities, actors, and even Fortune 500 CEOs. These commencement speakers, offering sound advice and inspiration gleaned from personal life experiences, provide advice to graduating seniors as to how they can successfully navigate both their personal lives and professional careers throughout the years ahead. 

These speeches, traditionally about 10 minutes in length (up to 2,500 words), will vary widely, and can either be serious or lighthearted, but they should all be authentic, motivational, and informative.

Over the years, as I have stated in previous commencement speech articles that I have penned, I have called for “regular folks” who have overcome obstacles throughout their lives to be invited speakers.  One year I put the spotlight on Rhode Island authors, noting that they had valuable insights to share.  

This week, I offer my commencement speech, giving the graduating seniors advice, pulling from stoicism, a school of Hellenistic philosophy that thrived in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome.

According to Wikipedia, Stoic philosophers were known for their teaching that “virtue is the only good” for human beings, and that health, wealth, and pleasure, are not good or bad in themselves, but have value as “material for virtue to act upon.”

To the Graduating Class of 2024…

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty members, proud parents, and most importantly, the graduating class of 2024: Congratulations! 

This day marks a very significant milestone in your life’s journey. Today, you must reflect not just on your past achievements and failures, but also on the philosophies and values that have and will now guide you throughout the journey that lies ahead. Today, I want to share with you some timeless wisdom from the Greek and Roman Stoic philosophers, whose teachings offer invaluable insights into how to navigate the complexities of life with resilience, wisdom, and virtue.

Incorporating Stoicism’s timeless principles will provide you with a philosophical framework for confronting life’s complexities by pursuing a path of fulfillment and virtue. And what is Stoicism, you say? This philosophy emphasizes resilience in the face of adversity. It also calls for focusing on what is within your control, embracing change, and cultivating your virtue and character.

Stoic philosophers also encourage you to align your values to find meaning and purpose in your life, to maintain inner peace, and to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around you. 

So now I provide you with sound advice from prominent Stoic philosophers that you can ponder and, if you choose, put into practice.

First and foremost, remember the words of Epictetus, a former slave in Hierapolis (modern-day Turkey) around 50 CE, who became one of the most renowned Greek Stoic philosophers: “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”  Yes, life is full of surprises and unexpected challenges. While you may not be in control over external events, you most certainly have control of how you respond to them. Embrace each obstacle that comes your way with courage and resilience and remain committed to your values, these hurtles ultimately becoming opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.  

Epictetus also said: “The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” As you begin the new chapter of your life, surround yourself with people who share your values and aspirations that will uplift, inspire and support your personal and professional growth. Cherish the relationships that enrich your life and let go of those that no longer serve you.

Cultivate a sense of gratitude

Additionally, Epictetus urged fostering meaningful connections and cultivating a sense of gratitude throughout your life. As he observed, “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” Be grateful for the blessings, both big and small, that come to you each day. Throughout your life cultivate empathy, be kind and compassionate to others. In every situation you find yourself in, strive to leave a positive impact on those around you.   

Seneca the Younger, who lived in the 1st century CE, called for the cultivation of the virtue of equanimity (emotional stability) that allows one to respond to situations with clarity and exposure. As the Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman and playwright aptly said, “True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.”  Don’t become consumed by worry and anxiety about future obstacles you may face, because in all probability these problems will never happen.  Embrace the here and now, (As Ram Das says, “BE HERE NOW”) and know that you do have the ability to handle whatever challenges the future brings your way.  

Pursue excellence, not perfection    

Furthermore, prioritize the pursuit of excellence over the pursuit of perfection, recommends Stoic Philosopher Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor who ruled from 161 to 180 CE. He is best known for reminding us that “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” Don’t fixate on meeting unrealistic standards of perfection, but focus on making continuous steady improvements and personal growth. Throughout your life continue to learn from each and every mistake, refining and sharpening your skills. Always strive to become the best version of yourself. 

Aurelius, best known for his philosophical work “Meditations,” is also known for this Stoic quote: “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive to breath, think, enjoy, and love.”  Don’t worry about things that could go wrong, but remember to enjoy what life has to offer. When beset by problems, remember that your life is a precious gift and a privilege “to breathe, think, enjoy, and love.”

Lastly, embrace and accept the inevitability of change. As the Stoic Greek philosopher, Heraclitus famously said, “The only constant in life is change. Rather than resisting the natural flow of life, learn to embrace it with grace and humility,” he urged. Life’s uncertainty gives you an opportunity for growth. Trust in your ability to adapt to life’s curve balls thrown at you and you will thrive in the face of change. Heraclitus says that true strength lies not in resisting, but in embracing change as an essential part of the human experience.

As you embark on your journey ahead, remember that the teachings of Stoic philosophy offers a timeless roadmap for living a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. Embrace the challenges, cherish the moments, and above all, stay true to your values and principles that guide you.

Congratulations once again, Class of 2024! May your futures be filled with personal and professional success, happiness, and an unwavering commitment to living with wisdom and virtue. Thank you.

For more details about Stoicism, go to https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/philosophy/general-philosophy/stoicism-for-dummies-cheat-sheet-301382/.

To see examples of some of the Stoic quotes to help you on make the most of your  life’s journey, go to: 72 of the best stoic quotes from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus and more.