Two-time Academy Award and Tony Award-winning Actor
Dillard University, 2015
Denzel Washington delivered a powerful commencement address at Dillard University in 2015. In his speech, he told graduates to have a vision, set goals, and take risks. Washington emphasized the importance of striving for excellence, giving back to the community, and maintaining a strong work ethic.
10 top life lessons by Denzel Washington
- Embrace Failure for Growth: Sometimes, the biggest lessons come from the greatest failures. Don’t fear failure; instead, learn from it to fuel your growth.
- Dreams Need Goals to Soar: Dreaming big is crucial, but without concrete goals, dreams remain unfulfilled aspirations. Goals provide direction and purpose to your dreams.
- Daily Goals Shape Your Path: Set achievable daily goals to keep yourself focused and motivated. Even small goals contribute to the larger journey of success.
- Material Wealth Isn’t Eternal: No U-Haul follows a hearse, emphasizing that material wealth is temporary. The true value lies in what you do with your resources, not in accumulating them.
- Gratitude Amplifies Blessings: Expressing gratitude in advance for what you desire attracts positive energy. A thankful heart is a magnet for the blessings that are already on their way.
- True Desire is a Divine Signal: Genuine desires in your heart are signals that what you seek is already destined for you. Trust in these signals as a form of divine guidance.
- Lift Others as You Climb: Success is more meaningful when shared. Once you achieve your goals, reach back and uplift others, creating a chain of success and support.
- Purpose Beyond Survival: Life is not just about making a living; it’s about making a difference. Aspire to contribute positively to the world and leave a lasting impact.
- Wealth is in What You Do: The true measure of wealth is not in the accumulation of possessions but in the impact and positive change you bring to the world.
- Live a Life of Significance: Strive for a life that goes beyond personal success – aim for significance. Making a difference in the lives of others adds depth and purpose to your journey.
Best quotes of Denzel Washington‘s speech
"Don't be afraid to fail big, to dream big, but remember, dreams without goals are just dreams.""It's not how much you have; it's what you do with it."
"Don't just aspire to make a living; aspire to make a difference."
Video of Denzel Washington‘s Commencement speech at Dillard University
GRADUATION SPEECH QUOTES
In this text, tweet, twerk world that you’ve grown up in, remember that just because you’re doing a lot more, doesn’t mean you’re getting a lot more done.
Don’t be afraid to fail big, to dream big, but remember, dreams without goals, are just dreams. And they ultimately fuel disappointment. … I try to give myself a goal every day, sometimes it’s just not to curse somebody out.
You’ll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse. I don’t care how much money you make, you can’t take it with you. … It’s not how much you have, it’s what you do with it.
While you’re on your knees in the morning, say thank you in advance for what is already yours. … True desire in the heart for anything good is God’s proof to you sent beforehand that it’s already yours. … When you get it, reach back, pull someone else up.
Don’t just aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference.