Actor
Montverde Academy Class, 2015
Jack Black, the acclaimed actor, comedian, and musician, addressed the graduating class at Montverde Academy in 2015. Known for his wit and humor, Black's commencement speech was filled with laughter and encouragement. He shared insights on pursuing one's passions, embracing individuality, and not being afraid to take risks in life. With a blend of humor and wisdom, Jack Black left the graduates with an entertaining and memorable message as they embarked on their own life journeys.
10 top life lessons by Jack Black
- Don’t rush into college without a clear purpose; it can be expensive and challenging, so only pursue it if there’s a specific career goal, like becoming a doctor.
- Explore alternative paths to education, such as reading books, and don’t limit yourself to traditional college if other avenues better suit your goals.
- Take time to savor life’s achievements; after years of hard work, pause and appreciate your accomplishments before diving into the next phase of life.
- Consider delaying independence; it’s okay to take time off, even living with your parents, to figure out your next steps without financial pressure.
- Confidence matters—always say you have experience when entering the workforce, even if it’s minimal.
- Success can come from unexpected paths; acknowledge that life’s journey might lead you to success in ways you never anticipated, just like the speaker’s unexpected acting career.
- Looks may open doors, but skills and knowledge keep them open; while appearance can create opportunities, it’s essential to develop and showcase your skills for a lasting and meaningful career.
- Don’t underestimate the power of a good attitude; approach challenges with a positive mindset, as attitude can play a significant role in overcoming obstacles and building relationships.
- Continuous learning is crucial for personal and professional growth; regardless of your chosen path, commit to ongoing learning and self-improvement to stay relevant and achieve long-term success.
- Be authentic about your limitations and embrace humility; recognize what you don’t know and be humble about it, as authenticity and a willingness to learn are valuable traits in any endeavor.
Best quotes of Jack Black‘s speech
"I don’t know jack diddly squat about nothing. I’m just a really good-looking rocker that stumbled into a tremendous acting career."Video of Jack Black‘s Commencement speech at Montverde Academy
I don’t know jack diddly squat about nothing. I’m just a really good-looking rocker that stumbled into a tremendous acting career.
Commencement speech transcript
“Don’t go to college. It’s super expensive, [and] it’s super hard. I slept through the whole thing.”
“Seriously, don’t waste your time and money on college unless you want to be a doctor, then I totally get it. No one’s going to let you take out their spleen unless you have a degree. The rest of you, go read some books.”
“Take a minute and just enjoy life. Sniff those roses, you guys. Sniff deep. Don’t just rush into life’s next chapter. You just climbed a mountain – 12 years of nose to the grindstone.”
“By a minute, I mean five years — maybe 10. You need to just stare off into space for a while… Mom and Dad have plenty of room; just stick around as long as you need.”
“If anyone asks you if you have any experience in the field, always say yes. Never say no.”
“I don’t know jack diddly squat about nothing. I’m just a really good-looking rocker that stumbled into a tremendous acting career.”