from Newswise.com
While striving for success, the leaders of tomorrow must also pursue internal authenticity and happiness to discover ways of making a difference in the world, David Gergen told the graduating Class of 2008 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The author, editor, presidential adviser, political analyst, and Harvard professor addressed more than 2,000 graduating students and their families May 17 at Rensselaer’s 202nd Commencement on the Harkness Field.
“Leaving this university, you should be ready to make a good living,” Gergen said. “The question becomes whether you’re ready to make a good life. . . . The challenge is one of discovering your own inner fire — what provides the nourishment for your soul as well as your brain.”
Gergen encouraged graduates to pause and reflect upon their own values and passions, and not to march forward toward financial success and renown at the expense of a fulfilling, rich inner life.
“Each of us may have all the smarts we need, but until we find a way to work, and match our work with our passion, we will not live life to its potential,” Gergen said. “It is not an easy journey” to move beyond cognitive development to inner development. “You have to look inside, deep inside your soul, even as you begin your career, and rub up against the rest of the world. You have to develop a set of deeply held moral values, and an inner gyroscope to guide you.”
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