“And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)” – Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
As is often the case, even liberal Democrat, Dr. Seuss, could not escape the grip of the modern-day social justice movement, when six of his collection of children’s books were deemed beyond repair as too white, too racist, too sexist, and not nearly woke enough to make the cut.
Fortunately, Dr. Seuss’s 1990 book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” survived. In this book, Seuss provides a realistic look at the inevitable trials and tribulations that graduates are sure to experience as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. With teen angst, the ennui of long school days, and the stress of exams in the rearview mirror, Seuss both inspires and cautions on the unpredictable road ahead.
Another great writer, William Shakespeare, in his book, “The Merry Wives of Windsor” first voiced the words, “the world’s mine oyster”. Difficult to open, but worth the cost of the struggle, an oyster offers the chance to win the ultimate prize. As your personal trek begins, remember, you should always strive for the pearl.
The totality of life is not the destination, but the journey itself. Sometimes you’ll find yourself on the mountain, and sometimes you’ll find yourself in the valley. In Ecclesiastes, one of the wisdom books of the Bible, King Solomon tells us there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven. A time to plant, a time to give up. A time to dance and a time to heal.
And time to be alone. Whether self-inflicted or by circumstances beyond your control, at times you will find yourself flying solo. How you decide to use that time, either to acquire a new skill or simply to rejuvenate your soul, your me-time can and should always be used for productive ends.
Businessman and philanthropist, W. Clement Stone, once said, “Truth will always be truth, regardless of lack of understanding, disbelief, or ignorance.” As you navigate through the unsteady waters, let the truth be your guide. Not YOUR truth, but THE truth. No matter what they tell you, all the lies in the world have never changed the truth. Plant your feet firmly in the protection of this fact and your life will be much easier.
Be a lifelong learner. A book reader. It will not only make you more knowledgeable but will open your mind to new dimensions of thought. It will increase your vocabulary, and broaden your understanding of history and the world, all while making you a more informed and interesting person.
Never neglect your health, both physical and mental. Eat well and find an athletic sport that you enjoy. The weight of the world will be a burden enough without the extra baggage. Weed out the roots of negativity, so they never take hold and flourish. Compete, for both character development and fun.
Even if you aren’t a recent graduate, there’s still time for your next act. Assume you will live to be 100 and get back into the game. Life is for the living. You can sleep when you're dead.
Many progressive themes can be found in various Dr. Seuss books including environmentalism, foreign policy, and racial justice, but even that could not save the good doctor from cancel culture. My advice: don’t bow to the mob. Choose for yourself what you will be and what you will believe. Then, whatever you decide; be brave and have fun!
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