Knox College Commencement Address Persuasive
Speech
But as I was thinking about the words to share with this class, about what’s next, about what’s
possible, and what opportunities lay ahead, I actually think it’s not a bad question for you, the class
of 2005, to ask yourselves: “What will be your place in history?”
Today, at the beginning of this young century, we have to decide again. But this time, it is your turn
to choose.
So what do we do about this? How does America find its way in this new, global economy? What
will our place in history be?
It won’t be easy, but it can be done. It can be our future. We have the talent and the resources and
brainpower. But now we need the political will. We need a national commitment.
And we need each of you.
But I hope you don’t walk away from the challenge. Focusing your life solely on making a buck
shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. You need to take up the challenges
that we face as a nation and make them your own.
It’s primarily because you have an obligation to yourself. Because individual salvation has always
depended on collective salvation. Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger
than yourself that you realize your true potential.
My hope for all of you is that as you leave here today, you decide to keep these principles alive in
your own life and in the life of this country. You will be tested. You won’t always succeed. But know
that you have it within your power to try.
