The Address We All Need To Hear

Hello fellow Monkeys!

This is the most awe-inspiring speech I have read in a long time.  Not since Randy Pausch's Last Lecture have I been so moved to share...this is a snippet from Paul Hawken as he addressed the graduates of 2009 at The University of Portland:

"You are Brilliant, and the Earth is Hiring. The earth couldn’t afford to send recruiters or limos to your school. It sent you rain, sunsets, ripe cherries, night blooming jasmine, and that unbelievably cute person you are dating.

Take the hint. And here’s the deal:

Forget that this task of planetsaving is not possible in the time required.

Don’t be put off by people who know what is not possible.

Do what needs to be done, and check to see if it was impossible only after you are done.

When asked if I am pessimistic or optimistic about the future, my answer is always the same: If you look at the science about what is happening on earth and aren’t pessimistic, you don’t understand the data.

But if you meet the people who are working to restore this earth and the lives of the poor, and you aren’t optimistic, you haven’t got a pulse."

From The Commencement Address by Paul Hawken to the Class of 2009

Take a moment and a deep breath, or make yourself a cup of tea and click on to read the rest of his words.  An inspiring call to action.  An awesome recognition of potential.

You can also joinWiser Earth, the organization he co-founded and get in on more of the conversation.  I did.

 
The Social Network for Sustainability

Blessed be.
Gael

Photo by Bob Alba