What You'll Wish You'd Known 1

[sleipnir214]

Paul Graham wrote this essay and planned to give it to a group of high school students.

"What You'll Wish You'd Known"

 

[Thadeus]

sleipnir,
Thanks for the post.

everyone,
I got bored with the speech within 4 or 5 paragraphs and I wanted to read something inspiring... I don't see where it would keep the interest of a HS student. Particularly if it would have been accompanied by the excitement of a graduation ceremony.

I know he was trying to speak openly and cut through the boring adult-speak that most guest speakers offer, but I found myself looking at the scroll bar to see how much longer he was going to go on...

just my opinion,
~Thadeus

 

[TTF]

I second that,Thadeus!I closed it as my eyes started to get watery. But idea of not answering question as interesting, as it is controvercial. I found out what I want to do with my life at 37 - but it doesn't pay anything. So what was he asking? ;-D

 

[tsdragon]

Thanks! That was quite interesting, and for the most part accurate.


Tracy Dryden

Meddle not in the affairs of dragons,
For you are crunchy, and good with mustard.

 

[CajunCenturion]

Not bad for a LISP programmer.

It's a good read, and I agree with the message, but I found it to be drawn out. Had to stay focused to prevent distraction. But then, lots of parentheticals would be expected from a LISP programmer.

Good Luck
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As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein

 

[Thadeus]

ooh I realized that I may have given the wrong impression. Of what I read, I agree that it was a good message. My issues had to do solely with delivery.

TTF, While on a long stretch of unemployment and short term contracts I did alot of reading about actualizing your dream job. I also know what I want to do at age 35. It just doesn't pay, I have no training, and I have a family and a mortgage to support. I do what I'm good at, not what I desire.
When I would read some of the anecdotes about people who are now doing what they desire, it would so often come down to who they know. "Then Ed told his friend that he always wanted to be an actor. Ed had no idea that his friend's cousin is a big Hollywood producer. Blah, blah, blah... Ed's now working in the movie industry as he takes acting classes."

I want to be a Luthier. If any of you are related to the Martin's, the Gibson's, or Les Paul let me know.
Otherwise I'll keep designing database reports, going home to a loving family with a roof over our heads.

~Thadeus

 

[tsdragon]

When I started to read it, there were no other postings. By the time I got done reading and posted my response, there were two others. It was interesting, but you all are right, it was loooooong. I too kept wondering when it would end, and when he would get to the final point (I'm not sure he ever did).

I agree with what he said, I just think he could have said it in a lot fewer words. He meandered somewhat.


Tracy Dryden

Meddle not in the affairs of dragons,
For you are crunchy, and good with mustard.

 

[Stella740pl]

After first few paragraphs I was still expecting to see something ... well, more substantial, so I kept reading on.

A little bit later I found a thread of thought there and was intending to print it out for my high school daughter.

Not for long, though. The speech is too wordy, a few good thoughts here and there are watered down too much; and still nothing so new that I wouldn't be able to explain to here myself in significantly fewer words.

I got bored very soon, so I stopped reading, and just skimmed over the last few paragraphs. I cannot expect a busy high-schooler to read the whole thing through for a few thoughts that are few and far between, and not so unexpected, too.

 

[sleipnir214]

I'll admit the thing could use a good editor.

When I read it though, I assumed that the essay would be spoken aloud rather than read, which makes the diversions, etc. easier to accept.

Want the best answers? Ask the best questions!

TANSTAAFL!!

 

[TTF]

What was the star for? No one liked the speach! :-D