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Speeches worth reading

List of interesting speeches to learn from

Collection of 43 speeches to make you smarter when you want to nerd out and leverage from diverse wisdom.

Speeches worth reading

This is a collection of quality speeches worth reading because they will make you think harder and get smarter, or even be inspired to make that thing happen.

Speeches  worth reading

Admiral William H. McRaven, “Make Your Bed”

Key learning: Small, daily actions can have a profound and transformative impact on one’s life.

Admiral William H. McRaven’s “Make Your Bed” is a captivating literary gem that distills a lifetime of military wisdom into a compelling blueprint for success in any arena of life. Through riveting anecdotes and powerful insights, McRaven reveals the transformative power of small, seemingly mundane actions like making your bed each morning. He masterfully weaves his experiences as a Navy SEAL into a narrative that transcends military strategy, offering readers a profound lesson in discipline, resilience, and leadership.

Whether you’re striving to excel in your career, overcome personal challenges, or simply seek a dose of inspiration, McRaven’s book is a treasure trove of practical advice that will motivate, uplift, and leave you with a newfound sense of purpose. “Make Your Bed” is a must-read for anyone in pursuit of excellence and a reminder that the smallest actions can have the most profound impact on our lives.

Albert E. N. Gray, “The Common Denominator of Success”

Key learning: The true secret to success lies in doing the things that failures don’t like to do, which are often the very things that lead to success.

Albert E. N. Gray’s “The Common Denominator of Success” is a profound and insightful exploration into what separates the successful from the unsuccessful. Gray delves deep into the psychology of success, analyzing patterns and behaviors commonly found in highly successful individuals across various fields. His approach is both analytical and practical, offering readers not just an understanding of what constitutes success, but also actionable steps to achieve it.

Gray’s examination extends beyond mere talent or intelligence, focusing instead on the underlying attitudes and habits that foster success. This includes aspects like persistence, discipline, and the ability to prioritize long-term goals over immediate gratification. His speech is a compelling blend of motivational guidance and empirical observation, making it a vital read for anyone seeking to understand the essence of success.

Anna Quindlen, “1999 Mount Holyoke Commencement Speech”

Key learning: It is imperative to forge one’s own path in life, valuing authenticity over societal approval.

Anna Quindlen’s 1999 speech at Mount Holyoke College encapsulates a profound message of self-discovery and authenticity. In her succinct yet powerful delivery, Quindlen urges graduates to transcend societal expectations and discover their own truths. Her words are a harmonious blend of wisdom and encouragement, advocating for a life led by personal values rather than external measures of success. This address, more than a commencement speech, is a timeless manifesto for individuality and the pursuit of genuine fulfillment

Arno Rafael Minkkinen, “Finding Your Own Vision”

Key learning: Embrace and trust your unique creative journey, as true artistic vision is realized through personal exploration and steadfast commitment to one’s own path.

Arno Rafael Minkkinen’s speech, “Finding Your Own Vision,” is an evocative exploration of artistic individuality and the journey towards self-realization in creativity. Minkkinen, with his profound experience in photography, articulates the essence of discovering and nurturing one’s unique creative vision. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, self-trust, and the courage to explore uncharted territories in one’s artistic endeavors. His speech is a compelling blend of personal anecdotes and universal truths, resonating deeply with anyone striving to find their own voice in a world of ubiquitous influences.

Art Williams, “Just Do It”

Key learning: Success hinges on the willingness to act decisively and persistently, transcending overanalysis and hesitation.

Art Williams’ “Just Do It” speech is a dynamic and motivational call to action, emphasizing the power of determination and proactive behavior. Williams, with his straightforward and engaging style, cuts through complexities to deliver a simple yet profound message: success is often a result of taking decisive action rather than overthinking. He underscores the importance of hard work, persistence, and the willingness to take risks. This speech, resonating with entrepreneurs and dreamers alike, serves as a powerful reminder that action is often the most critical step towards achieving goals.

BF Skinner, “How to Discover What You Have to Say”

Key learning: The journey to finding and articulating one’s voice begins with introspective understanding and the courage to experiment with one’s ideas.

B.F. Skinner’s speech, “How to Discover What You Have to Say,” is an intellectually stimulating exploration of self-expression and the discovery of one’s unique voice. Skinner, a renowned psychologist, delves into the intricacies of human thought and communication, offering insights into how individuals can uncover and articulate their own ideas. He combines psychological principles with practical advice, encouraging introspection and experimentation in communication. Skinner’s speech is not just an academic discourse but a guide to understanding and harnessing one’s thoughts, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in effective communication.

Bill Gurley, “Runnin Down a Dream”

Key learning: The essence of entrepreneurial success lies in relentless perseverance, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to one’s vision.

Bill Gurley’s speech “Runnin Down a Dream” is a compelling narrative that blends personal anecdotes with practical wisdom, aimed at inspiring and guiding aspiring entrepreneurs. Gurley, a seasoned venture capitalist, shares his insights on the challenges and triumphs of pursuing entrepreneurial dreams. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and clear vision in the face of adversity. His engaging storytelling and real-world examples offer a roadmap for those eager to navigate the unpredictable terrain of startups and innovation. This speech is not just an account of success stories; it’s a beacon for those daring to chase their dreams in the competitive world of business.

Brené Brown, “The Anatomy of Trust“

Key learning: Trust is built through consistent, small acts of integrity and vulnerability, forming the cornerstone of meaningful relationships.

Brené Brown’s “The Anatomy of Trust” is an insightful exploration into the complexities of trust in relationships. Brown, with her expertise in social work and psychology, dissects the various elements that constitute trust, emphasizing its significance as the foundation of all human connections. She articulates how trust is built incrementally, through small yet significant actions, and how it’s essential for healthy relationships and communities. Her speech is not just informative but transformative, offering a deep understanding of trust and practical ways to cultivate it.

Bret Victor, “Inventing on Principle”

Key learning: Groundbreaking innovation stems from a steadfast commitment to one’s core principles and beliefs.

Bret Victor’s speech “Inventing on Principle” is a thought-provoking discourse on the philosophy of innovation and creativity. Victor, a renowned interface designer, advocates for a principle-driven approach to invention, where one’s work is guided by deeply held beliefs. He illustrates this concept with compelling examples from his own experiences, highlighting how adherence to principles can lead to groundbreaking innovations. Victor’s speech is both an intellectual and practical guide that inspires creators to find and follow their guiding principles.

Charlie Munger, “2007 USC Law School Commencement Address”

Key learning: Lifelong learning and the avoidance of major errors are key to achieving sustained success and personal fulfillment.

Charlie Munger’s 2007 USC Law School Commencement Address is a treasure trove of wisdom, distilled from a lifetime of experience in law and business. Munger, a legendary investor, shares his insights on success, ethics, and decision-making. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, the cultivation of good habits, and the avoidance of major errors. His pragmatic advice, delivered with characteristic wit and clarity, makes this speech a compelling guide for both personal and professional growth.

Charlie Munger, “A Lesson on Elementary, Worldly Wisdom”

Key learning: Integrating knowledge from diverse disciplines is crucial for developing sound judgment and achieving worldly wisdom.

Charlie Munger’s speech “A Lesson on Elementary, Worldly Wisdom” offers a masterclass in understanding the multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving. Munger, with his vast experience in investment and business, elucidates the importance of a broad knowledge base across various disciplines. He argues that true wisdom comes from integrating ideas from history, psychology, mathematics, and more, into one’s decision-making process. His speech is not only a testament to his own success but also serves as an intellectual toolkit for effective thinking and decision-making.

Charlie Munger, “How to Guarantee a Life of Misery”

Key learning: Avoiding self-destructive behaviors like envy, unreliability, and inertia is key to a life of satisfaction and success.

In “How to Guarantee a Life of Misery,” Charlie Munger adopts a reverse-psychology approach to impart valuable life lessons. Munger, with his characteristic wit and wisdom, outlines behaviors that lead to failure and unhappiness, such as envy, lack of reliability, and inertia. Through this contrarian perspective, he effectively highlights the path to a fulfilling and successful life. This speech is more than just advice; it’s a roadmap to avoiding common pitfalls that hinder personal and professional growth.

Charlie Munger, “The Psychology of Human Misjudgment”

Key learning: Understanding and acknowledging common psychological biases is essential for making more rational and effective decisions.

“The Psychology of Human Misjudgment” by Charlie Munger is a profound analysis of the cognitive biases and errors that affect human decision-making. Munger, leveraging his extensive experience in investing, breaks down complex psychological concepts into understandable insights. He examines how these biases lead to poor judgments in various aspects of life, particularly in business. This speech is an enlightening journey into the workings of the human mind, offering invaluable lessons for making better decisions.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, “The Danger of a Single Story”

Key learning: Recognizing the limitations of a single narrative is crucial for fostering a more accurate, diverse, and empathetic understanding of the world.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “The Danger of a Single Story” is a powerful exploration of how single narratives shape our perceptions of people and cultures. Adichie, a celebrated author, shares personal experiences to illustrate how singular stories, often stereotypes, can lead to critical misunderstandings and prejudices. Her speech is a poignant reminder of the richness and complexity of human experiences, urging a more empathetic and inclusive approach to storytelling and understanding others.

Claude Shannon, “Creative Thinking”

Key learning: Fostering creativity in scientific and intellectual endeavors requires a playful, open-minded approach that transcends traditional thinking patterns.

Claude Shannon’s “Creative Thinking” is a succinct yet profound exploration of the mechanics behind creative processes in scientific thinking. Shannon, a pioneer in information theory, discusses the importance of playful and flexible thinking in developing innovative ideas. He emphasizes the need to step beyond conventional frameworks to achieve breakthroughs. This speech is an invaluable guide for anyone seeking to cultivate creativity in their intellectual pursuits.

Dave Packard informal speech to HP managers

Key learning: Building a successful business and positive work culture hinges on integrity, respect for individuals, and a deep sense of responsibility towards employees and society.

In his informal speech to HP managers, Dave Packard emphasizes the value of integrity, respect, and responsibility in business leadership. As the co-founder of Hewlett-Packard, Packard reflects on the importance of building a company culture that prioritizes employee welfare and ethical practices. His speech is a compelling reminder of the foundational principles that drive long-term success and positive organizational environments.

David Foster Wallace, “This is Water”

Key learning: The essence of true education lies in the conscious awareness and choice in how to perceive and engage with the world around us.

David Foster Wallace’s “This is Water” is an enlightening exploration of the conscious choice in how to think and perceive the world. In this profound commencement address, Wallace delves into the automatic, unconscious way we experience life and the potential to escape this default setting. He advocates for a more thoughtful, compassionate way of engaging with the world. His speech is a powerful call to mindfulness and empathy in everyday life.

Elizabeth Gilbert, “Your Elusive Creative Genius”

Key learning: Treating creativity as an external force rather than an internal trait can help manage the psychological pressures associated with artistic work.

In “Your Elusive Creative Genius,” Elizabeth Gilbert discusses the pressures of artistic creation and the concept of externalizing genius. She reflects on historical perspectives of inspiration and argues for a return to viewing creativity as a separate entity from the self. This approach, she suggests, can alleviate the fear and anxiety associated with creative work. Her speech is a refreshing and liberating perspective on the creative process.

Evan Williams, “A Journey on the Information Highway”

Key learning: The internet revolution has fundamentally changed the way information is shared and consumed, posing both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.

Evan Williams’ speech “A Journey on the Information Highway” chronicles the rapid evolution of the internet and its impact on information dissemination and social interaction. As a co-founder of Twitter, Williams provides unique insights into how digital platforms have transformed communication and media. His speech is a thought-provoking reflection on the opportunities and challenges presented by the digital age.

George Saunders, “Failures of Kindness”

Key learning: The most regretful aspects of life are often missed opportunities for kindness; thus, living with compassion should be a paramount goal.

In “Failures of Kindness,” George Saunders offers a deeply personal and moving reflection on the regrets of missed opportunities for kindness. His speech is a poignant reminder of the long-lasting impact of our actions on others and the profound importance of kindness in our lives. Saunders’ address is a powerful call to prioritize compassion and empathy in our daily interactions.

J.K. Rowling, “The Fringe Benefits of Failure”

Key learning: Embracing failure as an essential and instructive part of life paves the way for genuine success and personal fulfillment.

J.K. Rowling’s “The Fringe Benefits of Failure” is an inspiring discourse on the lessons learned from failure and the importance of imagination. Sharing her personal journey, Rowling discusses how her failures were instrumental in her success as an author. She emphasizes that failure is not just inevitable but also a critical teacher. Her speech is an empowering message about resilience and the power of the imagination.

Jeff Bezos, “Testimony before the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law”

Key learning: A relentless focus on customer satisfaction, continual innovation, and long-term vision are crucial drivers of business success and growth.

In his testimony before the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, discusses the principles and strategies that fueled Amazon’s growth. He highlights the importance of customer-centricity, innovation, and long-term thinking in business. Bezos’ speech offers valuable insights into the mindset and practices that drive one of the world’s most successful companies.

Jeff Bezos, “What Matters More Than Your Talents”

Key learning: Success is less about inherent talents and more about cultivating qualities like curiosity, resilience, and the capacity to inspire and empower others.

Jeff Bezos’ speech “What Matters More Than Your Talents” delves into the intrinsic values that surpass natural talent in determining success. He argues that character traits such as curiosity, resilience, and the ability to inspire are more significant than innate abilities. Bezos emphasizes the importance of these attributes in achieving long-term success and making a positive impact.

Jim Valvano, “Don’t Give Up”

Key learning: Embracing life with enthusiasm, never giving up in the face of adversity, and holding onto dreams are essential for a fulfilling and resilient life.

Jim Valvano’s “Don’t Give Up” speech is an impassioned and inspiring call to resilience and hope, especially in the face of adversity. As a legendary basketball coach and cancer patient, Valvano shares his personal battles, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, laughter, and dreams. His speech is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and find joy, even in the darkest times.

John C. Bogle, “Enough”

Key learning: In business and life, recognizing ‘enough’ and adhering to principles of fairness and integrity are crucial for sustainable success and societal well-being.

In his speech “Enough,” John C. Bogle, the founder of Vanguard, addresses the perils of greed and the pursuit of excess in the financial industry. He advocates for a return to virtue and integrity, emphasizing the importance of fairness, fiduciary responsibility, and putting clients’ interests first. Bogle’s speech is a powerful critique of excess and a call for ethical practices in finance and business.

John Cleese, “Creativity in Management”

Key learning: Creating an environment that supports space, time, confidence, and humor is key to fostering creativity and innovation in the workplace.

John Cleese’s “Creativity in Management” speech is an insightful and humorous look at fostering creativity within organizational structures. Cleese, with his background in comedy and writing, explores the conditions necessary for creative thinking, including space, time, confidence, and humor. His speech offers practical advice for managers and leaders to cultivate a creative and innovative work environment.

John Roberts, “I Wish You Bad Luck”

Key learning: Encountering and overcoming adversity is essential for developing empathy, character, and a deeper appreciation for life’s blessings.

Chief Justice John Roberts’ speech “I Wish You Bad Luck” is a counterintuitive yet profound reflection on the value of hardships and challenges in building character and empathy. Addressing graduates, he emphasizes the importance of experiencing and overcoming adversity to develop compassion and understanding. Roberts’ speech is a unique and thoughtful perspective on personal growth and resilience.

John W. Gardner, “Personal Renewal”

Key learning: Lifelong engagement, curiosity, and commitment to self-improvement are key to personal fulfillment and societal contribution.

John W. Gardner’s speech “Personal Renewal” is a compelling call to continual self-improvement and the pursuit of excellence. Gardner, a noted author and educator, discusses the importance of staying engaged, curious, and committed to personal growth throughout one’s life. His speech is an inspiring reminder of the potential for renewal and transformation at any age.

Nathan Myhrvold, “Roadkill on the Information Highway“

Key learning: Success in the rapidly evolving technological landscape requires adaptability, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace innovation.

Nathan Myhrvold’s “Roadkill on the Information Highway” is an insightful analysis of the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid advancement of technology. As a former Microsoft executive, Myhrvold shares his perspectives on navigating the ever-changing technological landscape, emphasizing adaptability and innovation. His speech is a thought-provoking exploration of the future of technology and its impact on society.

Neil Gaiman, “Make Good Art”

Key learning: The relentless pursuit of creative expression is vital, especially in challenging times, as art offers resilience, joy, and a means of personal fulfillment.

Neil Gaiman’s “Make Good Art” speech is an inspiring call to artists of all kinds to persist in their creative endeavors, regardless of circumstances. Gaiman, an acclaimed author, shares his personal journey and the lessons he learned about resilience and the power of art. His speech is a heartening message to creatives to continue making art, especially in the face of challenges and uncertainties.

Peter Kaufman, “The Multidisciplinary Approach to Thinking”

Key learning: A multidisciplinary approach to thinking, integrating knowledge from diverse fields, is crucial for comprehensive understanding and effective problem-solving.

Peter Kaufman’s “The Multidisciplinary Approach to Thinking” emphasizes the importance of integrating knowledge from various disciplines for better decision-making and problem-solving. Kaufman, an expert in business and law, advocates for a broader intellectual approach, arguing that understanding the interconnections between different fields leads to deeper insights. His speech is a guide for those seeking to enhance their cognitive abilities and make more informed choices.

Randy Pausch, “Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”

Key learning: The fulfillment of life’s ambitions lies in persistently overcoming challenges and enabling others to achieve their dreams.

Randy Pausch’s “Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” is a heartwarming and inspirational speech that emphasizes the importance of pursuing one’s passions. Pausch, facing a terminal illness, reflects on fulfilling his own dreams and the lessons learned along the way. He encourages embracing obstacles as opportunities and the significance of enabling others to achieve their dreams. His speech is a poignant blend of personal anecdotes and universal truths about the persistence and resilience needed to realize one’s goals.

Randy Pausch, “Time Management”

Key learning: Effective time management hinges on aligning activities with personal values and prioritizing tasks that advance true goals.

In “Time Management,” Randy Pausch offers practical and effective strategies for managing one of life’s most limited resources: time. Pausch, a computer science professor, delves into techniques like goal setting, prioritization, and delegation, underscoring the importance of aligning time investment with one’s true values and goals. His advice is straightforward yet profound, providing actionable insights for making the most of every moment.

Richard Feynman, “Seeking New Laws”

Key learning: The essence of discovery lies in the relentless pursuit of questions, experimentation, and embracing the unknown with curiosity.

eeking New Laws” by Richard Feynman is an exploration into the curious and imaginative mind of a physicist in search of nature’s truths. Feynman, a Nobel laureate, shares his approach to scientific discovery, which involves questioning, experimenting, and embracing the unknown. His speech is not only an insight into the process of scientific inquiry but also an inspiration for creative problem-solving in any field.

Richard Hamming, “Learning to Learn”

Key learning: Mastery in any field requires the ability to continuously learn, adapt, and effectively glean lessons from failures.

In “Learning to Learn,” Richard Hamming addresses the critical skill of effective learning. Hamming, a renowned scientist, emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, intellectual adaptability, and the ability to learn from failures. His speech is a guide for lifetime learners, highlighting the necessity of evolving one’s approach to learning in an ever-changing world.

Richard Hamming, “You and Your Research”

Key learning: Significant scientific progress hinges on focusing on important problems and dedicating oneself to making fundamental contributions.

Richard Hamming’s “You and Your Research” is a motivational call to researchers, emphasizing the significance of working on important problems. Hamming, with his extensive experience in scientific research, discusses strategies for identifying impactful research areas and the mindset required to make significant contributions. His speech is a blend of practical advice and inspirational wisdom for anyone in the field of research.

Sir Ken Robinson, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?”

Key learning: Transforming education to value and nurture creativity is essential for the development of full human potential and meeting future challenges.

Sir Ken Robinson’s “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” is a provocative critique of the current education system’s impact on creativity. Robinson argues that schools often prioritize conformity and academic achievement over creative thinking, which can stifle children’s innate creative abilities. His speech is a compelling call for a reimagining of education to nurture and value creativity as much as literacy and numeracy.

Steve Jobs, “2005 Stanford Commencement Address”

Key learning: Life’s richest experiences and true success come from following one’s heart and intuition, even through the most challenging times.

Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford Commencement Address is an inspiring narrative of resilience, passion, and following one’s intuition. Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, shares personal stories of love, loss, and discovery, emphasizing that setbacks can lead to unforeseen paths. His speech is a powerful reminder to graduates to pursue what they truly love and to trust in the journey of life.

William Deresiewicz, “Solitude and Leadership”

Key learning: Effective leadership requires the capacity for solitude, introspection, and the courage to think and act independently.

William Deresiewicz’s “Solitude and Leadership” is an insightful examination of the relationship between solitude and true leadership. Deresiewicz argues that real leadership stems from self-reflection, independent thought, and the courage to stand apart from the crowd. His speech challenges the conventional notion of leadership, advocating for introspection as a critical component of effective and ethical leadership.

 

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