"You can surf uncertainty. You'll keep your balance, stay agile. Expect the unexpected bumps," he said. "It's harder to do when uncertainty comes at you like a tsunami, but it's a good principle to live by."

All around the country today, distinguished men and women are looking at graduates like you from the heights of our achievements and spraying advice at you. It’s an indignity you have to suffer before they lift the latch and release you into the wild.

In settings like this today, you’re going to hear all over the country, many of the same themes. “Be true to yourself. Follow your passion. You are the future. Don’t make a mess of the world the way we did.” And I know these words because I’ve said many of them myself, often, and they’re good ideas. The only thing is they’re a little vague, I think, and every time I’m tempted to make a speech like that, I wish instead I could just give you a few good tips on how just to get through life.