National Post - Wise words for grads

What could anyone say to equip the class of 2011 for an uncertain future? Young graduates face a tough job market, a future made unpredictable by rapidly changing technologies they themselves helped spread, and a world whose next moves no one can predict, as the Middle East has shown this year. Still, living a remarkable life can leave someone with wisdom to share that stands up in any weather.

The National Post's Adam McDowell gathered speaking notes from noteworthy people being granted honorary degrees at university convocations across the country this spring. The speeches reveal lessons gleaned from lifetimes of success, failure and a readiness to learn from both…

"Don't be afraid of making an ass of yourself. I do it all the time and look what I've got." — William Shatner, actor, McGill University