You Are Not Special Commencement Speech from Wellesley High School

"You are not special" speech at 2012 Wellesley High School Graduation

[@macylipkin6927]

"If everyone gets a trophy, trophies become meaningless." Best line ever, hands down.

[@ruusaanidbc3927]

i like your word

[@ennayak113]

"I hope you've learned enough to recognize how little you know." so good.

[@elemes24]

hi all, want to clear up a lot of your misconceptions. i have this guy as an english teacher at Wellesley high and first of all, he's not a principal. also, no person I've ever met at school cares more about my success than this man. he is encouraging and instills the most viable, accessible knowledge of any teacher I've ever had. he is so far from a "douche" as I've ever met. i find it incredible how you all can find so much negative from a speech that was meant to be encouraging. he is saying that nothing is given. you're lucky to be alive as it is such a minute possibility so why not take the opportunity to BECOME special. like he said, the PURSUIT of happiness is active. go do something and get to that special state everyone says you already have. this man is kind, caring, and truly eye opening. everyone judging with no background is so wrong, you can trust me cause i sit down with him for an hour every single day and learn from this man more than any teacher I've ever had. thanks guys and im willing to respond to any rebuttal or comments :)

[@miquel1908]

As an English educator myself, i truly understand the point he is trying to get across. This is the best commencement speech I have heard in a long time.

[@John-us8mq]

Keira Mooney He's not the principal. I don't know where you got that from, but Jamie Chisum is the principal and McCullough is still an English teacher

[@blueberryboi9426]

Never in my life have i heard a more honest speech.

[@nicholascatania2536]

Jude Pelaez This is water by david foster wallace

[@davidswartz6822]

+Justin H. Which doesn't make it any less honest or thought-provoking or brilliant.

[@EdmacZ]

So thought provoking and brilliant it inspired thoughts of killing oneself. Catchphrases do nothing for no one.

[@JOHN----DOE]

More like thoughts of getting REAL about oneself and finding a meaningful relationship to the rest of the universe. Of which neither you, nor I, nor anyone else is the center.

[@avtarramsingh]

"Climb a mountain so that you can see the world, not so that the world can see you." Absolutely amazing advice, this speech is one of the best commencement speeches a class could hope for.

[@Leo2112Lion]

This right here is the type of graduation speech you would actually pay to have your kids hear

[@boogeymanws]

He should've said, 'You only die once. You live everyday!'

[@EternityEyes]

YODOYLE?

[@boogeymanws]

exactly!

[@mdgreear94]

EternityEyes YODOYLE RULES

[@xSwain]

Yolo works. The act of living only occurs once; you stay alive until you die.

[@Galdring]

xSwain Allegedly, "you only live once" suggests that the only thing you do once is live, rather than that you live only once. This guy's an english teacher, so I guess he is right.

[@sn0wb0ard1ng]

Best commencement speech ever. Summary: The purpose in life is not to follow others or do what society thinks is right. Its to look inside and do what you love whilst doing it around people that you love and enjoy being around. You aren't special insofar as we all have the same fate as one another. What we do in life ultimately doesn't matter. Our happiness is the only thing that matters!

[@viktorszpika4378]

So if life has no purpose, then why even bother living when everything you do in this life will be for nothing?

[@viktorszpika4378]

Tyler Lopez Well it's not that I find purpose in life, but that life itself has no purpose. If life has no purpose, then it doesn't matter what you think the purpose of your own life is if life itself has no purpose since it was created by accident to begin with.

[@quenchersfantasy9392]

Viktor Szpika I understand where you're coming from but also, it's still the only thing you know. You're forced to live it and forced to be alive so it might as well be the thing that holds the most purpose

[@tylerglass3220]

Ricky Stafford I find a quite different meaning. I don't think it means do what makes you happy. I think it means that because we aren't special, we shouldn't feel entitled to special things. That we shouldn't do things to make ourselves feel as special as we're told we are. We should do things, good things, for others because it's right and it's good. Not to feed moral superiority in an endless quest to make ourselves feel like even more of a precious snowflake.

[@crissy4445]

no its not there is no purpose

[@paulk4446]

even if you are 1 in a million ... there are 7000 people just like you

[@therandomperson02]

Making Donald Trump jokes in 2012. Truly a man ahead of his time.

[@string1414]

I was thinking the EXACT same thing.

[@soleildupree2834]

Trump was going to run for president in 2012 but bowed out. He ran other times as well but did terribly.

[@Ramblonius]

Trump was a terrible person long before he ran for president.

[@KurtisC93]

+Random Bread - Not at all. In 2012, Trump was seen as an egomaniacal lunatic who no one even took seriously, much less respected. If you told someone in 2012 that they would one day live in a world where Donald Trump became President, they would literally think you were joking. Trump's ego has been his trademark for decades. It was old hat in 2012, it's even older hat now.

[@michelleburgess6556]

Yeah too bad he couldn't have looked into the future enough to tell Hillary not to bother running in 2016, cause she LOST (As in didn't win, came in second, won't be president EVER, no matter how much you liberals whine about it!!)

[@jack15211]

This guy is my English teacher this year!

[@EvanChesterman]

Lucky.

[@MetalBuffalos]

He has a really good vocabulary

[@ratzlp0li]

jack15211 thx chopin

[@SuperParkerBrothers]

jack15211 Jack...Curley?

[@m.d.h.1388]

You're not special....

[@BTLwithTony]

I miss Mr. McCullough. He was my high school Fiction and Film teacher in 1998. He gave almost this exact same speech at our Baccalaureate service the day before high school graduation in 1999. This was all when he taught in Hawaii. Without a doubt the best teacher ever.

[@a-a-ron97]

I wish this guy would've spoken at my high school graduation...

[@a-a-ron97]

+Aaron G But I don't think anyone would've really understood the message at my school...

[@shutupthatepic]

+Aaron G He spoke at my brother's :)

[@milkmyduds]

Someone's been reading Fight Club

[@writegirl422]

I watched this speech for the first time in my eleventh grade English class, and it completely changed my life. At the time, I was an overworked honors student who put mountains of pressure on herself simply because everyone had always said that I was capable of excellence. "You are not special" was one of the most liberating things I had ever heard. Now, as a college student, I go on impulsive adventures, sometimes around the globe, I try new things even if I don't have a decent reason to, and I cherish the relationships that I've built throughout the years. But more importantly, I am finally learning to live for myself. Thank you, Mr. McCollough.

[@flaviusthrax]

Money doesn`t make you happy. I now have $50 Million, but I was just as happy when I had $48 million. - Arnold Schwarzenegger-

[@berthastankinfields6893]

Some people can't even afford GUM. WHAT THE HELL.

[@GASM0N]

flaviusthrax What about when he had $1000?

[@benleprosy]

This guy is a fantastic teacher. I go to Wellesley High School, and he's one of the best teachers there.

[@jessimaster]

"don't waste your life watching youtube videos" Irony.

[@JOnTHeMOnSoon]

Best speech Ive ever heard. "Everyone is special, just like you" Amazing, it reminds me of one of Alberts famous quotes: "If you judge a fishes intelligence by how well it can climb a tree, it will spend its whole life thinking its stupid." Words to live by..

[@vi3t123bby]

These kids are 18 years and older. It's time to stop sugar coating things and sheltering your kids. Sheltered children tends to be very ignorant about the world around them and are usually the first to fall because they don't understand why nobody thinks the sun shines out of their butt like their parents told them it does.

[@supadois2016]

An extraordinary speech. "Selflessness is the best thing you can do for yourself." Just one of a zillion pearls of wisdom.

[@ryancoker7600]

Honestly, most of the things he said was only the truth, and sadly the truth does hurt. Most people can not realize the main goal for the things he had said.

[@comedylizzylizzy]

I was reading Time magazine about the me, me, me generation and they mentioned this video. Very well done.

[@JeffTheHut1]

I come back to this speech often. So well written. Inspiring.

[@TheSpeakenglish]

The high school version of "This is Water" by David Foster Wallace.

[@BatmanINDY]

How on Earth does it sound like he's "winging it." This is a very well written speech, with a great message.

[@ScarlettM]

Such people as this teacher give me real hope for american and human future.

[@scwannabe5212]

Man, wish I had a graduation like that. Sent off with real words of wisdom. Instead, our principal spent about an hour reading the entirety of 'Oh The Places You'll Go' by dr. Seuss. The entire.Damned. Thing. Maybe I would've gotten some 'deeper meaning' from it, if the graduating class weren't dying of heatstroke near the end... It was all just a passing breeze, high school.

[@RoZemelman]

As a history major with a passion for great speeches, I can confidently say that this is one of the best speeches I've ever heard. This teacher captured, in less than 15 minutes, the cultural climate in which Americans find themselves, and preaches a message that is important, relevant, and powerful.

[@0xTraub]

I watched this after reading the time magazine article about the me, me, me generation and they mentioned this video. He makes a great point we really need to think about.

[@sassychimpanzee7431]

I love this. Some people might take this offensively, but they really shouldn't. This reminds us all that to be special we have to do something to make us special. Not everyone can be special. And if we turn out to not be extraordinary, that's okay. Because most of us aren't extraordinary. Most of us are just normal people. But if you're happy being a normal person, then there's no need to be special.

[@chernobylwendigo3994]

I would have appreciated this guys speaking at my high school graduation.

[@Charlie-rb7to]

The only ones downvoting this video, are the ones who categorically believe they are special sweetie-pies...

[@comedylizzylizzy]

That was really a very truthful, and amazing speech. Climb to the top of the mountain to see the world, not so the world see's you.

[@KaylaDame]

so happy and glad he is my teacher for my senior year this year!! he is one of my TOP favorite teachers and teaches us all about life beyond high school, college and until the day we die!!!!!! truly the best and everyone should have him as a teacher. Especially as a senior!!!!!!!!!!

[@goneyon]

I think how contradicting this speech is can be summed up with the following: He tells us to do what we love simply because we love doing it, and then proceeds to tell us to do specific things for specific, subjective reasons. That said, I still enjoyed it.

[@vetteluvnh]

Amazing speech! Intelligent, articulate, eloquent, humorous, & most of all, INSPIRING! Even for a 40 yr old man like myself. Thank you for posting.

[@beepenbopper]

We all knew it. Well, most of us... Thanks to David for saying it publicly. Probably the most special are those who realize they aren't special at all.

[@pitter43]

When I heard the teaser on news for this, I thought " what a jerk ". When I heard the entire thing I thought " what a hero.

[@bbtriz]

favorite graduation speech i've heard by far! my english teacher made our batch read it in the start of our 4th year in high school and it has changed our perspective of ourselves since then

[@Wee-Snaw]

Whaaaaaaaa???? I'm NOT special??? But my mom....my teachers....my friends....viral tumblr quotes... They all lied to me? What will happen to my sense of entitlement?

[@beetsaver]

I'm constantly looking for validations and affirmations from my teachers, my parents and my peers. This speech is truly inspirational and made me think a lot. Thank you!

[@marishkaaable]

Love this speech and can watch it over and over again. It's eloquent, capturing, humbling, and inspiring at the same time.

[@szzeth]

Great speech. Don't miss the important message in this.

[@TheShapeH31]

I saw this in class last week and I'm in my junior year and sometimes I think about quitting, collapsing under the pressure but this is one of the things that give me the boost I need to keep going, a REALLY inspiring speech, hilarious one at that

[@humanismusic]

"I also hope you've learned enough to recognise how little you know" An excellent line in a excellent speech. 08:41

[@shutupthatepic]

I still find this amazing how I watched the speech in person because my brother graduated.

[@vetteluvnh]

I come back to watch this video about once every 6 months. Every single time, I find new nugget of wisdom that I missed the time before.

[@richthenative]

Most excellent, hard hitting, realistic...tactful, inspirational.

[@jadongaudin8274]

My pastor talked about this in church this morning and I'm glad I watched this

[@mooseSFLA]

I can watch & listen to this all day

[@qa789455]

他的演講又幽默又有深度 能得到此良言真的是很感謝 Thanks!

[@ErikTheBigKMan]

What I like about this is the overwhelming positive impact that it had on students and parents around the country. As strange as it may seem, people do response to truth and tough love when it comes to big, important things.

[@TheWildheartmuse]

This is one of my favourite speeches. I am glad that the students have it here to watch again and again as they head out in to the World. I wish the speech by Dan Waters at the MVPCS was on here too. DW talked stated that what ever the grads do in life the most important is to be Kind. DC's and DW's speech are worth revisiting.

[@aboriginalstraightshooter7967]

I love teachers like this they truly change lives!!?

[@donnellanderson4208]

The BEST speech ever and something everyone needs to hear!

[@EazyBreezyBeatreezy]

This is amazing... I wish my commencement speaker will have something like this. Definitely makes me think and instead of lowering my self-esteem like people are saying, it motivates me, it makes me hopeful I can make something of my life.

[@eyemovements]

This man is a man of courage and truth. Thank you for writing this speech!

[@RebornLegacy]

Just graduated about 2 weeks ago. Love this speech.

[@1McMMoM]

As one who has taught high school for many, many years, I can attest - he just said a mouthful. Awesome speech.

[@housemusicsmith]

Ahhh, how useful this video could be if played in every college across the United States...

[@jazmin8464]

Yess

[@honeytgb]

Awesome speech. A great mix of a healthy dose of reality, a scoop of optimism, and a dash of inspiration.

[@flojobo]

If only every commencement address would be this thoughtful and sincere. Given the chuckles, you can tell that people really heard him.This man represents the best of our educators.

[@housemusicsmith]

By far one of the best, most honest speeches I have ever heard on the internet. Should be required viewing for everyone...

[@tiffam2938]

This is an amazing speech! Pretty much everyone graduates from high school it's what you do after that makes you different in today's world. Before then you are the same as everyone. He is just leaving people with good and truthful advice. I'd rather hear the truth than a bunch of bullsh*t.

[@ctapgoy]

This is actually very moving and if those high school students can really understand what he is saying, they should be inspired too!

[@charismadowdy]

What a great speech! Many need to hear this.

[@RedPen1966]

This is the BEST and WISEST commencement speech I have ever heard. A dose of reality tempered with wonderful humor and encouragement. Bravo to this man.

[@MsJubjubbird]

"numbers even an English teacher can't ignore" lol

[@GeorgeBakalov]

Excellent!

[@Smileyyy21]

I loved it. It had so much meaning and I'm sure everyone took at least a little bit from it.

[@SunfireSol]

Excellent speech and great wisdom! I wish I had heard this 20 years ago.The real world summed up in under 13 minutes.

[@agilelabs9509]

Great speech.

[@RamblinRick_]

My curiosity peaked, because the article piqued my curiosity as well.

[@nygiantgirl1]

This is what our kids need to be hearing!!! This man should have gotten a very very long standing ovation!!!!

[@iroivy9981]

reached here also while reading the article on the Time magazine, the "Me me me generation". Have been very inspired listening to Mr David's McCullough speech. Especially the few last minutes. It fired writing a blog post about "All the little things that ma t t e r..." while pouring my heart out, simmultaneously attempting to ground myself.

[@jasonbaker4262]

Wellsley is considered the richest town by many, and it's known for being very elitest and snobby. Why this video went viral was because of the initial outrage this speech caused. (In the town)

[@kylercote4983]

my teacher showed me this and I really loved it

[@patriciamillares1098]

I was reading an article on time magazine and this speech was mentioned. Very well said.

[@vernfitz]

What an amazing lesson. Remember you are special, just like everyone else.

[@kungfu2968]

i am a unique and special little snowflake

[@asdharleychuck123]

Yes, everybody else is unique just like everybody else. 😀

[@kungfu2968]

but I'm more special

[@Missmary852]

different way*

[@michelleburgess6556]

Please go away to "snowflake" land, take the millennials with you while your at it. Leave us baby boomers alone in a world where men act like men and women act like women.

[@arteagabrenda98]

I love this speech!!!

[@vanessapratts3388]

Thanks. Yes. My curiosity was piqued. Still learning to define and spell at 54! The beat goes on and the learning continues for life.

[@MacKeyser]

Time Magazine brought me here also. FANTASTIC commencement speech. I find it to communicate with incisive honesty, yet leave room for hope. What it does not leave room for is entitlement or self-delusion. Bravo!

[@AuthorReborn]

This man is ahead of the time, making Donny Trombone jokes in 2012.

[@123tube456]

Respect

[@aldouSaH]

Absolutely superb.

[@marKism69]

Without a doubt, the BEST commencement speech I've ever heard.

[@snickerdoodle7877]

I love this guy's dry wit.

[@waiterwhite198]

The saddest part about this speech is at that age all those kids are totally zoning out the speech... mechanically clapping when they are programmed to. They all went and got smashed drunk right after. Then realize this speech makes so much sense.....10 years later when the world falls on top of them.

[@diamondportal77]

KZbin comments are not for telling your life story.

[@TheS333D]

Analysing this speech was 1 out of 2 possible tasks for the Final Exam from the Abitur in Germany this year. Im glad i had such a beautiful speech to analyze and it really gives me back so faith for our future generation.

[@K_impossible1]

I'll admit... in 2012, I was unsure how I felt about this. Now? I'm positively, unquestionably, emphatically and indubitably compelled, he's absolutely spot-on. And I know now I won't change my mind ever again. I guess I finally grew- up.

[@bremareno9530]

Well thought, honestly, closest to the perfect speech I've heard to date, too bad the kids are hearing only a small portion b/c of the days excitement and immaturity!

[@SlapShotRegatta22]

May I add another statistic that I believe Mr. McCullough would appreciate? The most watched KZbin video (Psy's 2012 Gangnam Style) has 2.5 billion views while this only has 2.5 million. Quite a sad testament.

[@deanaviram5009]

I agree with you.

[@iamlistening09]

It is a great lift up to know that I am not special; then I am actually able to see how extraordinary life is.

[@robertjones811]

@ 9:21 ; "read, read all the time ..." I have no eloquence to express this sentiment's profundity. Yet, there was that "oooh, yeah (chaka-cha!)" buzz in my head and heart when he said it. Side benefit: it is nice to hear, over the years, once in a while, "how did you know that?"

[@Bart1893]

"Selflessness is the best thing you can do for yourself."

[@ThreePuttBogeys88]

#YLOO!!!! Getting my tattoo tomorrow!

[@CouplesVsCouples]

Happiness is all that matters... best thing ever

[@sluml0rd67]

Amen to this man .. wish all was like this ..