Do it, dare it, courage ─ Anna Quindlen's Commencement Speech at Washington University, 2017

As a New York Times columnist, Anna Quindlen won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 1992. She later 'took the leap' and quit her Times column to write bestselling novels and non fiction books. She is one of the most sought after commencement speakers in the USA, and has delivered more than a dozen since her famous offering for Villanova, which became the text for her bestselling small book, 'A Short Guide to a Happy Life'. In this episode Anna talks a little about that speech, but also about the commencement form generally, the courage she has shown in her own life, the state of her country, and in particular a speech she delivered at Washington University in St Louis in 2017. In this episode she mentions Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural, Hillary Rodham's speech at Wellesley in 1969, Mario Cuomo's Tale of Two Cities speech, Oswald Mosley in 1930s England, and Joseph McCarthy's 'Enemies from Within' speech.  They are all on Speakola, with transcript. Visit Anna Quindlen's website. If you'd like to donate to support Speakola in both its website and podcast form, Tony would appreciate any help in these covid times!  Tony's books are available online and at his website. Send an email to swap details for signed copies. Episode supported by GreenSkin™ and PurpleSkin™ avocados at https://greenskinavocados.com.au/ Please subscribe to the podcast, visit Speakola,  and share any great speeches that are special to you, famous or otherwise. I just need transcript & photo /video embed. Speakola also has Twitter and Facebook feeds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.