My experience is that good commencement speeches are rare, but I know a good one when I read one. And this one by drama critic Terry Teachout is one of the best that I’ve read in years. Short, clever and insightful, Teachout weaves in a profound exchange from the movie Bull Durham and a funny anecdote about the legendary actor Rex Harrison and Broadway producer Leland Hayward. Then, he concludes with the following sage advice:

If there’s ever a time in life for you to shoot high, it’s now. So take a long, cool look at yourself and say, What do I really want out of life? What would keep me interested until the day I die? Do I have a realistic chance to get it? And if you think you do, then go for it. Work as hard to get it as you worked to get your degree here. Settle later, if you must–but don’t spend the rest of your life eating your heart out because you didn’t give it your very best shot right now.

And that’s that. I congratulate you, members of the Class of 2011, for doing something truly remarkable.

Remember: be proud.

Be professional.

Don’t be bored. Enjoy the moment.

And be sure to get a good lunch.