9 Life Lessons from Tim Minchin

#ath #advice

Tim Minchin’s “9 Life Lessons” were delivered in his 2013 commencement address at the University of Western Australia. These lessons are known for their wit, humility, and practical wisdom. Here are the nine lessons, summarized and explained:

  1. You don’t have to have a dream.
    Minchin argues that it’s okay not to have a grand, lifelong dream. Instead, he suggests being micro-ambitious: focus on short-term goals, work hard at whatever is in front of you, and stay open to unexpected opportunities[1][2][3][5][8].

  2. Don’t seek happiness.
    He warns against obsessively pursuing happiness, likening it to an elusive goal that disappears when chased. Instead, keep busy and try to make others happy; happiness will come as a byproduct[2][3][5].

  3. Remember, it’s all luck.
    Recognize the role of luck in your life and achievements. While hard work matters, the circumstances of your birth and opportunities are largely out of your control. This understanding should foster humility and compassion[1][2][3][4][5].

  4. Exercise.
    Take care of your body. Physical activity is vital for mental health and well-being. Minchin humorously insists that intellectuals need to move, too, to avoid existential angst[2][3][4][5].

  5. Be hard on your opinions.
    Critically examine your beliefs and opinions. Challenge your assumptions, identify your biases, and strive for intellectual rigor. Don’t just critique others—scrutinize your own views[1][2][3][4][5].

  6. Be a teacher.
    Share your knowledge generously. Teaching is not limited to classrooms; whenever you have expertise, pass it on. This not only helps others but also enriches your own understanding[5].

  7. Define yourself by what you love.
    Focus on what you love, not what you oppose. Let your passions shape your identity, and don’t let cynicism or hatred define you[5].

  8. Respect people with less power than you.
    Judge people by how they treat those with less power. Kindness and respect toward everyone, especially those in vulnerable positions, is a true measure of character[1][2][3][5].

  9. Don’t rush.
    There’s no need to have your entire life planned out. Take your time, don’t panic about the future, and remember that it’s normal for plans and ambitions to change as you grow[1][2][3][5].

These lessons are celebrated for their honesty and practical relevance, offering a counterpoint to more traditional, idealistic commencement advice.

Sources:
[1] "9 Life Lessons" - James Clear https://jamesclear.com/great-speeches/9-life-lessons

[2] 9 Life Lessons - Tim Minchin UWA Address - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoEezZD71sc

[3] Tim Minchin Speech (9 Life Lessons) - mojologic https://www.mojologic.com.au/speech-26-tim-minchin-9-life-lessons/

[4] Tim Minchin - 9 Life Lessons - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ__a4qVE_g

[5] 9 Life Lessons — Tim Minchin - Tenneson Woolf https://www.tennesonwoolf.com/9-life-lessons-tim-minchin/

[6] 9 Life Lessons - Tim Minchin [Good morning] - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0dPhUwCheP/

[7] 9 Life Lessons by Tim Minchin : r/funny - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/1bmsx7q/9_life_lessons_by_tim_minchin/

[8] 9 Life Lessons - Tim Minchin UWA Address | Alvin Foo - LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alvinfsc_9-life-lessons-tim-minchin-uwa-address-activity-7342566335807148032-Ksdh