Commencement 2011: what 10 eminent speakers told graduates

Here are the Monitor's hand-picked highlights from the 2011 commencement season.

4. Tom Brokaw, journalist, St. Lawrence University

Brendan Smialowski/Meet the Press/Reuters
Tom Brokaw smiles during a taping of "Meet the Press" in Washington July 13, 2008.

You cannot get through this world alone. You need each other – and we need you to celebrate one another in a common cause of restoring economic justice and true value, advancing racial and religious tolerance, creating a healthier planet.

We do that by listening and reasoning, not by shouting and fighting. Beware of ideological tyranny and uncompromising certainty. Do not become hostage to the orthodoxy of others.

This country was built on big, bold ideas that served the common welfare. We're a democratic republic, not a collection of fiefdoms changing the fundamental rules of governance with every election cycle.

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