Congratulations, by the way

Some Thoughts on Kindness

By: George Saunders

Narrated by: George Saunders

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This inspiring meditation on kindness from the author of Lincoln in the Bardo is based on his popular commencement address.

Three months after George Saunders gave a graduation address at Syracuse University, a transcript of that speech was posted on the website of The New York Times, where its simple, uplifting message struck a deep chord. Within days, it had been shared more than one million times. Why? Because Saunders’s words tap into a desire in all of us to lead kinder, more fulfilling lives. Powerful, funny, and wise, Congratulations, by the way is an inspiring message from one of today’s most influential and original writers.

Praise for Congratulations, by the way

“As slender as a psalm, and as heavy.”—The New York Times

“The graduating college senior in your life probably just wants money. But if you want to impart some heartfelt, plainspoken wisdom in addition to a check, you can't do much better than [Congratulations, by the way].”—Entertainment Weekly

“The loving selflessness that [George Saunders] advises and the interconnectedness that he recognizes couldn’t be purer or simpler—or more challenging.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Warm and tender.”—Publishers Weekly

Critic reviews

“As slender as a psalm, and as heavy.”—The New York Times

“The graduating college senior in your life probably just wants money. But if you want to impart some heartfelt, plainspoken wisdom in addition to a check, you can't do much better than [Congratulations, by the way].”—Entertainment Weekly

“The loving selflessness that [George Saunders] advises and the interconnectedness that he recognizes couldn’t be purer or simpler—or more challenging.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Warm and tender.”—Publishers Weekly

The wisdom of the advice

I liked it’s brevity and concise nature. Very apropos advice to the times and great reminder for young people going out into the world

Too short for a credit!

Terrible that you offer a speech for a whole credit. Should warn people. Now I know to look out for this.

Oh, and..

Congrats, by the way!

You’ve just found the best commencement speech there is. I graduated undergraduate school this year. I majored in English, studying creative writing, and it’s a dream of mine to study with Mr. Saunders at Syracuse for my masters.

Throughout my life as a writer, Saunders has taught me more than anybody. About writing, well of course. But moreover, about life.

Humble, approachable, charming, and inarguably authentic, this 12 minutes very likely just saved me 30-40 years of mistakes. I hope you find the same value as I did in it.

-Ezra Robin

Kindness is the matter

for which we matter. I bought this as a new convert to George Saunders and it is the first thing I've read by the author. a great start. And a great message to regret less in life.

The wisdom of these. words.

There are some thoughts that need review on a regular basis to enrich our lives and those of others around us. This is one such example. Enjoy.