Allow me to join the multitude of voices, contributing thoughts that meander without definitive direction, touching upon varied topics, without a precise endpoint. My intention here is to present my perspective—though it may only reach my own eyes. I seek to offer insights from my limited experience, to construct narratives that blend reality with fiction, and to provide solace to those whose faith rests on fragile foundations. And so, our discourse begins.
A notable cultural artifact relevant to this exploration is a music video that aired on MTV in the late 1990s, titled Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen), produced by Baz Luhrmann. This piece delivers its message through a reading of Mary Schmich's 1997 essay, originally published in the Chicago Tribune under the title "Advice, like youth, probably just wasted on the young." Schmich's essay, crafted as a hypothetical commencement speech, offers insights and life guidance intended to resonate with those embarking upon the journey into adulthood.
Schmich opens with a sentiment likely familiar to many of us: "Inside every adult lurks a graduation speaker dying to get out, some world-weary pundit eager to pontificate on life to young people who'd rather be Rollerblading. Most of us, alas, will never be invited to sow our words of wisdom among an audience of caps and gowns, but there's no reason we can't entertain ourselves by composing a Guide to Life for Graduates." She then concludes her prelude with an invitation, "I encourage anyone over 26 to try this and thank you for indulging my attempt."
Rather than replicating Schmich's text in full, I instead offer Luhrmann’s visual interpretation. This video, in my view, elevates the essay to a level of poetic artistry, embedding its prophetic message within a medium that enhances its impact and resonance.