Life according to Tim Minchin

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I know Comedian Tim Minchin and I recently came across his address to University of Western Australia graduates. I think he was onto something with his nine pointers of living. 

1. You don’t have to have a dream 

You don’t need a grand life dream to justify your life. If you have one, great. But chasing a single long-term dream can make you miss the interesting opportunities right in front of you. Be micro-ambitious — work with pride on what’s immediately ahead of you and you’ll be surprised where it leads. 

2. Don’t seek happiness 

 Happiness is like an orgasm — the more you obsess about it, the more it slips away. Humans evolved not to be constantly content. Aim to do worthwhile things and make others happy; happiness will follow as a side effect. 

3. Remember, it’s all luck 

 You are extraordinarily lucky just to be alive and here — born into circumstances that gave you access to this moment. Success isn’t all because of your effort; luck has a huge role. Acknowledge that and it will make you humble and compassionate. 

4. Exercise Take care of your body. 

You’re going to need it. Most of you will live long lives — and if you don’t look after your health, you’ll suffer for it. Physical wellbeing is essential to mental wellbeing. 

5. Be hard on your opinions 

 Everyone has opinions (like assholes), but unlike assholes, your opinions should be examined and questioned constantly. Be intellectually rigorous. Acknowledge your biases and be willing to change your mind. 

6. Be a teacher 

 Please be a teacher, not necessarily in a classroom, but in spirit: share your ideas and help others learn. Don’t ever take your education for granted. 

7. Define yourself by what you love 

 Don’t define yourself by what you hate. Too many people build identity by opposition  e.g., “I hate X, I hate Y.” Instead, be passionate about things you genuinely love, applaud them, and be generous in your praise. 

8. Respect people with less power 

 How someone treats people who have less power waiters, interns, assistants tells you volumes about their character. Respect and kindness toward the powerless is a mark of true decency. 

9. Don’t rush

You don’t have to know what you’re going to do for the rest of your life yet. Most people who were sure of their path at age 20 ended up having mid-life crises. Don’t panic — life will be long, challenging, silly, and wonderful. There's one sensible thing to do with life — fill it (not “fillet” it). Learn. Love. Travel. Laugh. Experience. Give. Create. Live. 


Life is an incredibly exciting and somewhat meaningless thing, and that’s a good thing. Good luck, and thank you for indulging me.



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