Bravo!
In this "Everybody gets a trophy" and "don't keep score" society we've been racing children in - many of which are now parents themselves - this is refreshing to hear in of all places...Massachusetts.
I'm sure being the son of David McCullough allowed this teacher the assuredness that he could get away with such a commencement message, but it is refreshing nonetheless. And I have no doubt it shocked a kid or two into reality, and sent their helicopter parents into a tizzy.
Now, can we get this guy to talk at the Democratic National Convention to tell their entitlement-addicted constituents to grow up to?
Ya know, I'm a different kind of 1% er. My kids actually have to earn money by doing tough work in the yard, or in the house helping Mom. Of course I grew up with practically nothing, and earned my way into the group, so I suppose I'm not your typical liberal idea of a 1%er. I reinforce with my kids (three boys one girl) everyday at least once that nothing in this world is free, to question everything they hear and trust your instincts about practically everything you'll face in life. I tell them to not be afraid to question the accuracy of information that is taught to them, and if any teacher diciplines you for nothing more than giving your opinion when asked for, then I'll deal with them in the adult world. I tell them to not worry about bullies that going through at least some level of bullying is part of life, and makes you stronger and that you'll have the last laugh anyway as these people generally are popular for a while in school, but end up with nothing as everyone around them matures and all their "friends" that once were will be no longer. I tell them that fighting with words is a far better way to achieve your goals, BUT every once in a while you'll need to fight with your hands for the things that really matter to you most. I tell them that nothing in this world is more important than family, and that staying close to each other is a recipe for a happy well rounded life.
Anyway off on a tangent, but essentially the OP gave the right message!
My favorite most annoyingly used word with my kids is "TOUGH", deal with it, whatever "it" may be. I don't do whine, go tell someone that is more willing to coddle you. Of course I'm not completely insensitive on real important issues that they have, but as all us parents know, how often is your childs whining a matter that needs your attention?? Not very.. All of my children except my youngest boy (Age 2 1/2) can iron their own clothes, do their own laundry, cook simple meals, even sew their own clothes. I'm fair with my kids, and they always know that if they don't agree with a decision I or Mom have made that they can reverse our decision if they bring a well thought out argument as to why we might be wrong. I've changed my mind and so has Mom many times because our kids have argued well. Even though we might not agree with them, the effort and thought ut into the exercise was worth a little leeway..
Anyway that's my parental philosophy in a nutshell, and it seems to be working so far.
Summed up, I give my kids what they need, NOT what they want. If they want something, they'll have to earn it.
Tim-