Weld Outlines Rules of Life

William F. Weld '66 capped of a day of speeches at yesterday afternoon's College Class Day ceremonies with the wit and charm that made him a popular governor of Massachusetts.

In his speech, Weld compared life to a basketball game, compelling students, "Don't dribble all around the court. Go straight for the hoop!"

After telling students that he had good and bad news for them, he began his speech with the bad news.

"Your diplomas are worthless," he said. "I wish I had five cents for every glittering resume I've seen turned into nothing."

Weld likened the process of getting into Harvard to a lottery, but told seniors their future quest for success was "a game that has rules for players. You don't just sit there hoping to win."

During his speech, Weld outlined his eight rules for a successful and happy life.

Weld littered his eight rules with stories of his life, telling students that these principles had helped him to succeed.

Weld implored students to "take pleasure in doing the little things well," citing this advice as the reason he got his start in politics.

He also told students, "Never mind who gets the credit." Weld said this motto was the only sign on President Reagan's desk.

Weld said another of his rules for life is, "You meet the same people going down as you did coming up. It doesn't cost anything to be nice to everyone." He told students to be nice to every waiter as well as every political big-wig.

Weld also stressed a rule that he believed invaluable in his career.

"Don't complain. Don't explain. The first is useless and the other is worthless," he said.

Weld concluded his rules by telling students what the goal of the game, life, is.

"The substantive end toward which these rules should be directed in Latin...would be Carpe Diem; in English, Go for it!" Weld said.

He also warned students not to make the same mistakes he had made.

"Don't set out to do what you think your parents or friends think you ought to do. I've made that mistake," Weld said. "Do what you want to do when you want to do it."

Weld finished with a jubilant exclamation, returning to the basketball analogy to tell students, "Inside or outside the paint, you'll score. I guarantee it."