Be Bold, Take a Risk | Tim Draper

This world, this virtual world, is bigger than any revolution we've ever had in the history of the world. Bigger than the Iron Age, bigger than the Renaissance, bigger than the Industrial Revolution, bigger than the internet. And you guys get to play there. The business possibilities are endless. You are sitting on the cusp of the greatest revolution in the history of the world, the Bitcoin blockchain revolution. So be bold and go for it. In the very near future, I believe that you can make it so people are truly citizens of the world. As geographic borders become less relevant, and communications become more virtual. You're coming into this world with an outstanding education and unlimited imagination. Trust yourself to make the changes that the world needs. The world is wide open to you to mold, to transform, to improve, and to build. Take advantage of new technologies to make the world better.

Be bold.

Now, some advice. Just coming out of school, take a risk. Do the risky thing. It's going to pay off. Enjoy your adventure. You're going to have ups and downs. Money's going to flow in, flow out. You're going to be rich. You're going to be poor. It's an amazing adventure. Learn to fail. Failing is key. You need to fail. I'm telling that to a bunch of students who have been really focused on succeeding. So delight your customer, whoever they may be. Trust people and they will live up to your trust. Always take responsibility for company failures. And avoid lawsuits. Relish and cheer on the success of your friends. You want your friends to succeed. You want to fly in their G5. Read and watch science fiction. Science fiction turns out to be something that they don't often teach in school, but they probably do here. But, but it's so important. Everything I saw on Star Trek, the communicator, the tricorder reading, the transporter, they're all here. Use science fiction. It's where your world is going. Don't underestimate how important you are and what you are capable of. You can do anything you imagine. In fact, You can do more. As your imagination evolves, so does your capacity to drive beyond your imagination. So we're gonna finish here by giving you a little taste of Draper University, and we're gonna recite the oath of Draper University. So if I could get everybody to stand up and just repeat after me. Everybody stand up. I know you're tired, sleeping. I've been speaking for far too long. But do it. Okay. You too, parents. Come on. Come on, up you go. There we go. Okay. Now put your hand on the— on your heart.

This is—

this is to help guide you in your future. This is a way to start thinking about your future. These are little— when you have a fork in the road, when you don't know which quite which way to go, go look at the— oh, actually, you can find it in my book, The Startup Hero. Anyway, this is called the Superhero Oath of Draper University. Repeat after me. I will promote freedom at all costs.

I will promote freedom at all costs.

Okay, I think we can do better. I will do everything in my power to drive, build, and pursue progress and change.

I will do everything in my power to drive, build, and pursue progress and change.

Okay, we're doing fine. My brand, my network, and my reputation are paramount.

My brand, my network, and my reputation are paramount.

I will set positive examples for others to emulate. I will instill good habits in myself. I will take care of myself. I will fail and fail again until I succeed. Okay, now you've got a little— there's a little movement here. I will explore the world with gusto and enthusiasm.

I will be a good person.

Yeah, it's okay, you can take your hand off your heart for that one. I will treat people well.

I will treat people well.

I will make short-term sacrifices for long-term success.

I will make short-term sacrifices for long-term success.

3 more. I will pursue fairness, openness, health, and fun with all that I encounter. Mostly fun. Well, at least do the mostly fun part. I will keep my word. I will try my best to make reparations for my digressions. All right, fight on!