“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
I plan to travel far.
Our world today is one of superstar athletes, teenage popstars, business executives, news reporters, and central bankers. One where we value people by the end points they reach in life, but not by the roads they have traveled to reach them. Is this right?
The lottery of birth has allowed me to choose among many different paths. Timing, location and family are all important factors from this lucky drawing. I am aware that the destination I reach will be as much determined by my own efforts as by the opportunities others -family, friends, teachers- have allowed for me.
As we all start from neither the same point nor with the same tools in our backpack, I plan to measure my achievements by the use I make of my opportunities rather than by my final destination. I will not take my opportunities for granted.
For my trip, I plan to follow my parents' simple advice:
Smile. Watch less TV, read more. Learn from children. Be generous. Listen to those that challenge your beliefs. Thank your elders. Aprende a falar português. Appreciate rainy days. Lose yourself in books. Eat healthy. Take vacations with friends. Don't discount luck. Accept your shortcomings. Floss. Turn the lights off. Work hard.
Keep your eyes on the road.
— Inigo Amoribieta