John Waters’ uproarious commencement address at The Rhode Island School of Design was filled with witty one-liners and unconventional pieces of advice. Want to know what true wealth really is? Curious about which career paths lead to genuine richness? Here’s what Mr. Waters had to say:
“Uh, don’t hate all rich people. They’re not all awful. Believe me, I know some evil poor people, too. We need some rich people: Who else is going to back our movies or buy our art? I’m rich! I don’t mean money-wise. I mean that I have figured out how to never be around assholes at any time in my personal and professional life. That’s rich. And not being around assholes should be the goal of every graduate here today.
It’s okay to hate the poor, too, but only the poor of spirit, not wealth. A poor person to me can have a big bank balance but is stupid by choice – uncurious, judgmental, isolated and unavailable to change.
I’m also sorry to report there’s no such thing as karma. So many of my talented great friends are dead and so many of the fools I’ve met and loathed are still alive. It’s not fair, and it never will be.”
Although candidly expressed, these words hold some essential principles to live by.
Watch the full speech above and read the complete transcript here.
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John Waters Takes You on a Comical Tour of His Apartment (1986)
John Waters’ Hand-Made, Oddball Christmas Cards: 1964-Present
An Anti, Anti-Smoking Announcement from John Waters
John Waters’ Comical & Inspiring Commencement Speech: “You Too Can Fail Upwards” (2022)
