Editor’s note: Due to an error by Summit Daily News, this column did not publish on the date as originally intended.

With media attention focused on commencement ceremonies and graduation festivities, I began to ponder what useful advice and wisdom I would share with graduates should I have an opportunity to present a keynote commencement speech. Within the confines of 700 words, here goes it:

Congratulations! Graduation is a significant milestone in life that should be celebrated, but it is more of a new beginning than the end of a journey. As you enter your next phase of life, be a good listener and remain committed to learning. Practice humility and be amenable to other ideas and points of view, as “book-smarts” are seldom more valuable than practical experience. Engage experts, ask them questions, and adopt their successful habits.

Treat others the way you wish to be treated. Practice grace and forgiveness. If you are writing, saying or posting things online that you would not want your mother to hear or have printed on the front page of the newspaper, don’t write it, say it or send it. Although we will all fall short of this standard from time to time, remember, the most insecure people tend to be the most critical of others. It is never a good plan to tear others down to build yourself up.

We all fear failure, but life is a lot like baseball. If you bat .300 over the course of a lifetime, you are a candidate for the Hall of Fame. That means you don’t succeed roughly two-thirds of the time. Beware, if you are repeatedly making the same mistakes, but, if not, these temporary setbacks enable you to come back smarter and stronger. Some of our nation’s greatest entrepreneurs suffered major setbacks and failures before they achieved great success.

To paraphrase Bob Dylan, you’ve got to serve somebody or something. I attempt to serve Jesus, but the sooner you learn it is not about you, the happier you will be and more inner peace you will enjoy. Be authentic and vulnerable in your relationships. Never choose your friends by their political affiliation. Make it a life goal to selflessly serve others and to build stronger community. People are not meant to live in isolation.

All governments are human constructs and susceptible to human imperfections, but make no mistake, you are blessed to live in the United States of America. Read — really read — the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Do not confuse God-given rights with government program entitlements. It required boldness, courage and the blood of many patriots to secure and preserve these rights for you and past and future generations. The U.S. Constitution is the greatest advancement in individual freedom and human rights since the Magna Carta and the Ten Commandments. Do not carelessly surrender your constitutional rights to private companies, excessive government or social media. Thank those who have served our country and remember those who have paid the ultimate price.

Every one of you has inherent worth and talent. Try new things and activities that test your comfort zone. It is rare to be in a position where you can make a world-altering difference, but it is possible to make a positive local difference that collectively makes a big difference. Be proud of what you do, even if what you are doing is only temporary. Putting positive effort into even the most nondescript jobs or tasks may open doors to much bigger opportunities.

It’s okay to not know what you want to do “when you grow up,” but don’t stop exploring while you are figuring it out. Mental and physical stagnation never leads to success. Love your family and love others, although no relationship or job is worth your mental or physical health.

William Edwards Deming famously said, “It is not necessary to change, survival is not mandatory.” This maxim is important to remember both personally and professionally. Sears Roebuck was once the biggest company in the U.S., and it built the tallest building in the world to project its strength and power. It was the Amazon.com of its time. Today, it no longer exists. I wish you all the success in the world, but never let wealth, fame and arrogance characterize your life. Ever embrace love, grace and forgiveness.

Bruce Butler's column "Common Sense Conversations" publishes biweekly on Tuesdays in the Summit Daily News. Butler is a former mayor and council member in Silverthorne, where he has lived for 20 years. Contact him at [email protected].