Michael Lewis Speech to Princeton 2012 Graduates

Questions and Answers

Who is the audience for Michael Lewis's speech?

The Princeton University graduating class of 2012.

Which of the following statements best expresses what Lewis wants his audience to 'never forget'?

They have all been lucky, so they should not feel entitled. (correct)

They should work harder than others.

Luck has no impact on success.

They should always feel entitled.

How can the tone of Lewis's speech be best described?

Engaging.

According to Lewis, what does the cookie experiment show about people who are 'blind to their own luck'?

They believe they deserve extra rewards. Signup and view all the answers

At the beginning of his speech, Lewis states that when he graduated from college, he __.

did not feel prepared for the job market. Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'arbitrarily' mean in the context of Lewis's description of his job assignment?

In a manner determined by chance or whim. Signup and view all the answers

When did Lewis first realize he wanted to be a writer?

When he wrote his senior thesis in college. Signup and view all the answers

What important lesson did Lewis learn from his research for his book Moneyball?

Team managers often misjudge a player's value because they fail to consider the role of luck in the player's success. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Lewis say he was hired for a prestigious position with a Wall Street investment firm?

An executive's wife convinced her husband to hire him. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Lewis quit his high-paying Wall Street job?

To write a book about Wall Street. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Audience and Context

Audience for Michael Lewis's speech: Princeton University graduating class of 2012.
Key message: Emphasizes that graduates must recognize their luck and not feel entitled to success.

Tone and Message

Tone of the speech: Engaging, aimed to connect with the audience and keep them interested.
Importance of luck: Individuals blind to their own luck may feel deserving of additional rewards.

Personal Reflections

Lewis's personal experience: Upon graduation, he felt unprepared for the job market, illustrating common uncertainties faced by graduates.
Realization of writing aspirations: Lewis discovered his desire to write while composing his senior thesis in college.

Insights from Research

Moneyball research findings: Highlighted that baseball team managers often misjudge player value due to a lack of consideration for luck in their achievements.

Career Beginnings

Wall Street position: Lewis's hiring was influenced by a recommendation from an executive's wife, showcasing the role of chance in career advancements.
Decision to leave Wall Street: Chose to quit a lucrative job to focus on writing a book about the industry, signifying a shift toward his passion.

Cookie experiment lesson: Demonstrates the arbitrary nature of success and the importance of understanding luck in life decisions.

Description

This quiz explores key themes from Michael Lewis's speech to the Princeton University graduating class of 2012. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing luck in success and how it shapes attitudes towards achievement. Additionally, it includes personal reflections from Lewis about his journey and insights from his research in 'Moneyball'.