Putting Life in Context

In his empathy talk, novelist John Green shares life advice with the 2013 graduating class of Butler University. The author and YouTuber explains that true heroism comes from the journey between greatness and weakness, not the other way around. He explains how things will be difficult as the audience transitions from being college graduates at the top of their game to new professionals in the work force who will likely be in a situation where they are fetching other people's coffee or working in the service industry. He argues this time period will give them more empathy and make them better people.

John Green also offers several unusual life tips in his empathy talk. This includes always fading away rather than burning out, not obsessing over lawn maintenance, remembering they will die one day and using their internet savvy to their advantage.