Since both Joe Carter and Matt Anderson mentioned P. J. O'Rourke, I had to go check the link, which was a commencement speech given earlier this month. What captured my attention, though, wasn't so much what he said about politics and fairness, although both were worthy, but point #2 in his advice to the graduates: Don't be an idealist.
After pointing out the folly of mere demonstration or symbolic action, he says,
Idealists are also bullies. The idealist says, "I care more about the redwood trees than you do. I care so much I can't eat. I can't sleep. It broke up my marriage. And because I care more than you do, I'm a better person. And because I'm the better person, I have the right to boss you around."
(I wouldn't exactly recommend his advice to "go get rich" rather than hug a redwood, but his point is spot-on.)
Furthermore, the speech is worth reading for its entertainment value alone.
