Watch Henry Rollins’ Inspiring Message to America’s Youth

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Hipsters aside, Henry Rollins — like any good punk — is all about the kids. The former Black Flag frontman addresses the youth of America in a new Big Think video to kick off the school year. Acknowledging the unique economic difficulties today’s young people face, Rollins urges, “If you have an idea of what you want to do in your future, you must go at it with almost monastic obsession, be it music, the ballet, or just a basic degree.” He preaches the value of hard work, as well as maintaining “your moral compass, your decency, your sense of civility, and your sense of community.” It’s a genuinely inspiring speech — colleges should really start considering Rollins as a graduation speaker — despite offering no easy solutions. Watch it below, and if you could use more straight talk, consider seeing Rollins in person on his spoken-word “Capitalism” tour.

[via Brooklyn Vegan]