Yesterday morning late night talk show host Conan O’Brien delivered the main address at Dartmouth College’s 2011 commencement exercises. The 25 minute speech is chock full of jokes, but it’s the latter half that really hits home for the students. Conan’s transition from NBC to cable TV proved to be an enlightening experience for the comedian, and so he was able to share valuable advice with the graduating class. A couple choice quotes:

“It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It’s not easy, but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, your perceived failure can become a catalyst for profound reinvention.”

“Whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity and with clarity comes conviction and true originality.”

Watch it in full above.