Often mentioned in the days following Walter Cronkite’s death last month was the origin of his signature sign-off, “And that’s the way it is.” As Cronkite himself once explained, he sought to emulate his mentor at CBS, Edward R. Murrow, who closed out broadcasts with a sobering “Good night and good luck.” Both are fine tag lines. Yet when it comes to American-style wishes, I don’t now how you can do better than David Foster Wallace’s words. Here’s how he capped off a truth-telling commencement address delivered at Kenyon College in 2005:
“I wish you way more than luck.”
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Tags: And that's the way it is, Commencement address, David Foster Wallace, Edward R. Murrow, Good luck and good night, Kenyon College, Walter Cronkite