“All I ask is one thing, and I’m asking this particularly of young people that watch, please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism. For the record it is my least favorite quality, it doesn’t lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get . . . but if you work really hard, and you’re kind, amazing things will happen. I’m telling you, amazing things will happen.” – Conan O’Brien
Very sentimental. Very inspiring. Well done, Conan.
Update: The embed feature has been disabled on YouTube, click on the image above to watch the clip.
I watched this as it happened last night and was moved. I already knew what a class act Conan was, but that speech was so humble and real, and the ‘Free Bird’ jam at the end with Will Ferrell, Beck, etc. was epic. Can’t wait to see what he does next!
I never really cared for the Conan late shows – that may have to with the fact most foreigners (I’m Scottish) don’t really appreciate the format – but he is a class act as a person. I bought the first few seasons of “The Simpsons” on DVD and I didn’t realise that Conan was a major contributor to the writing on the show. After hearing his commentary on many of those episodes (particularly “Marge vs The Monorail”) I found a new level of respect for him. The quote here is brilliant, James. It should be taught to school children, it’s a truly decent comment about life, work and aspiration. Good stuff, Conan.
I always loved any sketches he did with Will Ferrell though; the episode that Ferrell does entirely in character as Robert Goulet is sheer gold!
PS How long until YouTube shuts down because all the content is blocked!?