Banish 'so what?' from your speech, speaker tells Campbell grads

CAMPBELL

Among the most important characteristics required for happiness is the type of enthusiasm that refuses to use the phrase “So what?” according to 1961 Campbell Memorial High School graduate Ken Carano.

“I wish there was a law against that phrase,” the former educator and political figure told the 75 graduates at Campbell’s commencement ceremonies Thursday at the high school.

“Hey, next week is vacation.” “So what?” someone might say.

“Dad, I shot a 37 at golf today,” So what?”

“If we don’t turn out the lights, we’re going to waste electricity.” “So what?”

“What an extremely boring life we’ll have if we follow this philosophy,” Carano said.

“Please, the next time someone makes a statement and you want to say ‘So what?’ — stop, put a smile on your face and say, ‘That’s great.’ ”

Carano told the graduates two other words he believes lead to happiness — humor and tolerance.

Read more about his speech and the graduates in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.