Graduation season: grade schools, high schools, colleges, trade and professional schools unleash the newest group of best-educated students into the world.

At a recent commencement, author and humorist Bill Bryson presented 10 suggestions for the graduating classes, their parents and teachers. For veterans of these events who have endured long speeches, scholarly homilies and political rants, it was inspirational how much wisdom was communicated in just over eight minutes. Some in the audience even took notes.

A close reading of his recommendations reveals a consistency with Catholic social teaching:

1. Remember you’re alive. By the miracle of creation, we have been chosen to experience this life and achieve eternal life. Appreciate life and rejoice for the opportunity to live in this world ... and the next.

2. You’re not that special. There are billions of us on this planet and not one of us is the center of the universe.

3. Do it; try it. Unlike the consultant’s prayer, “Lord, use me in your work, preferably in an advisory capacity,” Bryson’s advice is to do, even at the risk of failure.

4. Never sneak up from behind. Whether dealing with a problem or attempting a well-intentioned — if questionable — surprise, a frontal approach allows for a greater chance of understanding rather than misunderstanding.

5. Be humble. The fact that no one is better than we are also means that we are no better than anyone else.

6. Appreciate small pleasures. We can all fill in our own blanks on this one, whether smelling the coffee or roses, or saying “Thanks” for a kindness. The close connection to “Be humble,” reinforces the value each of us has to others and our world.

7. Be good, be compassionate. Coming during this Year of Mercy, Bryson’s perspective reinforces in four words what the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy are all about.

8. Buy books in the original hardback edition. Authors make their living by selling books. He writes for a living and others need to make an honest living to support their families, themselves and their charitable priorities.

9. Be healthy. Life (see No. 1 above) comes with stress and we can best meet daily challenges with a healthy mind in a healthy body. Although often easier said than done, it’s always worth the effort.

10. Don’t start the jackhammers too early in the morning. While referencing the construction noise outside his hotel room before his speech, he reminded the audience that not everyone is an early riser or on the same work schedule. It is important to recognize others’ needs and provide small courtesies in our shrinking world.

What the graduates do with his advice is obviously up to them. What we do with the goals of the works of mercy in the second half of this Year of Mercy is up to us. As there is much to contemplate, there is even more to accomplish. And we’re alive to do it.