Some old fart, his best years behind him, who over the course of his life has made a series of dreadful mistakes (that would be me), gives heartfelt advice to a group of shining, energetic, young people with all their best years ahead of them (that would be you).
-- Saunders (N/A paragraph 1)

Importance: In this quotation, Saunders humorously yet poignantly establishes his relationship to his audience. He emphasizes the wisdom and experience he has gained from time and from personal mistakes, and he declares his intention of relating personal wisdom to the audience.

What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness. Those moments when another human being was there, in front of me, suffering and I responded…sensibly. Reservedly. Mildly.
-- Saunders (N/A paragraph 2-3)

Importance: In this line, Saunders begins to establish the main themes and ideas of his speech. He emphasizes the fact that his biggest personal regrets are related to a lack of active...