“Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that the little things in life matter.”

— William H. McRaven, University of Texas at Austin Commencement Address, 2014

About William H. McRaven

Retired U.S. Navy admiral and former Navy SEAL, chancellor of the University of Texas System, and author of 'Make Your Bed' (2017).

“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”

“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day.”

“If you can’t do the little things right, you’ll never be able to do the big things right.”

“The wise man will live as long as he ought, not as long as he can.”

“In theory there is nothing to hinder our following what we are taught; but in life there are many things to draw us aside.”

“The better part of valour is discretion; in the which better part I have saved my life.”

“So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, so long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on; and our little life is rounded with a sleep.”

“Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage.”