From James Baldwin to Gertrude Stein and beyond, literature’s most celebrated authors have faced stinging and ruthless rejections.

Bill Gates has shared the different pieces of life advice he wish he received in his youth. The Microsoft founder delivered his third commencement speech (he had previously spoken at Harvard 2007 and Stanford 2014) to the forestry and engineering graduates of Northern Arizona University and posted his speech on his website. When it comes to the 67-year-old's time on campus, he never made it to his own graduation and left after three semesters to start Microsoft, something that he does mention. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter "So, what does a college dropout know about graduation? Not much personally, to be honest," he said. Here are the five things Gates wishes he heard at the graduation he never had: Your life isn’t a one-act play. "You probably feel a lot of pressure right now to make the right decisions about your career," Gates said. "It might feel like those decisions are permanent. They’re not. What you do tomorrow—or for the next ten years—does not have to be what you do forever." He goes on to add that he thought after leaving school he would be working for Microsoft for the rest of his life but that now philanthropy is his full time job. You are never too smart to be confused. "I thought I knew everything I needed to know when I left college," he began. "But the first step to learning something new is embracing what you don’t know, instead of focusing on what you do know." When facing a problem that cannot be resolved alone, he said: "Don’t panic. Take a breath. Force yourself to think things through. And then find smart people to learn from" - and also advised not too be too afraid to ask. Gravitate toward work that solves an important problem. "The good news is, you are graduating at a time when there are many important problems to solve." "New industries and companies are emerging every day that will allow you to make a living and make a difference, and advances in science and technology have made it easier than ever to make a big impact." Don’t underestimate the power of friendship. "When I was in school, I became friends with another student who shared a lot of my interests, like science fiction novels and computer magazines," Gates said. "Little did I know how important that friendship would be. My friend’s name was Paul Allen—and we started Microsoft together." You are not a slacker if you cut yourself some slack. Gates noted how life is all about work - something that he learnt as he grew up. "When I was your age, I didn’t believe in vacations. I didn’t believe in weekends," he said. I pushed everyone around me to work very long hours. In the early days of Microsoft, my office overlooked the parking lot—and I would keep track of who was leaving early and staying late. "But as I got older—and especially once I became a father—I realized there is more to life than work." Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

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Conor McGregor laid hands on Michael Chandler on this week’s episode of The Ultimate Fighter, as the former UFC champion’s frustration boiled over amid his team’s losing streak. McGregor’s team have lost every fight so far on the new season of the UFC television show, going 0-6 against Team Chandler. On this week’s episode, Lee Hammond was submitted by Kurt Holobaugh in the second round of their lightweight clash. McGregor’s fellow Irishman Hammond impressed in the first round, but he was caught in a guillotine choke and tapped out in the next frame. Outside the ring, McGregor fell to his knees and buried his head in his hands. The 34-year-old then entered the cage and told Hammond: “Lee, that was a f***ing flawless performance.” Hammond replied, “That’s not flawless,” but McGregor doubled down: “That’s a flawless performance, son, don’t worry about it. “He got lucky there. Head up. I’m proud of you mate. It happens. He didn’t land one shot on you, you were absolutely timing him.” McGregor then took exception to Chandler saying that his team are ‘stacking up wins’. McGregor told the American, “Some of these kids were in the UFC before you were in the UFC,” referencing the fact that Chandler is coaching a team of UFC veterans against McGregor’s rookies. “As long as you show up for them,” Chandler hit back, criticising McGregor’s coaching ability. “Maybe if you showed up for them. I show up for my f***ing team.” “I’ll show up and break your nose, you little fool, yeah?” McGregor fired back, before shoving Chandler in the face. “Woo!” Chandler shouted. “Oh, are we gonna do this, are we gonna fight right now? Let’s go, baby.” UFC president Dana White rushed to the ring to calm down both men, before Chandler left and told McGregor’s mentees: “I’m sorry you guys are on that f***ing team. I would have been there for you.” McGregor and Chandler were announced as the coaches for this season of The Ultimate Fighter back in February, when it was also confirmed that they would fight each other later this year. However, no date, location or weight class has been announced for that bout. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More How to watch The Ultimate Fighter 31 in the UK UFC 290 live stream: How to watch Volkanovski vs Rodriguez online and on TV this weekend Sean Strickland makes passionate plea for Israel Adesanya fight after dominant win UFC schedule 2023: Every fight happening this year Michael Chandler reassures fans over Conor McGregor fight Conor McGregor doubles down on Ultimate Fighter criticism

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 26, 2023--

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