Gas Prices, Stock Bubbles, Grad Advice -- And Teaching Personal Finance In School

Predicting economic and social outcomes remains notoriously difficult because human systems adapt in unpredictable ways, rendering simple "if-then" forecasts unreliable. While high-stakes events like the Strait of Hormuz closure or AI-driven job displacement trigger widespread anxiety, historical precedent shows that markets and governments evolve to mitigate these shocks. Long-term success in investing requires enduring volatility as a necessary cost of admission rather than attempting to sidestep uncertainty. Similarly, personal fulfillment depends on recognizing that scarcity is often a psychological byproduct of social comparison rather than a lack of resources. Graduates should prioritize minimizing future regret, selecting role models based on their entire life trajectory rather than just their success, and committing to continuous learning. Ultimately, the ability to absorb uncertainty and maintain perspective is more valuable than any specific analytical skill.