UW Bothell invited internationally known provocateur and intellectual Dr. Cornel West over for coffee and conversation.

West spoke to a room of around 300 students about the importance of knowing your calling and having the courage to pursue it. He encouraged students to take their studies seriously.

“Every human being wrestles with their own calling,” West said. “What we need to do on our quest for truth is to die, to kill off that part of ourself that is doubtful or scared so we can grow and become who we were meant to be.”

West is known for his views on truth and justice. In addition to authoring 19 books, West can be seen on the Bill Maher Show, Colbert Report, CNN and C-Span. He is also known as part of the “Smiley & West” radio show that is distributed on Public Radio International. Nearly two decades after its first printing, his groundbreaking classic “Race Matters” continues to address America’s racial debate head-on. West boldly confronts social injustices and prejudices of all types while steadfastly promoting the idea of a brotherhood among all.

West promoted these views to UW Bothell students, reminding them that there are distractions out there to avoid.

“The media, celebrities, all these outlets are out there making you chase after money and fame,” he said. “We need to step back and realize these are simply obstacles in our way of true happiness.”

West encouraged the students to take chances.

“Have the courage to fail big,” he said. “Fail, then try again, then fail better.”