This Is Water - Classic Text | Alexandria
This Is Water by David Foster Wallace constitutes far more than a commencement speech; it is a poignant exploration of empathy, perspective, and the daily grind of adulthood. Often misconstrued as mere self-help, it delves into the profound philosophical challenges of navigating a self-centered world and achieving genuine awareness.
Delivered on May 21, 2005, at Kenyon College, the speech found its genesis in Wallace’s ongoing meditations on the nature of consciousness and the insidious pull of default settings – the unconscious biases and egocentric tendencies that shape our perceptions. While not overtly citing specific historical precedents, the address echoes philosophical themes stretching back to ancient Stoicism and Buddhism, urging listeners towards mindful presence and a shift away from inherent self-absorption. This was not an isolated moment for Wallace. It resonates with his broader body of work, which consistently interrogated meaning and morality in postmodern society.
The speech's impact gradually amplified, largely through its dissemination online and, later, as a printed essay and book. Its appeal lies in its accessible yet profound commentary on everyday life. Unlike grand pronouncements, it targets the minutiae of existence: the grocery store queues, the traffic jams – mundane crucibles where character is forged. Wallace’s depiction of choosing how to perceive and interpret these moments has resonated across diverse audiences, becoming a touchstone for discussions on mental health, compassion, and the deliberate construction of meaning. Interpretations diverge; some view it as a secular sermon, while others see a pragmatic guide to emotional intelligence. The continued debate speaks to its lasting power. While the concepts presented are universal, Wallace's application of them to modern life makes the work unique.
Ultimately, This Is Water endures as a compelling invitation to question our assumptions, cultivate empathy, and actively combat the default settings that subtly shape our world. Its unassuming profundity serves as a reminder that true freedom lies not in escaping reality, but in choosing how to perceive it. Decades after its delivery, the question it continues to pose resounds: what will we choose to see in the water?