This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life - Book reviews of This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life

'This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life' book reviews

Review for'This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life'

In "This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life," David Foster Wallace offers a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, wrapped within the context of a commencement speech. Originally delivered to the 2005 graduating class at Kenyon College, this essay, though brief, is packed with insights that resonate deeply with readers of all ages and walks of life.

The essence of Wallace's message is deceptively simple: the most obvious, ubiquitous, important realities are often the hardest to see and talk about. He uses the metaphor of fish swimming in water to illustrate how people tend to overlook the everyday aspects of life that profoundly shape their experiences and behaviors. The speech is a call to awareness, urging individuals to step outside of their automatic, self-centered default settings and to consciously choose how they interpret and respond to the world around them.

What makes "This Is Water" particularly compelling is Wallace's ability to balance intellectual rigor with heartfelt sincerity. He doesn't shy away from discussing the banal and often frustrating aspects of adult life, such as the monotony of routine and the grind of daily responsibilities. However, he frames these challenges as opportunities for mindfulness and empathy. Wallace argues that true freedom comes from being able to consciously decide what has meaning and what doesn't, to exercise control over how one thinks and perceives.

The writing style is quintessentially Wallace—rich with nuance, wit, and a conversational tone that makes complex ideas accessible. His use of anecdotes and hypothetical scenarios helps to ground abstract concepts in real-world situations, making the philosophical discourse not only digestible but also relatable. For instance, his depiction of a mundane trip to the grocery store becomes a powerful example of how one's perspective can transform an ordinary experience into a moment of profound human connection.

One of the most striking aspects of "This Is Water" is its emphasis on compassion and empathy. Wallace challenges the reader to look beyond their own immediate desires and inconveniences to recognize the shared struggles and humanity of others. This call to compassion is not presented as an easy or natural inclination, but as a deliberate and often difficult choice that requires ongoing effort and vigilance.

While "This Is Water" is a relatively short read, its impact is lasting. It invites readers to pause and reflect on their own lives and the ways in which they interact with the world. It's a reminder that the ordinary moments of life are laden with opportunities for mindfulness and compassion, if only one chooses to see them.

In conclusion, David Foster Wallace's "This Is Water" is a timeless piece that continues to inspire and challenge readers to live more consciously and compassionately. Its insights are as relevant today as they were when first delivered, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of modern life with greater awareness and empathy.

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