This Is Water David Foster Wallace Summary

Hey there, friend! Let's dive into the amazing world of philosophy and talk about a really cool piece by David Foster Wallace, called "This Is Water". It's basically a commencement speech that he gave back in 2005, and trust me, it's a game-changer.

So, Wallace starts off by talking about how we all have these defaults that we operate on, you know, like how we tend to think the worst about people who cut us off in traffic, or how we get all annoyed when it's raining outside. But here's the thing: these defaults are actually totally within our control! We can choose to think differently, to be more empathetic and understanding.

He uses this awesome analogy about water to make his point. Think about it: when you're a fish, you don't even notice the water around you, right? It's just, like, there. But if you're a human, and you're stuck in a long line at the grocery store, or dealing with some other frustrating situation, you have the power to choose how you react. You can get all worked up, or you can take a deep breath, and be like, "Hey, whatever!"

So, the next time you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, just remember: you are in control! You can shift your perspective, and choose to see things in a more positive light. And that, my friend, is a pretty cool feeling. It's all about being present in the moment, and finding the beauty in everyday life. So, go out there, and make some waves!