This Is Water

Synopsis

In this rare peak into the personal life of the author of numerous bestselling novels, gain an understanding of David Foster Wallace and how he became the man that he was.

Only once did David Foster Wallace give a public talk on his views on life, during a commencement address given in 2005 at Kenyon College. The speech is reprinted for the first time in book form in This is Water. How does one keep from going through their comfortable, prosperous adult life unconsciously? How do we get ourselves out of the foreground of our thoughts and achieve compassion? The speech captures Wallace's electric intellect as well as his grace in attention to others. After his death, it became a treasured piece of writing reprinted in The Wall Street Journal and the London Times, commented on endlessly in blogs, and emailed from friend to friend.

Writing with his one-of-a-kind blend of causal humor, exacting intellect, and practical philosophy, David Foster Wallace probes the challenges of daily living and offers advice that renews us with every reading.

Summary

Chapter 1: This Is Water

Summary:
This chapter opens with a parable of two fish swimming upstream, unaware of the water surrounding them. Similarly, humans often live their lives without being fully conscious of the "water" they inhabit – the social, cultural, and environmental forces that shape their experiences. Commencement speeches should awaken students to their true nature and help them navigate the complexities of the world.

Real Example:
* A student who grew up in a privileged environment confronts the realities of poverty and inequality.

Chapter 2: The Architecture of Happiness

Summary:
Wallace discusses the illusion of "default mode" thinking, where the mind wanders to negative thoughts and judgments. He suggests that happiness is not found in external conditions but rather in the cultivation of a more attentive and compassionate mind. By actively practicing mindfulness and focusing on the present moment, we can escape the default mode.

Real Example:
* A person who struggles with anxiety learns to manage their thoughts and cultivate a sense of equanimity.

Chapter 3: Consider the Lobster

Summary:
Wallace draws parallels between the behavior of lobsters and humans. Lobsters, when placed in a larger tank, will often become more aggressive and territorial, demonstrating the influence of their environment on their behavior. Likewise, humans are shaped by their circumstances and tend to adapt to their surroundings, even if those surroundings are harmful.

Real Example:
* An individual raised in a dysfunctional family environment continues to perpetuate negative patterns in their own relationships.

Chapter 4: The Suffering Channel

Summary:
Wallace explores the concept of the "suffering channel," a pattern of thoughts and behaviors that leads to unnecessary pain and unhappiness. He encourages students to identify and challenge these patterns, recognizing that they are not inevitable but rather choices they make. By choosing to focus on gratitude and kindness, we can break free from the suffering channel.

Real Example:
* A person who has lost a loved one learns to process their grief in a healthy and compassionate way.

Chapter 5: Concluding Remarks

Summary:
Wallace concludes by emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and self-reflection. He urges students to develop a strong moral compass and to always question the world around them. By approaching life with honesty, integrity, and compassion, they can navigate the complexities of existence with grace and purpose.

Real Example:
* An activist who dedicates their life to fighting for social justice and equality.