This Is Water

“Is this too cheesy, too idealistic for 2026? Is this tired and unreasonable in our weary, AI-flattened, profit-driven world today? I don't know. Maybe. But I really hope that the sentiments expressed here in this iconic commencement speech, from a brilliant man who fought demons of his own, can still make sense today. It's been a while since this was everywhere on the Internet (Tumblr perhaps?); dropping it here for a new generation.”

“When I am having a BAD DAY and am struggling with civility, I re-read this classic commencement address by David Foster Wallace. I read this to my students each spring as well, because I think it's a powerful reminder to get our of our own heads, that we make choices in how we think at every single one of life's junctures, large and small. We can choose to be less cruel, we can choose to consider that we aren't the most important person in the checkout line, we can choose to think better of people, even if we don't know them...it's a daily mindfulness exercise in the truest sense and something we all need to learn and re-learn. DFW eventually destroyed his "terrible master" when he tragically ended his own life. I read this address now and imagine him giving this advise to HIMSELF, trying to claw his way out of depression, and my heart breaks anew.”

“I try and remember this famous DFW commencement speech every time I feel grumpy in Atlanta traffic or when I see a parent lose their cool. This speech is about compassion and empathy but not in a lecture-y way. Just as a reminder to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, even when it’s hard to.”