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.”

“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.”