This Is Water (Persian Edition)

Content Summary:

1. Introduction:
   • Wallace opens with a parable of two young fish swimming along, encountering an older fish who asks them, “How’s the water?” The young fish later question, “What the hell is water?” This metaphor sets the stage for exploring the unnoticed, pervasive aspects of life.
2. The Default Setting:
   • Wallace discusses the “default setting” of human thinking, where individuals naturally view the world through a self-centered lens. He emphasizes the automatic, unconscious ways in which people perceive and react to their surroundings, often prioritizing their own needs and perspectives.
3. Awareness and Choice:
   • Central to the speech is the idea that true freedom involves conscious awareness and the ability to choose how to think and act in the mundane moments of life. Wallace urges the graduates to be mindful of their automatic responses and to exercise their capacity for empathy and compassion.
4. The Mundane and the Profound:
   • Wallace illustrates his points with everyday scenarios, such as navigating the frustrations of daily adult life—shopping, commuting, and dealing with others. He highlights that the real, impactful decisions in life are often about how one perceives and responds to these routine experiences.
5. The Importance of Education:
   • Wallace underscores that the value of a liberal arts education lies not merely in gaining knowledge but in learning how to think critically and consciously. He argues that education should teach individuals to be aware of their thoughts and to engage with the world in a more meaningful way.
6. Empathy and Compassion:
   • The speech advocates for empathy, urging listeners to consider others’ perspectives and experiences. Wallace suggests that practicing empathy can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life by fostering connection and understanding.
7. Conclusion:
   • Wallace concludes with a powerful reminder of the necessity to stay vigilant about one’s mental and emotional habits. He encourages the graduates to embrace the discipline of conscious thought and to continually strive towards living a compassionate and aware life.

Themes:

• Conscious Awareness: The importance of being mindful of one’s thoughts and actions.
• Empathy and Compassion: Encouraging a shift from self-centered thinking to considering others’ experiences.
• Choice and Freedom: The power of choice in shaping one’s perceptions and responses to life’s challenges.
• The Mundane as Meaningful: Finding significance in everyday experiences and interactions.

Writing Style:

• Wallace’s style is conversational, direct, and deeply personal. He uses humor, anecdotes, and relatable examples to convey his message, making the speech engaging and accessible.

Reception:

“This is Water” has been widely praised for its insightful and thought-provoking content. It is often regarded as one of the most memorable and impactful commencement speeches, resonating with readers for its wisdom and humanity.

Conclusion:

“This is Water” by David Foster Wallace is a compelling exploration of how to live a conscious, empathetic, and meaningful life. Its timeless advice continues to inspire readers to cultivate awareness and compassion in their daily interactions and to appreciate the profound within the mundane.