1. The speech, “This is Water” delivered by David Foster Wallace at a commencement ceremony, considers that instead of the common idea that a college degree teaches a person how to think, he suggests it gives a person a choice on what to think about. He uses various narratives to illustrate the multitudinous perspectives the brain can take on given the same scenario. A tale from Alaska about a religious person and a non-religious person, each interprets the story of one man’s survival as a sign from God, or simply a circumstance of some friendly Eskimos. DFW brings up an issue regarding human arrogance, “…blind certainty, a close-mindedness that amounts to an imprisonment so total that the prisoner doesn’t even know he’s locked up” (Wallace 2). A significant statement depicting the faults of society becoming focused on one perspective without considering another view. Eventually, this results in arguments among mankind, as portrayed through the Alaskan story. Furthermore, he states that humans are self-centered in their own right since this is how we are able to observe and experience the world naturally. What is yet to be understood by the graduates Wallace is addressing is the mundanity of adult life and the automatic assumptions of others we unconsciously determine. DFW reminds the graduates that some simple amendments of the brain can create a better outlook on life, understanding the pain others go through or have gone through. While DFW never says empathy, I believe he is discussing precisely this.

The first and overall point that DFW reiterates is, “…the most obvious, important realities are often the ones that are hardest to see and talk about” (Wallace 1). In day-to-day life, it is difficult for us to notice the complexity of other’s lives and what they are going through. DFW paints a picture of an average adult getting out of an unremarkable job, living a relatively dull life, and getting frustrated with the overcrowded grocery store that others like them experience in the same manner due to similar circumstances. Additionally, they become disgruntled by cars, cutting them off on the highway or otherwise being a jerk. The whole point of the anecdote is to point out the default way of thinking humans unwittingly assume in their arrogance. It is highly probable that each and every person has experienced this. DFW states that it is influential to reconsider the approach to which we think in these situations to become more considerate. Through altering our decisions or thoughts, we may realize that an individual may be in a genuine hurry or equally as dissatisfied as ourselves. It is quite possible there is someone who always has it worse. DFW also creates a point on how truth should be kept in one’s mind. Implying, that one should be aware of outcomes, especially when attempting to feel fulfilled in a troubling and nearly impossible task. Simple perception of surroundings and context comes with a degree, “It is about the real value of a real education, which has almost nothing to do with knowledge, and everything to do with simple awareness…” (Wallace 8). In this example, Wallace compounds the statement of avoiding arrogance and ignorance. Even claiming that learning to become well-adjusted to one’s environment can provide an entirely different attitude. DFW’s points all collectively add to one overarching concept of trying to modify the default settings that are so natural to us as a society. This will make each of us become more compassionate and understanding despite how easily infuriating a boring life can become.

2. I find myself agreeing with DFW’s arguments more than Paul Bloom’s. DFW explains his arguments in a more relatable manner, utilizing specificity to real world experiences most of the population has encountered. I agree with the idea of altering our default thoughts on others in day-to-day life. There is no plausible way for us as humans to understand everything another person is going through at one time. DFW makes substantial points on the lack of awareness we possess as a society. The arrogance causes a negative outlook on every situation we find ourselves in, at work, school, shopping for the essentials, driving, and much more. If we simply took the time to consider others we may realize they have other things going on than dealing with your wants and wishes at this very moment. I agree with DFW stating that by nature, we are all self-centered whether we notice this or not. Becoming aware of this self-involvement can open up a new perspective on why others act in the way they do. It is not healthy for people to only consider themselves, in this case, this person would live a lonely life only focused on their own troubles. This is why I agree with DFW’s main arguments displaying how we can become more sympathetic human beings, taking others in consideration too.

3. In a certain way, I do believe that DFW is referring to empathy in his speech. He discusses the idea that everyone believes that they are the center of everything, which in a way, they are. It is difficult to imagine any other person as the center of any and all events since you are the one experiencing them firsthand. DFW provides the example of the grocery store and how it can be frustrating when it is busy, but one must consider that nobody is at fault. This, while the word is never outwardly expressed, is a form of empathy. His example gives us the perspective of others who could be in a more critical rush, or simply that the grocery store is understaffed and the workers are overwhelmed.

4. A quote that struck me in DFW’s speech was, “…blind certainty, a close-mindedness that amounts to an imprisonment so total that the prisoner doesn’t even know he’s locked up” (Wallace 2). This quote in particular put a thought into words that I would not have known how to articulate in any better way. I often think about people who would not concede under any circumstances, never admitting that they could possibly be wrong. I consider these people to be locked out of the world by their own hand. For a shred of doubt to never have occurred is unnatural in a way, we as people have constant doubts, so I find it difficult to understand an individual who is so convinced in their own thoughts and ideas.

5. DFW discusses points similar to Paul Bloom throughout his speech. It may not be abundantly clear after a first read or listen, but DFW speaks of human kindness in similar ways that Paul Bloom does at the end of his article. Bloom considers a more “tough-love” version of kindness where it will ultimately be beneficial later on rather than immediately. DFW talks about consideration of others in our daily lives as well, speaking to the fact that humans naturally are negative in their assumptions. Changing this outlook, DFW expresses that kindness will alter one’s thinking and judgment whenever a situation arises.