Chapter 1: The Commonplace Commencement Speech Experience

Most commencement addresses tend to be forgettable. Personally, I've endured four such speeches, yet none left a lasting impression. Initially, I viewed these talks as trivial motivational jargon masquerading as wisdom from the older generation. However, everything changed when I encountered David Foster Wallace's "This Is Water," delivered to the graduating class at Kenyon College in 2005. This speech has since been adapted into a book and a film.

Take a moment to listen. I assure you, it will be the most rewarding 22 minutes and 43 seconds of your day.

To begin, recall the delightful anecdote about the fish. Two young fish are swimming along when an older fish approaches them and asks, “How’s the water today, boys?” After a brief pause, one of the younger fish turns to the other and inquires, “What the heck is water?” This amusing exchange underscores the first major point of Wallace's talk: the most essential truths are often the hardest to recognize and articulate.

Wallace referred to these truths as obvious, but for many—especially college graduates—they are anything but evident, even when they are omnipresent.

Philosophy has the potential to illuminate these fundamental premises. What constitutes the essence of our world? Does a higher power exist? Did this power create everything, and does it continue to uphold existence? Or is matter, in its various forms, the ultimate reality?

The way one responds to these questions shapes their foundational beliefs, or metaphysics. Most individuals rarely consider such inquiries, believing them to be irrelevant. Yet, the perspectives of those with considerable power and resources on these issues significantly influence policies that affect vast populations, making them crucial.

Moreover, divergent answers to fundamental questions can lead individuals to interpret the same scenario in drastically different ways. For instance, an atheist witnessing a man’s recovery from a serious heart surgery might attribute it solely to the surgeon's expertise and medical care. In contrast, the man's sister, a devout evangelical Christian, would likely see her brother's recovery as a testament to divine intervention.

Paraphrasing Wallace: these two individuals construct entirely different meanings from the same experience due to their differing responses to fundamental metaphysical questions.

What about the notion of divine providence? How often do disagreements—sometimes escalating to anger or conflict—arise from "blind certainty," a closed-mindedness so profound that the individual doesn't even realize they are imprisoned by it?

Did anyone notice my casual addition of "whatever that is" when discussing matter? What is matter, precisely? Can anyone point it out?

No, that's an object you've identified, characterized by its properties—how it behaves, how much it weighs, and so forth. But where is the matter itself?

It's all matter, you might insist. But what if I counter with the idea that everything is interconnected systems—an intricate web of interactions?

If you're a materialist, you might believe that everything around you, including reality itself, is constituted of something termed matter, governed by physical laws. But when you try to define it, it becomes surprisingly elusive.

So, are you certain that you're surrounded by objects made of something called matter? Do we, as humans, also consist of matter?

Perhaps some philosophical training could enhance our awareness of these “blind certainties” and help us adopt a more humble perspective, should we choose to do so.

Wallace addresses an audience of recent college graduates—individuals who may confidently feel prepared to tackle the world. Are they truly ready? If not, what value does their liberal arts education hold in today's landscape?

If you’re a liberal arts graduate, you might bristle at the question, perhaps recalling sarcastic remarks about how often you apply Kantian ethics while selling insurance.

However, as Wallace articulates, the essence of a liberal arts education extends beyond teaching you "how to think." Nowadays, you can acquire that knowledge online if you know where to look.

A well-structured education guides you in determining what is worth thinking about and when it's crucial to manage your thought processes. This leads us to another significant point from Wallace’s address: the importance of where you direct your attention and how you ascribe meaning to what you observe.

Can we liberate ourselves from our innate tendency to view ourselves as the universe's focal point?

It’s understandable why we often do: have you ever experienced a moment that didn't revolve around you?

Of course not! It feels like you’re at the center of everything.

A key aspect of maturing is realizing that life does not revolve around you or your desires—nor does it for anyone else.

Why is this realization significant? Because life can often feel monotonous, with many experiences appearing to thwart your priorities. Wallace succinctly summarizes this: “boredom, routine, and petty frustration.”

How many privileged college students are genuinely prepared for adulthood in such a world, especially in these hyper-sensitive times?

Consider this: "day in, day out," the majority of adults in industrial societies work to earn a salary to purchase groceries, which in turn provides them the energy needed to continue working, paying bills, and maintaining their lives. This cycle often varies little, with many saving diligently for retirement, pondering how to fill their time once they reach that milestone.

Wallace shares a relatable story of leaving work, stuck in traffic, realizing there is no food at home, and needing to shop for groceries at the worst possible time—when everyone else is in the same predicament.

This "day in, day out" reality affects millions, particularly in urban areas.

When you enter that store, what becomes your primary focus? Obviously, it’s to gather groceries and leave. However, you might find yourself frustrated by a faulty shopping cart, obstacles in the aisles, or long lines at checkout.

But pause for a moment. What does fixating on these trivial irritations achieve?

This is where the choice of what to think about and how to think becomes vital, as well as discerning what is significant versus what to overlook.

And most importantly, it’s about stepping outside that default mindset.

No one is intentionally trying to frustrate you.

Instead, consider the overwhelmed cashier processing order after order. Her job may feel even less fulfilling than yours.

Perhaps take a moment to observe the people around you. Notice their expressions; they might share your frustrations. Many likely contend with their own hardships, which you might never know about.

Standing in line provides an opportunity for reflection, should you choose to seize it.

If not, you risk feeling "pissed and miserable" (to borrow Wallace's phrase) every time you shop for groceries—or wait in line for anything else.

Always keep in mind: you can never truly know another's reality.

Ultimately, you have the power to choose what you focus on and what attitude you adopt. As Wallace eloquently puts it, “you get to decide how you’re gonna try to see it.”

This principle extends broadly to those foundational metaphysical questions.

You possess the autonomy to shape your perception of the universe and connect those fundamentals to your observations.

Perhaps our struggles stem from a lack of a higher power in our lives, however one interprets that notion. We may erroneously believe we’re composed solely of matter, viewing others as mere objects and behaving accordingly.

Or perhaps we simply never truly escape our default mindset. We may think we have, yet continue to act as if everything should revolve around us, expecting special consideration from cashiers or anyone else.

Wallace understands that we all have something we hold in high regard. It's not that atheists are absent in dire situations; rather, the absence of belief in God doesn’t negate the existence of something else that fills that role.

You might assert you're unique because you don't have a surrogate for God.

But you do.

What do you revere?

Be cautious!

If your devotion lies with money, you’ll never find satisfaction. The same applies to power and influence.

And if it's centered around yourself, you will struggle to find peace within.

What are your core principles, the ones that fundamentally guide how you engage with the world and where you direct your focus?

What do you hold sacred?

A true education positions you to ponder these questions and evaluate your responses within this mundane reality, filled with trivial challenges that can distract you if not managed properly.

Can you recognize it now?

This is water!

This is water!

This is the reality we inhabit: at times obscure, at times uplifting, at times painful, and often indifferent.

You have the freedom to interpret it. Embrace that freedom!

In a world where genuine control is scarce, this is the most valuable freedom you can cultivate.

The goal is not to achieve immediate perfection. We are all works in progress. The emphasis should be on being aware—both of your surroundings and the choices you can make regarding your perceptions.

Your power of choice will shape how you respond to uncontrollable circumstances. It will dictate whether you navigate life’s trivialities with minimal frustration or become increasingly bitter and resentful, unable to experience joy or share it with those around you.