This Is Water Speech Analysis

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Recommended: Essay about the value of liberal arts education

What is the True Meaning of a Liberal Arts Education? What is life without an education? Education plays a very crucial role in our lives. After all, we must dedicate a substantial amount of time to our education in order for a successful future. Along the journey of education, we may face obstacles, as well as positive influences that give us the extra motivation we may need. However, it is obvious that some may take education lighter than others. George Saunders and David Foster Wallace are both prestigious and motivational speakers who have made great impacts on students and other people throughout the world through their aspiring words. George Saunders “Advice to Graduates” speech is truly encouraging and moving. He delivered this …show more content…

It is far from the expected commencement speech one would typically hear at a college graduation. The topic of decision making and change throughout one’s life was reiterated frequently throughout the speech. David Foster Wallace speaks on the element of people putting themselves first along with their immediate needs, rather than the others who are surrounding us. He puts an emphasis on being aware of your surroundings in efforts to open new opportunities. Wallace warns the listeners about the worship of the intellect, and touches on choices towards the climax of the speech. He tells about his personal struggles with depression and anxiety, and how becoming aware of his surroundings, led him to be aware that “This is Water”. Ultimately, his message is to inform the listeners to pay close attention and be aware of their surroundings, because our decisions can potentially improve the quality of our own …show more content…

He reiterates the fact that he is speaking nothing but the truth, in fact he refers to it as the “Capital T-Truth” (page 6). Wallace communicates the value of higher education, and being fully aware of one’s surrounding, while remaining humble. His message of being cautious and not failing to resist the environment around us was portrayed clearly throughout his

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