I'm not a podcast person. (Still working on it, though.) Instead, when the mood hits, I like re-listening to favorite speeches, interviews, movie clips, and whatever other tiny soundbite that got stashed away in my mental rolodex because it once struck a chord.
This Is Water, by David Foster Wallace, is one such thing. From the outset, it's just a commencement address he made in 2005 for a group of college grads. Pay an ounce more attention, you'll quickly feel how his message means so much more.
Like a lot of Wallace's other work, the speech is epically long and densely wordy. When you have twenty-three minutes -- yes, 23! -- to spare, listen to the audio below. (Or read the full transcript.)
I turn to this speech when I need reminding that SO MUCH of what is good in life comes down to your perception of the world around you. No, having an upbeat attitude won't pardon your credit card debt, nor will it cure disease. (Unfortunately.) It's more like: Challenge your prejudices and tired knee-jerk reactions, be considerate and open-minded -- in doing so, you are showing yourself love, and putting your soul at ease.
I mean, I think what he's trying to say. ;)
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