Index IntroductionBrief Biography of David Foster WallaceSpeech by David Foster Wallace: Thinking Outside the BoxConclusionReferencesIntroductionIn 2005, David Foster Wallace gave a commencement speech titled "This is Water" to the graduating class of 2005 at Kenyon College, a liberal arts college in Gambier, Ohio. This speech captivated his audience thanks to its recognizable style, sincere and authentic tone and its tailored message. Wallace skillfully wove a narrative composed of various parables, each conveying distinct messages, which contributed to his overall theme: the importance of empathic thinking. This essay analyzes how Wallace encouraged his audience to think outside the box, to shift their attention from self-centeredness to awareness of the world around them. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay Short Biography of David Foster Wallace David Foster Wallace, born February 21, 1962 in Ithaca, New York, was a famous American novelist, short-story writer and essayist. His parents, a philosophy professor and an English teacher, undoubtedly influenced his intellectual education. In 1985, Wallace earned a bachelor's degree from Amherst College and earned a master's degree in creative writing from the University of Arizona. Wallace's literary works have left an indelible mark on numerous individuals, with many notable writers, including Matthew Gallaway and David Gordon, acknowledging his profound influence. However, despite his ability to inspire others, Wallace was struggling with personal demons, particularly depression, which had plagued him since his early twenties. Despite multiple attempts to find effective antidepressant drugs, he tragically took his own life. David Foster Wallace Speech: Thinking Outside the Box Wallace's "This is Water" keynote speech began with a humorous line: "if anyone feels like coughing up a sweat, I would recommend going ahead because I definitely will." This lighthearted introduction immediately captured the audience's attention. He went on to tell a simple but profound story involving two young fish meeting an older fish. The elderly fish greeted them by asking, "Good morning guys. How's the water?" The young fish continued to swim and finally one asked, "What the hell is water?" Although seemingly simple, this anecdote had a profound philosophical meaning. The first life lesson derived from David Foster Wallace's "This is Water" speech revolves around delving into the parable of water. Young fish, unaware of the presence of water, take it for granted. In contrast, the older fish understands the essence of water and has learned to appreciate its beauty. Wallace openly acknowledges that he, too, is no "wise fish" and that he is still learning—an ethical appeal that lends credibility to his message. This parable serves as an allegory of our lives, with water symbolizing daily toil. We are often so absorbed in immediate concerns that we overlook the subtle wonders of the world. However, as we mature, we begin to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Another story Wallace shared involves two men sitting in a bar in the Alaskan wilderness: one an atheist and the other religious. The atheist found himself lost in a blizzard, unable to see anything. In desperation, he knelt down and cried, "Oh God, if there is a God, I am lost in this blizzard and will die if you don't help me." When he was finally saved by a couple of Eskimos, the cleric thought that this was a moment of., 68(3-4), 231-248.