Big fan Quote by David Foster Wallace
““I know that this stuff probably doesn't sound fun and breezy or grandly inspirational. What it is, so far as I can see, is the truth with a whole lot of rhetorical bullshit pared away. Obviously, you can think of it whatever you wish. But please don't dismiss it as some finger-wagging Dr. Laura sermon. None of this is about morality, or religion, or dogma, or big fancy questions of life after death. The capital- T Truth is about life before death. It is about making it to 30, or maybe 50, without wanting to shoot yourself in the head. It is about simple awareness — awareness of what is so real and essential, so hidden in plain sight all around us, that we have to keep reminding ourselves, over and over: “This is water, this is water.” It is unimaginably hard to do this, to stay conscious and alive, day in and day out.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Commencement Address, Kenyon College, 2005
The speech urges mindful awareness of everyday reality, cutting through pretentiousness to confront life's ordinary but essential truths.
In simple terms: Be aware of the ordinary, hidden truths in daily life.
Key Takeaway
Practice daily mindfulness to see the ordinary as extraordinary.
Themes
mindfulness
existential
awareness
humor
reality
Mood
reflective
serious
hopeful
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- college graduation
- mental health
- daily routines
- stress management
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you train yourself to notice the "water" in everyday moments?
- What habits help sustain mindful awareness?
A Different Perspective
It can be difficult to maintain constant awareness amidst distractions.
![“I'm a big fan of [Frank] Sinatra, he was the best at what he did. The last thing I do is model my career after him, though, because we do different things. He was a great singer and a great actor ... It never crossed my mind to emulate his career, because we have different interests.” quote by Harry Connick, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cb9/harry-connick-jr-3461_actors_i-m-a-big-fan-of-frank-sinatra-he-was-th_12425.jpg)
