David Foster Wallace delivered to the 2005 graduating class of Kenyon College a commencement speech unlike any of its kind. Argumentative, persuasive, and slightly controversial, Wallace argues that liberal arts degrees hold a more significant and meaningful value than just the money and time one put in, to receive it. The message that Wallace conveys is that the value of their degree comes from them learning “HOW” to think. How one chooses to think affects the way in which the world is perceived. Wallace repeatedly uses words with negative connotations such as “crowded, hideously, soul-killing, etc.” to describe the “boring, routine, and petty frustration” that is to come with entering a “real adult” life (Wallace xiii-xiv). 

Wallace brings up the fact that “everything in our own immediate experience supports the belief that I am the absolute center of the universe; the realist, most vivid, and important person in existence” (Wallace xii). Wallace’s concept of this “hard wired default setting” is responsible for the misconception. The text goes on to explain how people rarely stop to think about this concept because this “basic self-centeredness is so socially repulsive” (Wallace XII). Any situation experienced in life will be perceived and interpreted strictly through that one person’s eyes. This explains how two people who were in the exact same situation can have two totally different experiences just because of the way in which people choose to think. This “natural, hard-wired default setting” is bestowed within humans at birth and is demonstrated regularly throughout the daily routine of life. (Wallace xii).  Those who choose to be consciously aware of this can benefit by allowing themselves to see others perspectives. Wallace used the example of the supermarket. After a long tiring work day people are instinctively going to cringe at the thought of the long lines at the supermarket, or at how irritating it’ll be standing behind someone talking loudly on their phone. The sub conscious part of the brain can take over and can blow up, say screw this, and leave, or by choosing to perceive surroundings differently, can accept the fact that everyone in the supermarket is probably just as annoyed and ready to go home. By showing this level of sympathy to one another, it can demonstrate real control over the “default setting”. Those who can master the art of turning off this “default setting” are the ones who will show the most satisfaction within their lives. By setting aside personal desires, wishes, and needs it can allow ourselves to be able to see the bigger picture in life. 

Wallace’s speech frames this idea of an “adult routine life” as repetitive, tedious, and degrading. He is also very forthright about how reality is coming for the recent graduates and how the impending future is closer than they think. He warns that if this daily adult routine begins to consume life, the mind will ruin itself and the repetitive nature of human existence will ultimately lead to hatred and demise. He introduces the concept of becoming a “slave to your head” which alludes to idea of getting trapped in the loop of the 9-5 monotonous (Wallace Xii). This is reality, and while Wallace recognizes that some graduates may already feel as though they’ve been prepared to know what’s coming for them, Wallace is here to assure them that they haven’t the slightest clue (Wallace XIII). 

So keep in mind ““this is water, this is water”” (Wallace XVII). Wallace simplifies the commencement with a frank interpretation of education, the future that comes next, and the ideology that “education really IS the job of a lifetime.” Wallace is not afraid to cross boundaries and hurt some feelings along the way. It’s made clear that Wallace didn’t give this commencement speech to make friends, in fact he ends with telling us that this is the cold hard truth. Wallace’s humorous tone keeps the mood light while talking about a complex subject. This aspect of the speech allows Wallace to effectively convey his message to the audience. Don’t take life too seriously, keep an open mind, and find happiness in all you do. The final takeaway Wallace leaves the readers with is that conforming into the monotonous default of life degrades the degree and education that was sought after in hopes of success and happiness. 
