“This Is Water” by David Wallace, originally a commencement speech, provides many lessons to be obtained. The one that stands out the most, however, is what Wallace refers to as our natural default setting: the way we see things around us. Our natural default setting, as described by Wallace, is something that varies from person to person, but has the same theme. He explains that we are the center of our own universe, and everyone else is just in our way. Simply put, humans are selfish and Wallace delivers a plethora of examples in this speech to show it.

The first parable Wallace shares stems from the broad theory that we, as humans, are blind of our surroundings and atmospheres. To sum up the story, a wise old fish asks two young fish, “Morning, boys. How’s the water?” (Wallace x). The two young fish respond, confused by what the old fish means by “water”. As Wallace builds on his speech, we learn that the water is our environment, both emotional and materialistic, and the young fish are humans blinded by the idea of living too fast. This metaphor thoroughly constructs the idea that people are selfish, therefore becoming unaware and uninterested in those around them. Wallace uses this story to adequately establish a firm introduction to the rest of his speech.

To continue his message of humans being selfish, Wallace shares another story. This time relating to the average adult life, and the realization that as we grow older we must learn the values of empathy and selflessness. But of course, no one likes long grocery lines, and all we do as humans is complain about the service or the long lines. Wallace tells the story of waiting in a long line and describes how everyone feels about long lines, “…I’m gonna be pissed and miserable every time I have to shop. Because my natural default setting is the certainty that situations like this are really all about me,” (Wallace xiv). As Wallace states, the natural default setting makes it difficult to realize that there are other people in the line too, and they are waiting in the same line.  Wallace elaborates on this by saying that humans are never more selfish and self-centered than when in line at the store. He adds, the idea that people only think about themselves is clearly evident in multiple situations, especially in this one.

Similarly, Wallace suggests getting cut off in the middle of traffic falls under the same circumstances. However, he recommends an alternate way to look at it, “…maybe being driven by a father whose little child is hurt or sick in the seat next to him…and he’s in a bigger, more legitimate hurry than I am,” (Wallace xv). Thinking that the father is in a rush to take care of his kid will not only make one realize that their problems are minimal, but will also prove that they are not the center of the universe. Having a mindset like this, as Wallace suggests, will optimize lives and turn everybody into less selfish humans. 

Without a doubt, Wallace’s speech has its lessons to be learned, but the most vital piece of information that can be taken out is that the default setting needs to change. Humans need to alter their default setting so that they see life from two pairs of eyes, not just their own. There is stuff happening in the “water” around them and they are not the center of their own universe. The “capital-t truth” Wallace talks about towards the end of his speech states that you get to decide how you see things. You may see it one way, the person next to you might see it another way. So, how’s the water?
