This is Water (extra read)

Listening to the words of smart people is motivating and at times JOLTS me to action including reading the short commencement speech, turned into a short story by David Wallace Foster called This is Water.  It is the actual commencement speech he gave in 2005 for Kenyon College graduates (Wallace Foster died two and a half years later taking his own life).  The speech captures the importance of a liberal arts education.  He provides context for learning, the challenging life ahead, and not to believe everything you think to be true.  Be thoughtful in knowing truth, as it is often disguised and not what you may think it is.  Remember empathy, we never truly know the other person’s story. His speech is funny, poignant, and with multiple meanings, as only an intelligent and confused thinker can do.  Wallace Foster was brilliant beyond his own time.  His own confusion and deep thinking cost him his own life.  We lost an intelligent and witty man.  A man who asked us to look beyond ourselves and what we take from this life, but to see what could be possible by treating others with decency.  The liberal arts education is priceless in that it should teach us how to treat others, be conscious of our dealings with others, and act appropriately in our daily life.  The 24 minute speech is well worth your time.    One of the best commencement speeches I have heard in my life, and I have heard more than one should have to be subjected…  Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CrOL-ydFMI  God rest your soul David!