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4.44 AVERAGE
4.44 AVERAGE
This was a commencement speech the author gave at a Kenyon College graduation ceremony. I liked it but given the description, thought it'd be a little deeper and more philosophical.
I liked it, I thought there were some interesting key points to take away. I think it is really easy to get caught up in the moment, or in our own heads, and this book tells us to look around and remind ourselves that this is water, just as fish don't see it, we don't see so much around us. I liked the challenges to reframe the everyday moments of monotony of life -- to be more gracious to those around us. These re-frames don't have to be likely, only possible. I didn't enjoy some of the humor but overall thought it was a thought-provoking quick read.
This really resounded with me. It's a really, really quick read, but I'm so glad my sister sent it to me. There are various pieces that I identify with; either because it's geared as a commencement speech for a class of my generation or because navigating through life is difficult and that's addressed in an interesting way in this speech. It's all about perspective.
Should be at the bed side of every deep-thinking, cognizant person...
In my junior year, my university was handing out copies of this book to incoming freshmen along with convocation shirts that read “This is Water”. I managed to obtain a copy from an organization handing out the extras to anyone who wanted one. It sat on my shelf until today. I graduated from school in May 2019 and since then have very easily fallen a victim to cynicism. My life has not turned out the way I had hoped. While I’ve had some tough blows this year I’ve also had some incredible moments. This speech really brought to light those moments. It made me realize that while I complain about not being where I want to be or doing what I want to be doing, there are others who are just trying to stay alive. Now, when I start to sink deeper into my thoughts of “I’m not good enough” or “why does everything bad have to happen to me?” I will instead remind myself, “this is water”.
While the layout of the book can seem annoying, I find it allowed me to be intentional. With just one line on each page I was forced to slow down, and read every word. I don’t believe that the message of “slowing down and really understanding the world around us” that I get from this book would be as well received if it were formatted any other way.
While the layout of the book can seem annoying, I find it allowed me to be intentional. With just one line on each page I was forced to slow down, and read every word. I don’t believe that the message of “slowing down and really understanding the world around us” that I get from this book would be as well received if it were formatted any other way.
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
One of the most life changing things I have ever read.