This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life
by David Foster Wallace
This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life by David Foster Wallace holds a exceptional rating of 4.53 out of 5, based on 13.3K reader ratings. First published in 2009. The book spans 138 pages.
About This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life
Only once did David Foster Wallace give a public talk on his views on life, during a commencement address given in 2005 at Kenyon College. The speech is reprinted for the first time in book form in THIS IS WATER. How does one keep from going through their comfortable, prosperous adult life unconsciously? How do we get ourselves out of the foreground of our thoughts and achieve compassion? The speech captures Wallace's electric intellect as well as his grace in attention to others. After his death, it became a treasured piece of writing reprinted in The Wall Street Journal and the London Times, commented on endlessly in blogs, and emailed from friend to friend.Writing with his one-of-a-kind blend of causal humor, exacting intellect, and practical philosophy, David Foster Wallace probes the challenges of daily living and offers advice that renews us with every reading.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | David Foster Wallace |
| Published | 2009 |
| Pages | 138 |
| Kindle Price | $9.99 |
| Genres | Non-Fiction, Philosophy, Psychology, Self-Help, Religion & Spirituality |
| Average Rating | 4.53 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 13,312 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life?
This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life is categorized as Non-Fiction, Philosophy, Psychology, Self-Help. Its primary genre classification is Philosophy.
Is This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life worth reading?
Based on 13.3K reader ratings, This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life has an average score of 4.53 out of 5.00, which is considered "Exceptional."
How many pages is This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life?
This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life has 138 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life?
This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life was written by David Foster Wallace. It was first published in 2009.
What is the ISBN for This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life?
The ISBN-13 for This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life is 9780316068220.0.
How much does This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life cost on Kindle?
This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life is available on Kindle for $9.99. Pricing may vary by region and promotional offers.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
