How David Foster Wallace's "This Is Water" Changed My Life

The question "what was your biggest 'a-ha' moment?" would require most to think hard about their answer.

However, I knew my answer immediately.

My biggest 'a-ha' moment came while watching a video titled This is Water on YouTube. The clip was inspired by an essay from late author David Foster Wallace, first delivered as a commencement speech and then published in book form by Little, Brown and Company in 2009.

In summary, the dialogue is an incredibly empowering and compelling reminder on how to live a compassionate life, in which Wallace tells us that we can "choose" to be happy.

In the essay and video we see a few examples of how this plays out, by following the day of a John Doe and the situations that direct his emotions. One of these is the line at the supermarket.

After a long day of work, John dashes to the supermarket, fighting through bumper-to-bumper traffic, a full parking lot and crowded aisles, only to wind up standing in a lengthy cue for a very long time.

Wallace explains, if we are John/ Jane Doe, and we are in this situation, we can either be angry and annoyed, and make our attitude known, or we can understand that the woman holding up the line probably has her own troubles.

Perhaps she’s dealing with cranky kids, recently lost her job and is struggling to make ends meet. Maybe she is taking so long because she is struggling to find her food coupons and can't make the needed cash without them. Maybe she hasn't slept in three days and she is stressed and embarrassed. Maybe.

Wallace says we can "choose" to change our ‘default setting’ to be more compassionate and understanding, realising that we never know the full situation. If we hold onto these emotions and remain “aware” of the possibilities, we can be a more compassionate, better person, and, in turn, be happy.

This is my 'a-ha' moment, because it taught me to feel happiness in a very dark and stressful time in my life. This thinking has dictated my life ever since.

I have shown the video to so many people, and it has impacted their thinking and life as significantly as it has mine. I no longer get angry in traffic or while waiting in lines. I communicate better with everyone I meet. I empathise with others better too.

In nine minutes and 22 seconds, David Foster Wallace will change your life, and do it in the most entertaining way possible.

Please, if you are reading this, take 10 minutes to watch the video and experience your own 'a-ha' moment too.

You can watch his full commencement speech below.

Congratulations to Olivia for winning this writing challenge, answering: My A-Ha Moment. Olivia wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Comps section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge!

Photo: YouTube.