1. In 300 words or less, summarize the speech and show (with framed quotes and paraphrases from the text) what you believe to be the author’s three main points/arguments. Support with textual evidence and include your own initial response to the material.

David Foster Wallace addresses the 2005 graduating class of Kenyon college. He talks about the beginning processes of having a meaningful life. I think through his speech he has more than just three main points, as he is constantly saying things to make the audience think about their own life. So with that I will try my best to choose what I believe to be the main takeaways I noticed. Wallace believes, “blind uncertainty, a close-mindedness that amounts to an imprisonment so total tha the prisoner doesn’t even know he’s locked up” (Wallace 2). Two people can experience one event and it can mean two completely different things to them and how they construct meaning from that event. Another main point I believe would be “learning how to think really means learning how to exercise some control over how and what you think” (Wallace 3). Wallace continues to mention how people should try to alter the way they think to allow for them to be able to construct meaning from experiences. Wallace also believes that “petty, frustrating crap like this [trip to the store] is exactly where the work of choosing is going to come in” (Wallace 4). Life isn’t perfect and it’s frustrating, but it is important to make valuable meaning from all events, good or bad and learn to be aware. 

2. Do you agree with DFW’s main arguments? Why or why not?

In most ways I do agree with DFW’s arguments because they all go back to thinking beyond just yourself. The world we live in is complicated and complex and we are not the center of it. 

3. Is DFW talking about, or referring to empathy (though he never uses the word)? Or is he hinting at something else?

I think he refers to empathy in some ways as a couple of things he says takes sides and is very similar to what Bloom wrote about. DFW doesn’t need to say the word empathy and it can be implied when one realizes the world doesn’t revolve around them. 

4. Find one DFW quote that evoked a strong response. Paste the direct quote from his piece, then write a few sentences in which you challenge or support his statement.

“the exact same experience can mean two totally different things to two different people, given those people’s two different belief templates and two different ways of constructing meaning from experience” (Wallace 2). I thought this quote was very interesting to read because not many people realize this part of experience. How every single thing that one person sees and experiences is going to be completely different for another person. I completely agree with this as meaning that is taken away from experiences are all going to change depending on the person you ask.