Summary Of Leo Tolstoy This Is Water

The idea of awareness has been around for ages. The meaning of awareness is to be concerned or to be well-informed in a particular situation or development. Most people like to think that we are sympathizers that have morals and values; and seek strong relationships. When in reality people are selfish and only think about themselves. Not only us as individuals but our country as a whole. We tend to live in our own bubbles and do not bother to concern ourselves with the problems of others. "We rarely talk about this sort of natural, Basic self-centeredness, because it's so socially repulsive but it's pretty much same for all of us deep down"(Wallace). "This is water" by David Foster Wallace, and "Three Questions" by Leo Tolstoy— resembles ongoing

It can be based on many different things like religion, morals and values, and life experience. Most often times it relates to how a person was brought up. It is each person's choice whether or not they choose to educate themselves on ongoing relevant topics and it is good to be aware of the problems going on in our country today. It allows people to consider other points of views even if it is something they do not agree with. Wallace states that "if you really learn how to pay attention, then you will know there are other options" (Wallace 207). That the main idea of awareness these authors are trying to portray is to be sympathetic and to not only think about yourself. Although some feel it is common knowledge to be aware—not everyone thinks this way. It could be the simplest thing like the saying "if you don't have something nice to say, then don't say it at all." These two pieces of writing bring out the notion to stray away from giving in to your egotistical "default setting" and to consider the world around you. Just how the King's enemy who swore to kill him ended up finding forgiveness in his heart. The idea that the King went out of his way to help his enemy unknowingly, relates to how Wallace hopes of "…choosing to do the work of somehow altering or getting free of… the hard-wired default setting."(Wallace). This concept is a constant battle of what we strive to be and what they "want" us to be. Neither is right or

I feel that to be aware you must not be selfish, you must consider everyone thoughts and feelings. I know I am only one person and it might be easier said than done but if more people change their mindset and be more kind rather than be selfish, the world might be a better place. This issue is not going to change overnight but maybe if you smile and say hello to that one person that looks sad or aggravated at the grocery store it might make their day. Even though that's just one person its better than