The summary compares two texts: David Foster Wallace's commencement speech "This is Water" and a letter from Rainer Maria Rilke's "Letters to a Young Poet". Wallace's speech advises recent graduates on adult life and decision-making. Rilke's letter focuses on the importance of solitude for artists to learn personal truths. While Wallace discusses facing reality and responsibility, Rilke emphasizes the value of solitude in self-reflection and personal growth.