Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Matthew Brady's avatar

Wallace's writing has a reputation for being dense and complex and impenetrable, but it doesn't seem that way when you're reading it. Yes, the sentences are ridiculously long, but they all make perfect sense, and they're absolutely delightful. His reputation for being intimidating gets in the way of just enjoying his work, and that's a shame.

Expand full comment
Wyrd Smythe's avatar

I love the part: "You don’t think people who go to the gym are snobs. So why accept the same for your mind?" Yes, exactly. Especially in an era so rich in information, why do so many choose to feed junk food to their minds? Nothing wrong with junk food *once* *in* *a* *while* but a steady diet of it isn't healthy. Likewise, the embrace of overly simplistic pop content. Nothing wrong with it in itself, but when it's all one consumes, one becomes simplistic and without depth or nuance. (The proof of how disastrous this is for minds currently squats in the Oval Office.)

Because of "must read" recommendations, I've tried to read "Infinite Jest" three times but have never been able to stick with it. Perhaps, in part, because, when it comes to fiction, I'm all about good storytelling and don't find brilliant literary exercise engaging. For me, stories aren't about technique, they're about being transported to interesting worlds. It may also be in part because I've long seen the world — judging from your post — in much the same ways that Wallace does. My big ask for fiction is to take me someplace new, and Wallace just doesn't. Though I tend to agree with his point of view.

For example, that commencement speech. I've been ranting about what I called "The Death of a Liberal Arts Education" since the mid-1970s. I quite agree with him but was there long ago. Likewise, the notion of filling mental space to avoid facing the emptiness in oneself. Back in the early 2000s, when walking to my car after work, I noticed how many people doing the same thing were chattering on their cellphones. For me that walk was a chance to detune from the workday, and I wondered why anyone would sacrifice the peace and quiet. I decided they were afraid to be alone inside their own heads.

Good post, and I agree with every point you made. (Except for reading IJ or TPK, but that's just a taste thing. 😁)

Expand full comment
23 more comments...

No posts