In college, Infinite Jest was one of those books English Lit majors read to feel superior to those of us in “lesser” degrees. They hauled it around like a badge of honor, “look what I’m reading” they seemed to say. As someone who despises pretension and arrogance more than nearly everything else I avoided David Foster Wallace because I didn’t want to be viewed as I viewed others.
This preconception of David Foster Wallace left me devoid of his work for many years. After viewing the film The End of the Tour with Jason Segal and Jesse Eisenberg my opinion of the man changed instantly. No longer were he and his work pretentious by association. He was a flawed, lonely man seeking acceptance and identity in spite of himself and his celebrity.
Having recently made big life changes like marriage, moving to a new city, and changing careers, I understand Wallace’s sense of being lost and seeking something to ground him. As someone who has also struggled with feelings of belonging my entire life, I was disappointed to have waited so long to discover a companion in the work, and the man, of David Foster Wallace.
I recently picked up a copy of Infinite Jest and have begun reading. It’s a dense book, certainly not an easy read like some of my favorite authors. But I’m excited to have my preconceptions defrauded and look forward to being proven wrong about other stereotypes I’ve held as a shield against the world. I encourage all of you to not let preconceptions of others taint your view of the world. You'll be surprised at what you find.
This preconception of David Foster Wallace left me devoid of his work for many years. After viewing the film The End of the Tour with Jason Segal and Jesse Eisenberg my opinion of the man changed instantly. No longer were he and his work pretentious by association. He was a flawed, lonely man seeking acceptance and identity in spite of himself and his celebrity.
Having recently made big life changes like marriage, moving to a new city, and changing careers, I understand Wallace’s sense of being lost and seeking something to ground him. As someone who has also struggled with feelings of belonging my entire life, I was disappointed to have waited so long to discover a companion in the work, and the man, of David Foster Wallace.
I recently picked up a copy of Infinite Jest and have begun reading. It’s a dense book, certainly not an easy read like some of my favorite authors. But I’m excited to have my preconceptions defrauded and look forward to being proven wrong about other stereotypes I’ve held as a shield against the world. I encourage all of you to not let preconceptions of others taint your view of the world. You'll be surprised at what you find.
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