Suppose I were to give you a key ring [...] with a hundred…
![“Suppose I were to give you a key ring [...] with a hundred keys, and I were to tell you that one of these keys will unlock it, this door we're imagining opening in onto all you want to be, as a player. How many of the keys would you be willing to try?' [...] 'Well I'd try every darn one,' Rader…” quote by David Foster Wallace](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/9be/david-foster-wallace-161_failure_suppose-i-were-to-give-you-a-key-ring-wi_1500074.jpg)
““Suppose I were to give you a key ring [...] with a hundred keys, and I were to tell you that one of these keys will unlock it, this door we're imagining opening in onto all you want to be, as a player. How many of the keys would you be willing to try?' [...] 'Well I'd try every darn one,' Rader tells Lyle. [...] 'Then you are willing to make mistakes, you see. You are saying you will accept 99% error. The paralyzed perfectionist you say you are would stand there before that door. Jingling the keys. Afraid to try the first key.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Choosing to try many possibilities reflects willingness to accept high error rates, contrasting with perfectionist paralysis.
In simple terms: Trying many options embraces mistakes.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty and act despite possible failure.
Themes
risk
mistakes
perfectionism
choice
Mood
anxious
determined
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- creative projects
- learning new skills
- entrepreneurship
- personal development
Key Concepts
decision theory
psychology
growth mindset
Questions to Reflect On
- How many attempts are realistic?
- When does trial become counterproductive?
A Different Perspective
May cause wasted effort if options are irrelevant.