Decision Quote by David Foster Wallace
“But if I decide to decide there’s a different, less selfish, less lonely point to my life, won’t the reason for this decision be my desire to be less lonely, meaning to suffer less overall pain? Can the decision to be less selfish ever be anything other than a selfish decision?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Infinite Jest, David Foster Wallace, 1996
The quote questions whether altruistic choices are truly selfless or driven by personal desire to avoid pain and loneliness.
In simple terms: It asks if selfishness can ever be pure.
Key Takeaway
Reflect on motivations behind kindness.
Themes
ethics
self
psychology
existentialism
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
philosophical
critical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- therapy
- volunteer work
- decision making
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
altruism
self-interest
motivation
pain avoidance
Questions to Reflect On
- What truly drives your kind actions?
- Can you act without any personal benefit?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest may still dominate even seemingly generous acts.
