Patience Quote by David Foster Wallace
““I don't think he was used to patients who were already aware of what their real problem was. He was also a bit of a pill-pusher. I balked at trying antidepressants, I just couldn't see myself taking pills to try to be less of a fraud. I said that even if they worked, how would I know if it was me or the pills? By that time I already knew I was a fraud. I knew what my problem was, I just couldn't seem to stop. I remember I spent maybe the first twenty times or so in analysis acting all open and candid but in reality sort of fencing with him or leading him around by the nose, basically showing him that I wasn't just another one of those patients who stumbled in with no clue what their real problem was or who were totally out of touch with the truth themselves.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The David Foster Wallace Archive, 2005
The speaker feels trapped by self‑deception, fearing medication will mask true identity, and struggles with authenticity in therapy.
In simple terms: Fear of losing self in medication; authenticity crisis.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront self‑deception.
Themes
identity
authenticity
mental health
therapy
self‑deception
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
personal narrative
psychological
When to use this quote
- psychotherapy sessions
- self‑help groups
- personal reflection
- medication decisions
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does self‑labeling affect treatment?
- Can honesty with a therapist improve outcomes?
A Different Perspective
Medication may not address underlying self‑image issues.
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