Absence Quote by David Foster Wallace
“I never, even for a moment, doubted what they’d told me. This is why it is that adults and even parents can, unwittingly, be cruel: they cannot imagine doubt’s complete absence. They have forgotten.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Infinite Jest, 1996
Adults often assume certainty, lacking the ability to imagine doubt, which can lead to unintentional cruelty toward those who question.
In simple terms: Adults may be cruel because they cannot imagine doubt.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate empathy by recognizing uncertainty in others.
Themes
empathy
certainty
cruelty
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- workplace
- mental health
Key Concepts
psychology
social cognition
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you hold that might limit empathy?
- How can you model healthy doubt for others?
A Different Perspective
Assuming certainty can blind us to others' perspectives.
