Adult life Quote by David Foster Wallace
“Learning how to think" really means learning how to exercise some control over how and what you think. It means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to and to choose how you construct meaning from experience. Because if you cannot or will not exercise this kind of choice in adult life, you will be totally hosed.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The David Foster Wallace Collection, 2005
It stresses that thinking is a skill requiring deliberate control over attention and meaning‑making.
In simple terms: Thinking is a skill you can train.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate mindful awareness of thoughts.
Themes
self‑awareness
critical thinking
mindfulness
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- studying
- problem solving
- creative work
- personal growth
Key Concepts
cognitive control
metacognition
attention management
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide what to focus on?
- What habits help you shape meaning?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting this skill leads to mental chaos.
