Attentiveness Quote by David Foster Wallace
““Learning how to think' really means learning how to exercise some control over how & what you think. It means being conscious & aware enough to choose what you pay attention to & to choose how you construct meaning from experience.””
About This Quote
It defines thinking as consciously controlling attention and constructing meaning, emphasizing awareness in mental processes.
In simple terms: Thinking is controlling attention and meaning.
Key Takeaway
Practice mindful attention to shape thoughts.
Themes
cognition
mindfulness
meaning-making
Mood
analytical
encouraging
Type
educational
reflective
When to use this quote
- education
- therapy
- creative writing
Key Concepts
philosophy of mind
cognitive control
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you train attention to influence meaning?
- What habits hinder conscious thought?
A Different Perspective
Requires discipline and may be challenging for distracted minds.
