Skip to content

Anxiety Quote by David Foster Wallace

“That if enough people in a silent room are drinking coffee it is possible to make out the sound of steam coming off the coffee. That sometimes human beings have to just sit in one place and, like, hurt. That you will become way less concerned with what other people think of you when you realize…” quote by David Foster Wallace
Download Open image
““That if enough people in a silent room are drinking coffee it is possible to make out the sound of steam coming off the coffee. That sometimes human beings have to just sit in one place and, like, hurt. That you will become way less concerned with what other people think of you when you realize how seldom they do. That there is such a thing as raw, unalloyed, agendaless kindness. That it is possible to fall asleep during an anxiety attack.””

David Foster Wallace

About This Quote

Source Essay: “A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again”, 1996

Quiet moments reveal inner truths; accepting them reduces anxiety and fosters authentic kindness.

In simple terms: Quiet reveals truth; acceptance eases anxiety.

Key Takeaway

Sit with discomfort.

Themes

mindfulness anxiety authenticity

Mood

contemplative calming

Type

essay philosophical

When to use this quote

  • therapy
  • meditation
  • creative work

Key Concepts

psychology existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does silence affect your thoughts?
  • What kindness can you practice without agenda?
A Different Perspective

May be abstract for quick consumption.

3.3 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by David Foster Wallace

Explore all 999 David Foster Wallace quotes

More Anxiety quotes

Browse all 4,944 Anxiety quotes