Aisle Quote by David Foster Wallace
“The point is that petty, frustrating crap like this is exactly where the work of choosing comes in. Because the traffic jams and crowded aisles and long checkout lines give me time to think, and if I don't make a conscious decision about how to think and what to pay attention to, I'm going to be pissed and miserable every time I have to food-shop, because my natural default-setting is the certainty that situations like this are really all about me, about my hungriness and my fatigue and my desire to just get home.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Infinite Jest, 1996
When mundane delays occur, we can either let frustration dominate or use the pause to choose our mindset and focus.
In simple terms: Use waiting time to decide how you think and feel.
Key Takeaway
Choose your attitude during inevitable delays.
Themes
mindfulness
choice
frustration
attention
self‑control
Mood
reflective
calm
intentional
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- grocery shopping
- traffic jams
- long lines
- airport security
- commuting
Key Concepts
cognitive psychology
behavioral choice
mindful awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you turn everyday annoyances into moments of intentional thought?
- What habits can you develop to notice when you’re slipping into a default negative mindset?
A Different Perspective
If you constantly default to negativity, you may miss opportunities for calm and insight.
![“In modern day evangelism, this precious doctrine [of regeneration] has been reduced to nothing more than a human decision to raise one's hand, walk an aisle, or pray a 'sinner's prayer.' As a result, the majority of Americans believe that they've been 'born again' even though their thoughts…” quote by Paul Washer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4b4/paul-washer-1468_aisle_in-modern-day-evangelism-this-precious-d_218599.jpg)
