Computers Quote by David Foster Wallace
““The point of reptition is that there is no point. Wait until it soaks into the hardware and then see the way this frees up your head. A whole shitload of head-space you don't need for the mechanics anymore, after they've sunk in. Now the mechanics are wred in. Hardwired in. This frees the head in the remarkablest ways. Just wait. You start thinking a whole different way now, playing. The court might as well be inside you. The ball stops being a ball. The ball starts being something that you just know /ought/ to be in the air, spinning.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Writing, 2005
Repetition embeds skills into subconscious, freeing conscious mind for creative thinking and fluid performance.
In simple terms: Practice makes skills automatic, freeing mental space.
Key Takeaway
Practice until automatic, then think creatively.
Themes
skill acquisition
mindset
creativity
performance
automation
Mood
focused
optimistic
reflective
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- learning a sport
- musical instrument practice
- public speaking rehearsal
- coding
- athletics
Key Concepts
neural conditioning
flow state
muscle memory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does automaticity change your approach to problem solving?
- What tasks benefit most from deep repetition?
A Different Perspective
If the repetition is shallow, it may not lead to true automation.
