Business Quote by David Foster Wallace
““Um um um um um. This business of—this business about marketing yourself, there’s nothing wrong with that. Unless we’re allowed to think that that’s—that that’s it. That that’s the point, that that’s the goal, you know? And that’s the reason we’re here—because that’s so empty. And you as a writer know that it’s—if you as a writer think that your job is to get as many people to like your stuff and think well of you as possible … And I could, we could both, name writers that it’s pretty obvious that’s their motivation? It kills the work. Each time. That that’s maybe 50 percent of it, but it misses all the magic. And it misses, it doesn’t let you be afraid. Or it doesn’t, like, let you like make yourself be, be vulnerable. Or … nah, see, I’m not … Anyway, anyway.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Art of Writing, David Foster Wallace, 2005
He warns that focusing on self‑promotion in writing empties the work, urging authenticity and vulnerability over audience approval.
In simple terms: Writing should prioritize honesty, not fame.
Key Takeaway
Write authentically, embrace vulnerability.
Themes
writing
authenticity
ego
creativity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- creative workshops
- author talks
- writing retreats
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
literary criticism
psychology of art
self‑expression
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you stay true to your voice?
- When does self‑promotion become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Risk of commercial pressures diluting art; may be hard to balance self‑promotion and integrity.
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