Men and women Quote by David Foster Wallace
““-when he thinks of the starry-eyed puerility and narcissism of these fantasies now, a rough decade later, Schmidt experiences a kind of full-framed internal wince, that type of embarrassment-before-self that makes our most mortifying memories objects of fascination and repulsion at once, though in Terry Schmidt's case a certain amount of introspection and psychotherapy had enabled him to understand that his professional fantasies were not in the main all that unique, that a large percentage I bright young men and women locate the impetus behind their career choice in the belief that they are fundamentally different from the common run of man, unique and in certain crucial ways superior, more as it were central, meaningful--what else could explain the fact that they can and will make a difference in their chosen field simply by the fact that thy themselves have been at the exact center of all they've experienced for the whole 20 years of their conscious lives?””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Infinite Jest, 1996
The quote reflects on how early idealistic fantasies about one’s career can later feel embarrassing, yet they reveal a common human tendency to view oneself as uniquely central to one’s life story, prompting both fascination and repulsion.
In simple terms: Early career fantasies often feel both embarrassing and revealing of a common self‑centered view.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question the myth of unique centrality.
Themes
identity
career
self‑perception
nostalgia
psychology
Mood
reflective
introspective
critical
Type
philosophical
psychological
motivational
When to use this quote
- career counseling
- therapy sessions
- mentorship programs
- self‑reflection workshops
Key Concepts
ego
narcissism
introspection
professional development
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeing yourself as central limit growth?
- Can embracing shared experiences broaden your impact?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook external influences and collaborative realities.
![“[D]on't grow old. With age comes caution, which is another name for cowardice… Whatever else you do in life, don't cultivate a conscience. Without a conscience a man may never be said to grow old. This is an age of very old young men.” quote by Hesketh Pearson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/076/hesketh-pearson-35291_age_d-on-t-grow-old-with-age-comes-caution-w_14010.jpg)
