Share & Save
Meaning
The quote suggests that good writing helps readers recognize their own intelligence instead of talking down to them. It frames the writer’s job as making the reader feel capable of understanding and noticing meaning. The focus is on respect for the reader’s mind.
When It Was Said
Not documented yet.
Who It Was Said To
Not documented yet.
Historical Context
Not documented yet.
Source
Not documented yet.
Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
Did They Really Say It?
No source found on Wikiquote; this quote is listed as attributed.
Did You Know?
Not documented yet.
About David Foster Wallace
American writer and professor
David Foster Wallace was an American writer and professor. He published novels, short stories, and essays, and is best known for his 1996 novel, Infinite Jest. His work spans fiction and nonfiction, and he became especially noted for the range and ambition of his writing. In 2008, David Ulin of the Los Angeles Times described Wallace as one of the most influential and innovative writers of the previous twenty years.
More from David Foster Wallace (155 quotes) →More quotes by David Foster Wallace
- “Huh. Well you and I just disagree. Maybe the world just feels differently to us. This is all going back to so…”David Foster Wallace
- “Nuclear weapons and TV have simply intensified the consequences of our tendencies, upped the stakes.”David Foster Wallace
- “You have a great deal of yourself on the line, writing— your vanity is at stake. You discover a tricky thing…”David Foster Wallace
- “Anybody gets to ask questions about any fiction-related issues she wants. No question about literature is stu…”David Foster Wallace
Explore Writing
- “At this stage I am not involved with young adults as closely as many other writers. My children are grown up…”Margaret Mahy
- “When you are preparing for a role, you have a script to comb through and the writer's help in telling you abo…”Lindsay Mendez
- “I think publishers need to be the ones that publish the books and control that process: finding writers, help…”Jonathan Galassi
Motivation: more sayings
- “I am shocked and deeply saddened by McQueen's death. He was a genius, and his talent was second to none. Like…”Matthew Williamson
- “Discipline is the thing that makes you do what you might not want to, but you do it anyway because it's what…”Kyle Vidrine
- “Have you chosen to accept what life has given you, or are you choosing to create your life? There is a powerf…”Tony Curl
READ THE SOURCE
Books by David Foster Wallace
Infinite Jest
1996
Brief Interviews With Hideous Men
2001
The Pale King
2012
Everything and more
2003
Consider the lobster, and other essays
2005