David Foster Wallace on Ambition | Blank on Blank
David Foster Wallace discusses his early struggles with perfectionism, which made it hard to finish anything because the real result never matched the perfect idea in his head. He also talks about his past as a serious tennis player, explaining that while he was good, he realized his limits and that he would never be a professional. This led him to focus more on academics, finding school more interesting than intense tennis training. He also mentions how teaching has made him realize the value of advice he once dismissed from his own teachers, especially regarding writing that prioritizes cleverness over substance. He humorously adds that he is known as a strict grammar teacher at his university.
Key Vocabulary
A colloquial abbreviation for 'graduate' or 'graduate school,' referring to the period of study beyond a bachelor's degree.
Examples:
- She decided to go to grad school to pursue a master's degree in literature.
- During his grad studies, he focused on advanced research methods.
- Many students find that their workload significantly increases in grad school.
No longer current or in fashion; old-fashioned.
Examples:
- The company's software was so outdated that it struggled to keep up with competitors.
- His opinions on technology often seemed outdated to his younger colleagues.
- She replaced her outdated kitchen appliances with more modern, energy-efficient models.
Refers to people who are similar in origin, nature, or character, often implying a deep understanding or connection.
Examples:
- The two artists, both passionate about abstract expressionism, felt an immediate kindred spirit in each other.
- She sought out a community of kindred souls who shared her love for vintage cars.
- Finding a kindred mind in a new city can make settling in much easier.
To decrease in vigor, power, or extent; to become weaker or less intense.
Examples:
- His initial enthusiasm for the project slowly waned as he encountered more obstacles.
- The moon waned, becoming a thin crescent in the night sky.
- As the evening progressed, the crowd's energy gradually waned.
Used informally to describe something as uninteresting, dull, or uninspired, often implying a lack of substance or excitement.
Examples:
- The meeting was just a lot of blah, with no real decisions being made.
- She felt that the presentation was a bit blah and didn't capture the audience's attention.
- He described his old job as mostly blah tasks, which is why he sought a new challenge.
To be drawn or attracted to something or someone, often naturally or instinctively.
Examples:
- During social gatherings, he tends to gravitate towards the quietest corner of the room.
- Children often gravitate to the brightest and most colorful toys in a store.
- After a long day, many people gravitate towards comfort food.
Characterized by excessive self-admiration or self-indulgence, often to the exclusion of others or broader impact.
Examples:
- His onanistic approach to writing meant his stories were often only interesting to himself.
- The artist's work was criticized for being too onanistic, lacking connection with the audience.
- She found his onanistic focus on his own achievements rather off-putting.
Causing feelings of annoyance or discouragement because one cannot achieve something or make progress.
Examples:
- The slow internet connection was incredibly frustrating when she was trying to meet a deadline.
- It was frustrating to work on a team where ideas were constantly dismissed without consideration.
- Dealing with the complex bureaucracy proved to be a frustrating experience.
Moving backward; reverting to an earlier and often inferior condition.
Examples:
- Many considered the new policy a retrograde step for the company's progress.
- His views on technology were seen as retrograde by his more forward-thinking colleagues.
- The sudden shift in management seemed like a retrograde move for team morale.
Faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support; in this context, strict adherence to an ideal.
Examples:
- The architect's fidelity to the original design was evident in every detail of the restoration.
- He maintained a strong fidelity to his principles, even when it was unpopular.
- The software update ensured high fidelity to the user's previous settings.
In a way that is clear, plain, or obvious, often in a harsh or severe manner.
Examples:
- The contrast between their wealth and the poverty of the surrounding area was starkly apparent.
- The report starkly outlined the challenges facing the organization.
- He realized, starkly, that he had made a critical mistake.
The act of bringing something into effective action or use.
Examples:
- The successful deployment of the new software significantly improved efficiency.
- The company celebrated the rapid deployment of its latest product line.
- Effective deployment of resources is crucial for project success.
To give up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.
Examples:
- She had to sacrifice her free time to study for the demanding exam.
- The team made a collective sacrifice of their individual goals for the greater good of the project.
- He was willing to sacrifice a higher salary for a job that offered more personal fulfillment.
To meet or deal with a difficult situation or person directly.
Examples:
- It was time to confront the difficult truth about the project's failure.
- He had to confront his fear of public speaking before giving the presentation.
- The manager decided to confront the employee about their consistent tardiness.
To a moderate extent or degree; a little.
Examples:
- She felt somewhat tired after the long journey.
- The new policy was somewhat controversial among the staff.
- He was somewhat surprised by the unexpected turn of events.
Experienced difficulty or made strenuous efforts to achieve or do something.
Examples:
- The small business struggled to stay afloat during the economic downturn.
- He struggled to understand the complex instructions for assembling the furniture.
- Despite his best efforts, the athlete struggled to keep pace with the leaders.
To express an idea or feeling fluently and coherently.
Examples:
- She found it difficult to articulate her feelings about the sudden change.
- The speaker was able to articulate complex concepts in a clear and understandable way.
- It is important to articulate your expectations clearly to your team members.
A category of things or people having some common characteristic; a type or kind.
Examples:
- He preferred a sort of quiet, reflective music for his evening relaxation.
- What sort of challenges do you anticipate in this new role?
- That sort of behavior is not acceptable in a professional environment.
To give all or a large part of one's time or resources to (a person, activity, or cause).
Examples:
- She decided to devote her life to helping others through humanitarian work.
- He would often devote entire weekends to his passion for restoring antique cars.
- The scientist chose to devote his research to finding a cure for the rare disease.
Exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability.
Examples:
- His ability to solve complex mathematical problems was a clear sign of his genius.
- She displayed a creative genius that set her apart from her peers in art school.
- Many consider Leonardo da Vinci to be a true genius across multiple disciplines.