This is a great analysis. Though I’ve never read this particular short story, Foster Wallace seems to have a knack for understanding futility, especially in the entertainment industry and anything that is a proxy to it (I.e. marketing). I’m going to go read it now thanks to this!
Very well done on the synopsis and analysis. I think the silver lining or hidden grace in wrestlings of futility is that it forces us to re-examine our view of impact. I resonate with Schmidt in constantly having exaggerated expectations of the impact I can have.
As I read this, I thought of the movie Fight Club, and how abandoning our futile lives for dangerous and thrilling adventure is immensely appealing in light of the futility we often face in our careers.
Thanks! That’s a good point. Fight Club is intensely appealing… but I think what a lot of people miss is that he is in error. I should write about that to explain.
I also resonate with Schmidt often, no matter what job I’m in. Though less now compared to accounting
I love DFW. A supposedly fun thing I will never do again is one of my favorites. The answer to this question like so many is “both and” yes…you are a leaky pot. You are human and you leak. And yes you are helping the world both materially and metaphysically. Love this pathway in…so squishy.
Great job validating a common concern for a lot of us, that we may not be contributing anything to anyone. When this thought comes to me I remind myself that it’s possible I may be positively impacting people along my journey on this earth and never know. So I do all things as if working for the Lord and pray constantly that He is making my work count for something as I use the gifts and talents He has blessed me with.
This is a great analysis. Though I’ve never read this particular short story, Foster Wallace seems to have a knack for understanding futility, especially in the entertainment industry and anything that is a proxy to it (I.e. marketing). I’m going to go read it now thanks to this!
Thanks Belle! I’d recommend Shipping Out if you haven’t read anything by him.
Thank you!! Adding this to my queue!
Very well done on the synopsis and analysis. I think the silver lining or hidden grace in wrestlings of futility is that it forces us to re-examine our view of impact. I resonate with Schmidt in constantly having exaggerated expectations of the impact I can have.
As I read this, I thought of the movie Fight Club, and how abandoning our futile lives for dangerous and thrilling adventure is immensely appealing in light of the futility we often face in our careers.
Thanks! That’s a good point. Fight Club is intensely appealing… but I think what a lot of people miss is that he is in error. I should write about that to explain.
I also resonate with Schmidt often, no matter what job I’m in. Though less now compared to accounting
I love DFW. A supposedly fun thing I will never do again is one of my favorites. The answer to this question like so many is “both and” yes…you are a leaky pot. You are human and you leak. And yes you are helping the world both materially and metaphysically. Love this pathway in…so squishy.
Thank you so much. DFW is one of my favorite authors! Let’s talk about him some more
Great job validating a common concern for a lot of us, that we may not be contributing anything to anyone. When this thought comes to me I remind myself that it’s possible I may be positively impacting people along my journey on this earth and never know. So I do all things as if working for the Lord and pray constantly that He is making my work count for something as I use the gifts and talents He has blessed me with.