Given the size of the book and the immensity of its author, this will be a brief reflection. The Pale King, by David Foster Wallace, was an adventure. It was a book that reminded me why I read fiction.
Not necessarily to be entertained, because this book was not entertaining.
I determined to read more fiction this year, because fiction has made me more self-aware. In what ways?
- Self-image: This book made me much more cognizant of the influence of multiple motives and concealed objectives on the social structure of the workplace. As a result, I am considering becoming more intentional and reflective in my contribution to my work’s social space.
- Writing: While TPK is not a book that presents a technical truth, it is a masterful lesson in using words judiciously and economically. Wallace, although his books are quite long, uses words parsimoniously. He says exactly what he means, or creates the feeling he wants, by using exactly the number of words required and no more. This is the most important contribution he has made to my personal and professional life. Now, when I am writing, I write for clarity and simplicity–aiming to say no more than what is needed. If you are a David Foster Wallace reader and fan, you understand exactly what I mean.
- Citizenship: As a citizen, I am more aware of my obligation to my community. This is especially true locally–the book is, in fact about the IRS, the enforcement agency of an area of law that is perhaps the principal embodiment of our obligation to shared sacrifice for each other.
- Purpose: Clarity of purpose and acceptance of one’s limits is a source of life. Crushing complexity and systemic inertia is a source of death. This book has made me sit, multiple times even this week, to take a renewed look at my personal and professional objectives. This process is still evolving, but I am re-committed to clarifying them and making them specific as a result of TPK.
TPK was clearly unfinished, but it has been a watershed moment in my life. To me, the book shows us very clearly the deadly weight of tedium and boredom. It shows us very clearly the ephemeral nature of life. And, that this very ephemeral life is slipping from many of us in the most soul-numbing, invisible ways possible.