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I have always tried to avoid talking to pretty girls, because pretty girls have a vicious effect on me in which every part of my brain is shut down except for the part that says unbelievably stupid things and the part that is aware that I am saying unbelievably stupid things.
David Foster Wallace
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote humorously illustrates the effect attractive individuals can have on our rational thinking.

In this quote, David Foster Wallace reflects on the overwhelming and often comical challenge that arises when trying to communicate with someone he finds particularly attractive. He notes that beauty can have a paralyzing effect on one's thought processes, causing him to say foolish things while being acutely aware of his own absurdity. This playful acknowledgment of human vulnerability in romantic interactions highlights the intersection of attraction and awkwardness.

Themes

AttractionBeautyCommunicationAwkwardnessRelationships

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about love and attraction, someone might share this quote to illustrate the ridiculousness of infatuation.

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