#38: Gately’s Paradox

Is it possible to choose things you want to believe even if you currently think they’re ludicrous? And then even come to actually believe them just by reciting what originally was nonsense?

This is what Don Gately mulls over while in an AA session in David Foster Wallace’s book Infinite Jest. While Gately happens to be a fictional character, the success of AA, religion, and military training suggest that we can actually succeed by “going through the motions.”

notes 

Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually

Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). 

Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

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