#3700
Mentioned in 4 episodes
The Pale King
Book • 2011
The Pale King is an unfinished novel that was published posthumously in 2011.
It was David Foster Wallace's third novel, which he worked on for over a decade before his death in 2008.
The book is set in the IRS Regional Examination Center in Peoria, Illinois, and delves into themes of boredom, loneliness, and the ennui that underlies human life.
Despite being incomplete, the novel is a compelling and satisfying read, showcasing Wallace's unique blend of comedy and deep sadness.
The narrative is non-linear and challenging, reflecting Wallace's intention to create a 'tornadic' experience for the reader.
Michael Pietsch, Wallace's friend and editor, compiled the manuscript from thousands of pages of notes and drafts to create the published version.
It was David Foster Wallace's third novel, which he worked on for over a decade before his death in 2008.
The book is set in the IRS Regional Examination Center in Peoria, Illinois, and delves into themes of boredom, loneliness, and the ennui that underlies human life.
Despite being incomplete, the novel is a compelling and satisfying read, showcasing Wallace's unique blend of comedy and deep sadness.
The narrative is non-linear and challenging, reflecting Wallace's intention to create a 'tornadic' experience for the reader.
Michael Pietsch, Wallace's friend and editor, compiled the manuscript from thousands of pages of notes and drafts to create the published version.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Mentioned by 
Lex Fridman and 
Sean Kelly ; Sean Kelly discusses Wallace's work and its exploration of meaninglessness and the search for meaning in a secular age.
Lex Fridman and Sean Kelly ; Sean Kelly discusses Wallace's work and its exploration of meaninglessness and the search for meaning in a secular age.
160 snips
#227 – Sean Kelly: Existentialism, Nihilism, and the Search for Meaning
Mentioned by 
Cal Newport in the context of feeling alienated from labor, illustrating the frustration of meaningless busywork.
Cal Newport in the context of feeling alienated from labor, illustrating the frustration of meaningless busywork.
Never Feel Burnout Again with Cal Newport (#61)
