Patience or Intelligence?

CodyVanDer · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 10:21 am

My cousin was asking me if I thought he was smart enough read IJ. He's really a smart guy, but I told him he isn't patient enough to read it. It got me wondering: What do you think is more important? Does this book require patience or intelligence? I realize they aren't mutually exclusive, but which one do you think is more important with IJ?

Saraguin · **Joined:** Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:45 pm **Posts:** 24

Patience, perseverance and persistence.

ggchamplin · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 11:05 am

Patience because even if you feel you are not smart enough you can look up every word you dont understand, however to do so would also require patience.

WideOpenandRed · **Posted:** Mon Jun 29, 2009 11:31 pm

Can't patience eventually lead to intelligence?

Olja · **Joined:** Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:12 pm **Posts:** 11

bumper · **Joined:** Sun Jun 14, 2009 8:40 am **Posts:** 4

I don't think IJ requires above average intelligence. Patience, on the other hand...

Zandelion · **Joined:** Mon Jun 29, 2009 3:12 pm **Posts:** 7

I think neither intelligence or patience are required - simply that the writings of DFW resonate with you. For most people this happens the moment the read one of his shorter works. I definitely wouldn't recommend starting this novel to someone who has yet to discover if his writing captivates them.

I don't believe in forcing things.

OhItsJustDan · **Posted:** Thu Jul 02, 2009 1:14 pm

Considering this is a group that consists entirely of people reading Infinite Jest, isn't this topic a little self-congratulatory? Let's not make this about swelling our heads.

Roxanne · **Joined:** Tue Jun 30, 2009 7:45 am **Posts:** 47

OhItsJustDan · **Posted:** Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:00 pm

Infinite Summer

Patience or Intelligence?

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