diff --git a/README.markdown b/README.markdown
index 238091c..2f6f832 100644
--- a/README.markdown
+++ b/README.markdown
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ mostly `:set` calls.)  Here's a taste:
 
 * `'backspace'`: Backspace through anything in insert mode.
 * `'incsearch'`: Start searching before pressing enter.
-* `'listchars'`: Show trailing whitespace.
+* `'listchars'`: Makes `:set list` (visible whitespace) prettier.
 * `'scrolloff'`: Always show at least one line above/below the cursor.
 * `'directory'`: Dump swap files under `~/.cache/vim/swap` (only if that
   directory already exists).  Also `'backupdir'` and `'undodir'`.  Try
diff --git a/plugin/sensible.vim b/plugin/sensible.vim
index a394b06..35d7914 100644
--- a/plugin/sensible.vim
+++ b/plugin/sensible.vim
@@ -42,8 +42,7 @@ set scrolloff=1
 set sidescrolloff=5
 set display+=lastline
 
-if !&list && &listchars ==# 'eol:$'
-  set list
+if &listchars ==# 'eol:$'
   set listchars=tab:>\ ,trail:-,extends:>,precedes:<,nbsp:+
   if &termencoding ==# 'utf-8' || &encoding ==# 'utf-8'
     let &listchars = "tab:\u21e5 ,trail:\u2423,extends:\u21c9,precedes:\u21c7,nbsp:\u26ad"