As he researched, he copied out quotations from this host of writers and thinkers in addition to his own observations and notes, that he then fit under konvoluts (literally sheaths, or “bundles”) — fashion, idleness, iron construction, museum, mirrors — that reflected the cultural structures of the time. ... It was essentially a card catalog; a... See more

lean into macro challenges while finding the easiest way to manage micro challenges. The hour-by-hour challenge of continuing to write is less important than the month-by-month challenge of continuing to write.

Nat Eliason 6.6.2022

I don’t write out of what I know; I write out of what I wonder. I think most artists create art in order to explore, not to give the answers. Poetry and art are not about answers to me; they are about questions. —Lucille Clifton

I never start a new project without "building blocks."

The first thing I do when I sit down to work is looking for what I already have that can help me complete my project. This might be research, meeting notes, a voice recording of a call, screenshots, templates, quotes...you get the point.

There's always something I can use.

So here's my challenge... See more

They focus less on consuming as much information as possible and more on cultivating the deepest possible understanding of the ideas that resonate with them most.

David Perell 5.2022

1. Fragmentary style of writing for different purposes:

Pascal to underscore that total and complete knowledge is God’s alone.

Nietzsche to underscore human perspectivalism.

Others to emulate the ancients (or rather their surviving linguistic ruins.)

Kabballah to emphasize the task of the righteous to collect and reassemble these fragments of God.

2.... See more

Whenever I'm ready to write a new article, I open my phone and spend a few hours walking around town while capturing random ideas in my notes app until I have so many ideas that the first draft feels easy.

David Perell 12.20.2021

chapbooks are cool, easily produced, slim volumes that harken back centuries to street pamphlet culture. A chapbook is a one sitting kind of endeavor. Also you could self publish a chap without the stigma. Chaps can be as much art projects as books.

@SeanLemonhead 11.5.2022

If you lose momentum or want to be prolific, go to the city. But if your thinking feels stale or you want to work on longer-form pieces, consider a retreat to the country.

David Perell 5.23.2022