writing
Putting ideas into words doesn't have to mean writing, of course. You can also do it the old way, by talking. But in my experience, writing is the stricter test. You have to commit to a single, optimal sequence of words. Less can go unsaid when you don't have tone of voice to carry meaning. And you can focus in a way that would seem excessive in... See more
Paul Graham • Putting Ideas Into Words
I publish essays nearly weekly now, but that is not a reasonable cadance at all if you are learning to write. The first year I wrote my blog, in 2021, I managed to publish 5 pieces. In 2022: 8. It was basically the only thing I did in my spare time.
Henrik Karlssonsubstack.comSeeing your ideas crumble can be a frustrating experience, but it is the point if you are writing to think. You want it to break. It is in the cracks the light shines in.
Henrik Karlsson • How to Think in Writing
Links on the Internet last forever or a year, whichever inconveniences you more. This is a major problem for anyone serious about writing with good references, as link rot will cripple several percent of all links each year, and compounding.
Essays
In other words, writing as identity. And identity formation is hard! It requires a great deal of invisible labor and discipline. In fact, the common thread among friends I admire for their precise and elegant writing is their absurdly dogged work ethic.
By making clear and sharp claims, I reveal my understanding so that I—or the person I’m writing to—can see the state of my knowledge and direct their feedback to the point where it will help my thinking improve.
This is valuable to do even in areas where you know way too little to “warrant” an opinion.
This is valuable to do even in areas where you know way too little to “warrant” an opinion.