Writing

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Writing is hard. You’re condensing your thoughts into more general concepts that can (hopefully) be understood by others. It’s equivalent to compressing a giant file (your mind) into some smaller artifact (some scribbles on a page).

Writing is valuable. It’s how we can give the gift of knowledge to the future. One can learn some concept and teach it to others with no investment other than the time spent compressing that knowledge.

Writing is introspective and philosophical. Writing delves into the nature of knowledge. What’s worth sharing with others?

The process of writing is good practice for thinking. It forces you to focus on communicating clearly. It makes you think about language and how to effectively convey concepts. It makes you consider if your examples are truly clear and engaging, or just a distraction not adding any value.

I’m really bad at writing. My thoughts are chaotic and disorganized and hard to communicate. Praciting writing gives me the chance to hone what I’ve been thinking about, and work “muscles” to help me communicate more clearly.

Recent posts from blogs that I like

In Memoriam Sofonisba Anguissola, who died 400 years ago

Completed her training in about 1553, met Michelangelo in Rome in 1554, where she became an established portraitist, invited to the court of King Philip II of Spain, advised the young van Dyck, and died in her early 90s.

via The Eclectic Light Company

What happens if AI labs train for pelicans riding bicycles?

via Simon Willison

Valve is about to win the console generation

Valve does nothing and still wins

via Xe Iaso