Things Learned From…
Paul Graham – Write Simply
I try to write using ordinary words and simple sentences.
That kind of writing is easier to read, and the easier something is to read, the more deeply readers will engage with it.
The less energy they expend on your prose, the more they'll have left for your ideas.
And the further they'll read.
Most readers' energy tends to flag part way through an article or essay.
If the friction of reading is low enough, more keep going till the end.
…it's more considerate to write simply.
When you write in a fancy way to impress people, you're making them do extra work just so you can seem cool.
…fancy writing doesn't just conceal ideas. It can also conceal the lack of them.
That's why some people write that way, to conceal the fact that they have nothing to say.
Whereas writing simply keeps you honest. If you say nothing simply, it will be obvious to everyone, including you. [...]
There are of course times when you want to use a complicated sentence or fancy word for effect. But you should never do it by accident.
The other reason my writing ends up being simple is the way I do it.
I write the first draft fast, then spend days editing it, trying to get everything just right.
Much of this editing is cutting, and that makes simple writing even simpler.
Thanks for reading! Hope you have an outstanding day.
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