On writing
Start writing now!
I’ve been writing about different subjects but especially for audiences that are interested in science or philosophy. Writing is always a challenge; unlike reading, it requires formulating ideas and effectively conveying them, not to mention determining if the endeavor is worthwhile in the first place. This last aspect is perhaps the greatest obstacle to improving one’s writing skills. Many avid readers never consider writing themselves due to an overly idealistic mindset — the belief that it’s only worthwhile if it’s a masterpiece. Regrettably, this mindset is prevalent among educated people, hindering them from exploring new intellectual frontiers and indulging in their fantasies.
It may sound cliché, but the most effective way to become a great writer is to simply start writing, regardless of any doubts or hesitations. It’s important to recognize that writing is a skill, not an innate talent (especially writing!). Many accomplished writers have a trove of less-than-stellar early works. It may be hard to believe, but achieving perfection takes time, and there’s no reason why the pursuit of perfection should impede you when you’re the sole audience for your early efforts!
Another key aspect of becoming a great writer is to begin by considering yourself as the audience. Cultivating the habit of writing regularly about various topics — whether it’s personal experiences, opinions on matters, or even summaries of noteworthy books — is crucial. While these may seem like simple writings, they hold significant value from a personal perspective. The true worth of writing isn’t always apparent when you first put pen to paper, but rather, it often reveals itself years later when you revisit your earlier works. Through this reflection, you gain deeper insights into yourself and the times in which you lived, which can be motivation enough to continue writing. Moreover, it’s essential to share your writings with people who genuinely care about your work, and I assure you, there are plenty of such individuals in your circle.
Thinking, writing, thinking and writing again!
For me, writing has always served as the most effective method of thought processing. Whether contemplating personal matters or exploring abstract ideas, putting pen to paper allows for a depth of analysis that simply isn’t attainable through mere contemplation while sitting or walking. Writing has a unique ability to illuminate a subject from various angles, revealing intricate details that might otherwise remain obscured. When I write, it feels as though I am engaging in a dialogue with myself, but one where clarity and detail abound.
It’s a common experience to feel dissatisfied with one’s own written work upon revisiting it, as it often becomes apparent that the first ideas weren’t as brilliant as initially thought. However, embracing this realization is a crucial step towards personal growth and learning. I vividly recall my own experience with writing about information theory for the first time; it was eye-opening to discover the errors in my understanding and served as a catalyst for deeper exploration. Writing has a remarkable ability to reorganize one’s thoughts in ways that may be unimaginable through mere contemplation.
This underscores the importance of not only reading about a subject but also actively writing about it as a means of comprehension and mastery. This principle can be applied even to something as simple as summarizing books. Starting with a book that resonated with you, attempt to distill its key points and add your own reflections. This process can evolve into a form of commentary, wherein you customize the book’s content to suit your own understanding and perspective. Additionally, as you grow more adept, challenge yourself to write about more complex and well-written works, recognizing that proficiency may not be immediate but will develop with practice and perseverance.
Another effective method for honing your writing skills is to embark on a journey of research and exploration driven by your own curiosity. Take a topic that intrigues you, such as the concept of “free will,” and dive deep into it. Begin by reading a couple of books on the subject, exploring any interesting references they may offer, and delving into relevant academic papers. Allow yourself to get lost in the rabbit hole of information, whether through reading or engaging with quality online resources like insightful YouTube videos.
Immerse yourself fully in the problem, absorbing as much knowledge and perspective as possible. Ponder over it, mull it over, and let it marinate in your mind. Once you feel sufficiently acquainted with the topic and confident in your understanding, it’s time to start writing. Approach it as though you were preparing to teach the concept to a friend, translating complex ideas into clear and accessible language.
Occasionally, you may find it beneficial to incorporate snippets from your research directly into your writing. While some may view this as a questionable practice, when used judiciously, it can actually enhance your writing process. Think of it as dictating to yourself the parts of a book or article that resonate with you. However, it’s important to exercise caution and avoid excessive reliance on copying and pasting. When incorporating excerpts, strive to rephrase them in your own words, maintaining the essence of the original while adding your unique perspective. Keep the borrowed content concise, limiting it to individual sentences or short passages, and always aim to integrate it seamlessly into your own narrative. This approach not only enriches your writing but also encourages critical thinking and synthesis of ideas.
Start with a question
When crafting your writing, take a moment to step back and identify the fundamental question of your output. This pivotal question holds the potential to elevate your text to greatness. It should resonate with your audience, tapping into their existing thoughts, memories, or even deeper existential questions. By anchoring your writing to such a question, you not only provide valuable insights but also establish a profound connection to broader human concerns.
In scientific writing, particularly, the key question should transcend mere empirical inquiry and venture into the realm of philosophy. It should provoke contemplation and resonate with anyone pondering life’s deeper mysteries. It’s crucial to recognize that those drawn to science are not solely interested in dry textbooks; they crave the enchantment of discovery. They seek the magic inherent in scientific exploration — the awe-inspiring moments that evoke feelings of insignificance, humility, and wonder. If your question can evoke these sentiments, you’ve already captured your audience’s attention.
Therefore, strive to infuse your writing with this sense of wonder and awe, aligning your key question with the profound mysteries of existence. By doing so, you not only engage your audience intellectually but also stir their emotions, leaving a lasting impact.
Development
The next crucial step in the writing process is development — how to expand from the initial question or main concern to encompass a broader array of ideas. A common approach is to begin with the historical background of the idea, often rooted in philosophy. This necessitates a solid understanding of philosophical concepts, highlighting the importance of integrating history and philosophy into scientific writing education. Many significant scientific concepts have deep historical roots; for instance, the discourse on “free will” originated in philosophy but has since become a topic of scientific inquiry. Familiarity with these foundational ideas not only provides a sturdy framework for your writing but also adds an element of enjoyment and relevance.
Another effective strategy is to incorporate anecdotes or stories, whether personal or pertaining to key figures associated with the idea being discussed. For instance, figures such as Shannon in information theory or Boltzmann in thermodynamics often play central roles in scientific narratives. An increasing number of scientific writers are incorporating personal anecdotes, delving into the details of their own lives and experiences. While this approach carries the risk of alienating some readers who may find such digressions distracting, it can be enticing for audiences drawn to narratives infused with drama or romance.
Ultimately, the key lies in striking a balance between informative content and engaging storytelling. By weaving together historical context, personal anecdotes, and scientific inquiry, you can create a compelling narrative that captivates readers while elucidating complex ideas.
Aesthetics
Another critical aspect of scientific writing is the inclusion of figures. Don’t hesitate to create sketches or diagrams that can elucidate complex scientific concepts, even if they’re not commonly found in existing literature. It’s important to recognize that writing encompasses more than just conveying ideas through text; it also involves utilizing images, drawings, and formulas to enhance understanding. Online tools like draw.io can be invaluable for creating charts and figures, but even sketching them on paper initially is sufficient. You can always refine them later with digital tools for accuracy and aesthetics.
Flow
Furthermore, the flow of scientific writing should feel natural and effortless to the reader. It should maintain a coherent progression while allowing for occasional deviations or explorations into related topics. However, excessive tangents can disrupt the flow and fatigue the reader. Therefore, it’s crucial to strike a balance, ensuring that the text remains logically structured and focused. When explaining complex concepts, take each step methodically, ensuring that the sequence of information is clear and intuitive. By maintaining a logical flow and incorporating visually engaging elements, you can create a compelling and accessible scientific narrative.
Backgrounds
When writing, never assume that your reader possesses prior knowledge of the topic at hand. Make an effort to explain concepts clearly and concisely, either by providing necessary background information or by simplifying complex ideas. The level of detail you include will depend on both the depth of understanding required and the intended audience. In technical papers, it’s essential to delve into intricate details and anticipate potential questions, ensuring that no gaps in understanding are left unaddressed.
However, the most crucial step is to ask fundamental questions and fill in any gaps that might leave the reader perplexed. For instance, if discussing the role of symmetries in new physics, it’s imperative to elucidate why these symmetries are significant and perhaps provide a brief overview of group theory to establish context. Nonetheless, it’s essential to strike a balance and avoid the need to explain every minute detail. Instead, provide useful resources such as links to relevant articles or well-written materials that can further enrich the reader’s understanding.
By adopting this approach, you empower your readers to engage with the material at their own pace and level of comprehension, while also ensuring that they have access to additional resources for further exploration and learning.
Use Examples a lot!
Newton’s belief in the power of examples rings true! Examples are indeed invaluable tools for learning and connecting with the audience; they not only facilitate understanding but also foster engagement. When explaining fundamental concepts, prioritize examples over abstract theorems or formulas. Unlike traditional textbooks that often lead with theoretical principles, opt for a more accessible approach by starting with relatable and engaging examples.
Moreover, the examples you choose should be clever, humorous, and reflective of your personal interests, whether in pop culture or the arts. For instance, when discussing the frequency of sound, consider analyzing a famous song by a beloved artist like Taylor Swift. This not only makes the topic more relatable but also piques curiosity and adds an element of excitement to the discussion. By incorporating such examples, you can appeal to a diverse range of audiences and foster a friendly and accessible tone.
Even in the most complex subjects, grounding the discussion in relatable experiences — such as enjoying a leisurely bath, savoring a glass of fine wine, dancing to techno music or making love — can bring a sense of joy and accessibility to the text. By infusing your writing with these sensory and emotive elements, you not only enhance understanding but also create a more enjoyable and immersive reading experience for your audience.
You can use examples as the foundation of your writing. Begin by introducing an illustrative example or event, and then, at each stage of your exposition, refer back to it. This example serves as a captivating focal point, enabling readers to encapsulate all the information you present within its narrative.
Publish your works!
We’ve been discussing writing for personal fulfillment, but if you believe your writing offers above-average quality and valuable insights or perspectives worth sharing, don’t hesitate to do so! Nowadays, numerous user-friendly and free websites allow you to publish your work for a global audience. It’s astounding how many individuals can be intrigued by your worldview. You’ll begin to receive genuine feedback from people of diverse backgrounds, residing in various parts of the world and spanning different age groups. This process can lead to the creation of an incredible network of individuals who appreciate your content and offer valuable insights through their feedback.
Use ChatGPT
If you’re not particularly adept at writing, consider utilizing tools like ChatGPT to enhance your work. However, it’s important to strike a balance and not rely too heavily on them. Instead, use them as a helpful resource for proofreading rather than rewriting entire passages. Take the suggestions provided by these tools as learning opportunities and apply them to your writing. Embracing such tools as part of our daily writing routines is essential. Recognize their potential to improve your writing style and leverage them appropriately for better outcomes.