Putting Ideas into Words
2 days ago
- Writing reveals that you didn't know a topic as well as you thought; it forces precise and complete expression.
- The process of writing involves rewriting and revising; many ideas emerge during writing.
- The real test is reading your writing as a neutral stranger; this often reveals flaws and omissions.
- Unconscious knowledge becomes conscious when you explain it; writing helps learn even about subjects you know well.
- Writing is a stricter test than talking because it requires committing to exact words and allows focused revision.
- Those who never write about nontrivial topics have no fully formed ideas about them, though they may not realize it.