How much of "write simply" is just survivorship bias?
a day ago
- Paul Graham's writing advice on simplicity is influenced by his brand and wealth, creating a halo effect.
- Simple, direct writing does not guarantee success; many successful writers use complex, academic styles.
- Survivorship bias skews writing advice; successful non-writers (e.g., wealthy VCs) can thrive with any style.
- Academic or sophisticated writing conveys credibility, making it more shareable and popular, despite stated preferences for simplicity.
- Writers like Curtis Yarvin succeeded organically through dense prose, without prior branding or wealth.
- Confounders like non-writing success can cause confusion in cause-effect of writing advice.