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Category: thought

A peasant woodland | A Working Library

The more compelling and interesting reason that most writers seek out readers is, I think, less utilitarian: we receive our writing as a gift, and so it must be given in turn. We write because something needs to be expressed through us, and only by giving the writing to a reader is that need fulfilled.

This is such an interesting back and forth between two of the most intelligent writers/essayists I have the pleasure of reading.

I largely agree that this is part of it for me. That said, for me there’s a bigger reason… Clarity. Writing is the only way I know of to make my thoughts clear — both for others (the reader) and myself (the writer). I seek out readers because I want those now clear thoughts to be listened to, considered, and understood. Especially because I often don’t feel that they are all of these things internally — inside my head they are a confused and jumbled mess. Only when I put them out there do I finally make sense of them. I’m just a much a reader of them too. It’s like, “Ah ha! So I can make sense of this mess!”

The thing with grudges is that the longer you hold them, the more likely it is that those you are holding it against have long forgotten it.

This is your reminder that…

  • Pundits are not Journalists.
  • Op-ed is not news.
  • Polls are propaganda.
  • Anyone can be a “media outlet” or a “Journalist” on the Internet.
  • Just because you read it does not make it true.
  • Especially scrutinize things that confirm your theories and views.
  • Trust but verify.

Random personal fact: I’ve never been able to comfortably sit cross legged. My right leg just doesn’t bend that way comfortably. I’ve long wished to work on this but not enough to do so. So I sit with my left leg in the crossed position and my right merely bent with foot flat out in front of me.