June 23rd, 2024

How to think in writing

Henrik Karlsson emphasizes writing's role in refining thinking by making ideas precise and complete. Writing helps transition from fluid thoughts to clear claims, inviting feedback for deeper understanding and improvement.

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How to think in writing

Henrik Karlsson discusses the importance of writing in refining one's thinking process. He emphasizes that writing helps make ideas more precise and complete, revealing that those who do not write about a topic may not have fully formed ideas about it. Karlsson shares his personal experience of how writing allows him to pin down and examine his thoughts, transitioning from fluid thinking to rigid clarity on paper. He highlights the value of making clear and sharp claims in writing to push thinking deeper and invite feedback for improvement. Karlsson suggests that unfolding claims into explanations can help spread them for criticism, leading to a better understanding and refinement of ideas. By sharing examples from his interactions with his daughter and reflecting on past experiences, Karlsson illustrates how writing can uncover flaws in thinking and guide the process of refining and deepening understanding. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of addressing subtle emotional cues and hidden doors in writing to expand one's comprehension and enhance the quality of written work.

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By @jschveibinz - 4 months
This is very well written. I enjoy the style of tbe prose.

Incidentally, I agree with the approach: I too write to reveal my ignorance and incongruencies. And then I work to learn, revise and improve my understanding. Writing is a humbling process.