avatarAldric Chen

Summary

The essence of writing lies in the synthesis of ideas derived from reading, conversations, and thinking, rather than the act of writing itself.

Abstract

The article emphasizes that the foundation of writing is not the physical act of writing but the mental processes that precede it. It suggests that reading extensively provides new knowledge and perspectives, such as understanding financial freedom through books like Isaac Newton's "Mathematica Principia." Engaging in deep conversations, particularly with elders and entrepreneurs, is also highlighted as a source of wisdom and insight into the value of time and hard work. Furthermore, the article stresses the importance of thinking as a uniquely human activity that shapes our perspectives. These three elements—reading, conversing, and thinking—are the raw materials that our brains process to form our unique viewpoints, which we then aim to communicate through writing.

Opinions

  • Reading is a fundamental activity that introduces the writer to new concepts and ideas, such as financial freedom and the significance of calculus beyond academic examinations.
  • Conversations, especially with experienced individuals like elders and entrepreneurs, are valued for their ability to expand one's mind and impart valuable life lessons.
  • The author believes in the intrinsic value of thinking, viewing it as a defining human characteristic that informs our decisions and actions.
  • The article posits that the true beginning of writing is the mental processing of information gained from various inputs, combined with personal experiences.
  • Writing is seen as a means to share one's unique perspective with others, which is formed through the combination of reading, conversing, and thinking.
  • The author identifies as a content contributor who aims to simplify complex ideas, emphasizing that simplicity is key to clarity and growth.

The First Step to Writing … Is Not Writing.

Surprised? It’s true.

Photo by Hannah Olinger on Unsplash

Writing is a way we express ourselves. We express our ideas, values, thought processes through a medium known as language. For language to come into being and be communicated, we have to write.

But where we get our ideas, values, and thought processes from? Our brains process observation and knowledge. That means there must be inputs, to begin with.

And writing is the result of processing the inputs we receive.

Where are our sources of inputs?

# 1 — Reading.

Reading forms a big part of my life. There are things I never knew without reading. For instance, financial freedom. For example, Mathematica Principia by Issac Newton. With me, Calculus was just a method for passing mathematics examinations. For Isaac Newton, it was used to establish gravity.

# 2 — Conversations.

Conversations open the mind, especially those that come with depth. I enjoy speaking to elders and entrepreneurs. Elders speak of wisdom, and entrepreneurs teach me the value of time and hard work.

# 3 — Thinking.

I think, therefore I am.

That statement is true at many levels. As humans, we should pride ourselves on the ability to think. What can we do, what should we not do? We deliberate. We process. Should we jay-walk? Maybe, when the roads are empty. Better not when it is the highway.

A Simple Takeaway.

When we read, converse and start thinking — Our brains begin processing raw information and combine it with our life experience.

That forms the backbone of our perspectives which leads to the act of writing. That’s because we want to share our unique perspectives with everyone else.

From there, we write.

Related Stories from the Author.

About the Author:

As a content contributor, I write my observations from daily life and my business exposure.

Because our life experiences are the bedrock of our unique perspectives.

As a Consultant by training, I believe in making the complex simple.

Because simplicity adds value.

Simplicity helps us gain clarity, and clarity helps us to grow.

Follow me for my stories on Medium!

This is more “About Me”.

Do reach out and say hi on Linkedin!

Writing
Thinking
Life Lessons
Self Improvement
Reflections
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