On Writing and Clarity
Good writing is clear thinking made visible. This simple principle1 guides everything I try to write, whether it’s code, documentation, or blog posts like this one.
The Importance of Clarity
In our information-saturated world, clarity has become a superpower. The ability to distill complex ideas into understandable prose is increasingly valuable2.
Consider these principles:
- Use simple words when they suffice
- Cut unnecessary words ruthlessly
- Structure your thoughts before writing
- Read your work aloud to catch awkward phrasing
Writing as Thinking
Writing isn’t just about communicating ideas you already have—it’s a tool for developing those ideas in the first place. The act of putting thoughts into words forces you to confront gaps in your logic and understanding3.
This is why I find blogging valuable. Each post is an opportunity to think through a topic more carefully than I might otherwise.
The Craft Aspect
Like any craft, writing improves with deliberate practice. This means:
- Reading widely and paying attention to what works
- Writing regularly, even when you don’t feel inspired
- Editing ruthlessly—first drafts are rarely final drafts
- Seeking feedback from others
The goal isn’t perfection, but continuous improvement.
Conclusion
Clear writing serves both the writer and the reader. It forces the writer to think clearly and helps the reader understand quickly. In a world full of noise, clarity is a gift we can give to each other.
Footnotes
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This idea is often attributed to various writers, but the sentiment appears throughout the work of authors like George Orwell, William Strunk Jr., and E.B. White. ↩
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Studies suggest that the average person encounters 34 GB of information daily—equivalent to reading 174 newspapers. In this context, clear, concise communication becomes essential for cutting through the noise. ↩
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This phenomenon is sometimes called “writing to learn” in educational contexts. The act of articulation reveals the boundaries of our understanding. ↩