I wish this idea would make it to research papers.
Instead of large words and greek symbols, possibly simplicity and compilable code.
Write Simply
321–330 of 354 posts
Re: Write Simply
#322Earlier quoted context omitted.
Having read a fair amount of Zizek and some Foucault I have to agree. Obfuscation can be just as useful as clarity.
Can you explain that? As an engineer I think generally anything that can be done more simply is nearly always better.
I agree with you personally. But find that not everyone wants to communicate clearly. Some people have made a career out of impenetrable communication.
Re: Write Simply
#323Meh. Reducing language to a mere communication tool also destroys much of its beauty, meaning, and ability to inspire or motivate us. I don't think it's a coincidence that the loss of interest in poetry has coincided with a general loss of respect for literary culture. I had this impression recently while reading the Akbarnama , which is a sort of court-approved biography of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It was written b…
I would bet inner world here in Beveridge's translation since God is being addressed is referring to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batin_(Islam). I should find the new edition with Thackston's since I used to have his book on Persian as a kid.
Re: Write Simply
#324As usual, xkcd is relevant: https://xkcd.com/547/
So is Calvin and Hobbes, kinda... https://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1993/02/11
Following in on the original: https://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1989/10/31
Re: Write Simply
#325"Short words are best and the old words when short are best of all." W. Chuchill
Re: Write Simply
#326Earlier quoted context omitted.
That feels like the author is saying “I’m so clever you need to be told when to think about this,” whereas i would prefer to think at my own pace, without deliberate obfuscation, thanks very much. If it’s a work of art, fair enough. If you’re trying to explain or argue something... then you’re probably hiding the holes in your argument or trying to sound smarter than you are.
...it’s not my reasoning. I’m explaining why some postmodern writers say they have that style. Personally I think it can be hit or miss.
I see, thanks for sharing. Just makes them sound pompous.
Re: Write Simply
#327On this subject I tend to defer to Orwell's https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-foundation/orwel... (avoiding bad metaphors and canned phrases), and Samuelson's rules for legal writing: https://people.ischool.berkeley.edu/~pam/papers/goodwriting....
Especially the latter's "have a point" and "get to the point".
Re: Write Simply
#328This boring imperative falls into the same trap as "Be Clear". Gregory Williams, author of the classic "Towards Clarity and Style" , has a thoughtful rebuttal to these punchlines in his book's description (quoting an older edition): This is a book about writing clearly. I wish it could be short and simple like some others more widely known, but I want to do more than just urge writers to "Omit Needless Words" or "Be…
Small correction: I mixed up the author and the co-author's names—it is Joseph Williams and Gregory Colomb.
Re: Write Simply
#329Earlier quoted context omitted.
Can you explain that? As an engineer I think generally anything that can be done more simply is nearly always better.
The pretension is the point. The readers want to come across as sophisticated by claiming to have understood impenetrable gibberish.
James Joyce fan I see ;-)
Re: Write Simply
#330Earlier quoted context omitted.
Yo, but real talk, didn’t we all just eat his essay up?
No I really dislike Paul Graham and I find his writing style to be extremely grating. I wouldn't have said anything but you asked. I guess I'm in the minority on this one and I'm a hater in general.
May I ask, what characteristics/qualities you find so grating in his writing?
Like/dislike of writing style is so subjective, just like musical taste, so I can understand if it's not even possible to verbalize why. Perhaps it's just the "tone".