How I Write

Michael Mauboussin: How To Find Your Edge As A Writer

Mar 6, 2024

Michael Mauboussin, an investing expert with extensive Wall Street experience, shares his unique approach to writing. He emphasizes finding inspiration in unexpected places and subverting the 'Curse of Knowledge' to engage readers. Michael advocates for clarity, accessibility, and storytelling in communicating complex ideas. He discusses the synthesis of ideas, the evolving meanings of words, and encourages writers to incorporate personal experiences for a stronger narrative. Learn how to merge passion with expertise to create compelling content.

01:07:56

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Episode guests

Michael Mauboussin

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Quick takeaways

Effective communication starts with a deep understanding of the subject matter.

Synthesizing complex concepts into clear ideas enhances accessibility for readers.

Continuous learning and exploration are crucial for developing fresh insights and evolving ideas in writing.

Deep dives

Importance of Understanding in Writing

To be an effective writer, the foundation is understanding. This understanding is crucial in communication, whether verbal or written. Effective communication starts with a deep grasp of the subject matter being conveyed. Research and depth of knowledge play a significant role in ensuring clear and compelling writing.

Like a toddler's synapses, every new paradigm starts out wildly inefficient

01:27

Distinguishing Errors from Mistakes and Understanding Intellectual Evolution of Ideas

01:28

Mining Worthy Ideas

03:34

Learning, Understanding, and Communicating

01:19

Intro

3min

Mastering Clarity in Complex Writing

11min

The Wisdom of Crowds in Market Theory

6min

Reviving Old Ideas: Innovation in Writing

12min

The Evolution of Words: From Innovation to Inspiration

3min

The Art of Synthesis in Writing

22min

Evolving Through Writing

11min

Perhaps the best-kept secret of any writer is the ability to find inspiration in unconventional places. And that’s Michael Mauboussin in a nutshell. Investing, business, reading, writing, luck, skill — name a topic he’s passionate about, and he’s found a way to make money from it in his writing.

How? By subverting “The Curse of Knowledge.”

With his decades-long career on Wall Street, you’d think that reading Michael’s work would be like trying to learn Latin on the fly. But the opposite is true.

“I put my arm around the reader, and we gaze off into the world and say, “Let’s talk about what we see. Let’s make this concrete and interesting.”

No stuffy professionalism. No robotic jargon. While many of us writers see the ignorance of a reader as a handicap, Michael sees it as an opportunity. And as a result, he’s become a billboard for how to build a career around who you truly are and what you’re actually interested in.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to do the same. Come learn tactical writing and life instruction from one of Wall Street’s best and brightest.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://www.michaelmauboussin.com/

Books: https://www.michaelmauboussin.com/books

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjmauboussin

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