Derek Thompson: From Acting to the Eminem of Macroeconomic Analysis
Aug 30, 2023
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Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for his elegant economic and cultural commentary, dives into the multifaceted world of writing. He discusses the importance of clarity in communication and the mystical process of creativity, balancing solitude with collaboration. Derek also explores the 'moneyballification' of culture, reflecting on algorithm-driven content versus authentic creativity. He emphasizes emotional expression, the art of naming, and the joy of writing, offering insights that inspire aspiring storytellers to engage their audiences with authenticity.
Creating tension in writing is an important aspect for online audiences.
The process of writing involves bridging the gap between the writer's initial thoughts and the intended impression on readers.
Setting up rituals and boundaries is crucial for focused writing and minimizing distractions.
Deep dives
The Importance of Tension in Writing
Creating tension in writing is comparable to the tension present in every good scene of a fight. The challenge lies in figuring out how the fight will unfold, what unexpected turns can be taken, and how to make sentences mean something unobvious. This exercise is not only enjoyable but also useful for writers, as it fosters a social relationship with words. Writers need to consider how their sentences will be interpreted by others, especially when writing for the internet. This tension and anticipation of reader interpretation is an integral aspect of writing for online audiences.
The Process of Writing and Expressing Ideas
The process of writing for the speaker involves a raw and multi-syllabic flow of ideas. These ideas do not always arrive in the precise vocabulary the author desires to communicate with. Therefore, writing becomes the bridge between the writer's instinctive first thoughts and the intended impression on readers. The act of writing has a quasi-mystical nature, and the speaker finds it fascinating how ideas come to fruition through the writing process. This fascination extends to the phenomenological experience of writing, pondering on how ideas are conceived and how decisions are made consciously or subconsciously in the writing process.
The Role of Rituals and Boundaries in Writing
Creating the right conditions for focused writing requires setting up rituals and boundaries. The speaker shares a personal approach of writing in a basement with minimal lighting, creating a cocoon of darkness that allows for intense concentration. By ritualizing various aspects of life during the work week, such as pre-planning meals and walks, the speaker carves out dedicated time for writing without the distractions of constant interruptions. Setting up these rituals and boundaries helps maintain a state of tunnel vision, where the only relevant relationship is between the writer and the computer screen, fostering productivity and minimizing procrastination.
The value of simplicity in writing
The podcast emphasizes the importance of writing in a simple and straightforward manner. The speaker believes that using complicated language and acronyms can sometimes be a way of masking an incomplete understanding of the subject. By using simple language, it becomes clear whether one truly understands the topic. The formula for interestingness is also discussed, which is defined as the combination of novelty and importance. The speaker warns against falling into the trap of prioritizing one over the other. They also highlight the role of intuition in identifying what is interesting and how cultivating taste as a writer is essential.
The power of ranting and capturing interest
The podcast explores the value of ranting and being comfortable with being wrong as a writer. The idea is that allowing oneself to express ideas that may not be fully proven can lead to the discovery of new perspectives and truths. Furthermore, the podcast discusses the money-ballification of society, where there is a focus on winning finite games rather than prioritizing the infinite game of keeping things interesting. The importance of repetition in writing and the ability to evoke feelings and connections through impressionistic writing are also highlighted. Overall, the podcast emphasizes the joy and freedom of writing, as well as the transformative power it has over readers.
Derek Thompson weaves together ideas from all over the place — economics, public policy, sports, and even pop culture. His writing is a breath of fresh air in a world of cookie cutter Internet content. Where other click-hungry journalists have caved to antagonistic practices, Derek’s writing is cool and charitable. And it’s also poetic. With a background in theater, he draws inspiration from the likes of literature and playwrights. This conversation will appeal to anybody who wants to write more elegantly, deal with critics, and master the art of the non-fiction story.
