The Cultural Tutor, on Writing Every Day, Growing a Twitter Audience, and Reading Old Books
Aug 23, 2023
auto_awesome
The Cultural Tutor, an anonymous writer who soared to 1.5 million Twitter followers in just 15 months, shares his journey from humble beginnings to social media fame. He delves into the importance of daily writing habits versus productivity pressure, and how both handwriting and typing affect creative expression. The conversation touches on navigating the vast information landscape of today’s digital age, the enduring value of classic literature, and the balance between authenticity and the demands of online visibility.
Seize the moment to write when inspiration strikes, as it may fade quickly.
Prioritize one objective to increase productivity, even if it means sacrificing other aspects of life.
Productivity advice may not necessarily improve writing; focus on internal motivation and creative instinct.
Deep dives
The Motivation to Write
The speaker emphasizes the importance of writing about an idea when it first strikes you. They believe in seizing the moment because the inspiration may fade. They also discuss the tension between discipline and undisciplined inputs. They explain how undivided focus on writing can lead to missed opportunities in personal life.
The Power of Singular Focus
The speaker highlights the importance of having one objective and prioritizing it above all else. They stress that focusing on one goal can lead to increased productivity, even if it means sacrificing other aspects of life. They compare their dedication to writing daily Twitter threads to Rocky's determination in training for a fight.
The Myth of Productivity Hacks
The speaker expresses skepticism towards productivity advice and emphasizes the need to follow one's own unique path in writing. They believe that productivity hacks and routines may not necessarily lead to better writing. They assert that the urge and motivation to write come from within and cannot be influenced by external factors.
The Joy of Writing
The speaker discusses their love for writing and the pleasure they derive from the act itself. They explain that writing brings them a sense of compulsion, childish delight, and joy. They equate writing to being pulled by an external force, and express the importance of following one's creative instinct.
The Importance of Constantly Striving for Improvement
Leonardo da Vinci's advice for young painters applies to anyone in any field, as it emphasizes the need for self-critique and continuous improvement. Da Vinci's idea that one's judgment must always exceed their work suggests that we should always aspire to achieve more and never become complacent. This mindset applies to writing as well, where the author strives to constantly improve every sentence and aspect of their work. While the writer may not always be completely satisfied, the focus remains on the intention to progress and refine one's skills.
The Value of Authenticity and Truth in Writing
In a time obsessed with originality, the podcast explores the idea that writers should prioritize truth and authenticity instead. Taking inspiration from Christian writers who aim to reveal timeless truths, the host suggests that tapping into what has always been true can be more meaningful than solely pursuing originality. The notion of writing for oneself, rather than trying to fulfill expectations or cater to readers' desires, is emphasized. By staying true to one's voice and interests, writers can produce work that resonates with their own curiosity and passion, ultimately leading to stronger and more engaging writing.
The man started writing online ~15 months ago, and has ascended to 1.5 million Twitter followers. Until now, he's been anonymous. Never showed his face. This is a masterclass in how to write for the Internet, source reading material, and build a writing habit.
