How I Write

The Cultural Tutor: Two Kinds of Writing (Which One Are You?)

Jul 31, 2024

Shian, known as The Cultural Tutor, is a prominent writer and cultural commentator with keen insights on writing styles. In this conversation, he unpacks the tension between minimalism and maximalism in writing, emphasizing how each style enriches narratives. They discuss how technology shapes individual expression, the decline of language skills, and the importance of etymology in creativity. Shian also shares lessons from Churchill's iconic speeches, illustrating how impactful word choice and structure can captivate audiences.

01:16:24

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The Cultural Tutor

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Quick takeaways

Minimalism offers clarity and directness, while maximalism embraces nuance and beauty, creating a spectrum of writing styles.

The transition from typewriters to word processors has influenced writing quality, often sacrificing personality for polished prose.

Exploring diverse and historical texts enhances vocabulary and creativity, allowing writers to interweave minimalism and maximalism effectively.

Deep dives

Understanding Minimalism and Maximalism

Minimalism and maximalism represent two distinct styles of expression. Minimalism is characterized by straightforward, clear, and efficient writing that often sacrifices personal voice for simplicity. In contrast, maximalism embraces elaborate and florid language, which can convey emotion and depth but may be seen as excessive. This podcast episode discusses how society has transitioned from a maximalist era, rich in ornate prose and personality, to a minimalist one that risks dulling the vibrancy of writing.

Enrich Your Writing by Learning More Words

00:51

Simplicity Without Substance Leads to Uniformity

01:21

Rewriting is the Key to Mastery

00:45

Even Masters Face Modern Scrutiny

01:17

Intro

6min

Writing Styles: Minimalism vs. Maximalism

23min

The Spectrum of Writing Styles

5min

The Impact of Technology on Writing: Standardization vs. Individuality

6min

The Decline of Language & Writing Skills

26min

Unlocking Words: The Power of Etymology in Writing

6min

The Art of Speech Writing: Lessons from Churchill

5min

Your success as a writer boils down to your style. And today, you’re going to learn how to master the two different types of style — minimalism vs. maximalism — from the style-king himself: The Cultural Tutor.

Minimalism is clear, concise, and direct. It distills an idea. Maximalism captures the texture, the nuance, the beauty of life. It creates an environment for your reader to inhabit. Style is a spectrum. And the sweet spot of memorable writing comes from the tension of competing forces — concision and beauty; Simplicity and texture; minimalism and maximalism.

If you want to develop a distinct and unforgettable style, then this episode is for you.

WRITE OF PASSAGE:

Website: https://culturaltutor.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/culturaltutor

WRITING EXAMPLES:

https://www.writingexamples.com

WRITE OF PASSAGE:

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PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos