Writing as a Way of Thinking

Often, we think we understand something — until we try to write it down.

Writing forces you to turn vague ideas into clear sentences. You can’t be ambiguous on paper — every word must be chosen, every argument must be supported. This process itself is the best training for thinking.

I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking. — Joan Didion

I often discover halfway through writing that an argument I thought was solid is actually full of holes; that a problem I thought was simple is actually incredibly complex. These discoveries are frustrating, yet exhilarating — because they mean you’re getting closer to the truth.

Another benefit of writing is permanence. Conversations fade, ideas dissipate, but words remain. When you look back at something you wrote years ago, it’s like having a conversation with your past self. You’ll be surprised at how naive you once were, and comforted that you’ve genuinely grown.

So don’t wait until you have the “perfect idea” before picking up the pen. Writing itself is the process of finding ideas.

Written in the quiet of night.