What Paul Graham thinks about writing
Co-founder of Y Combinator and Viaweb; essayist at paulgraham.com.
Paul Graham did not write this page.
We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.
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Only Paul Graham on writing. See everyone on writing
8 dated positions, 2002 to 2026, in their own words. Our reading of what Paul Graham has said — not written or endorsed by them.
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Their wordsWhat's the use of a style guide that doesn't understand current educated usage? Usage is the whole point of a style guide.
- 2 weeks earlier
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Their wordsif you have good enough transitions, an essay will feel as if it has a good structure. And vice versa: when readers complain about lack of structure, the reason is often simply that they're bothered by clumsy or abrupt transitions.
- 3 weeks earlier
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Their wordsThere may not be many people left in 10 years who can write, or want to read, things longer than a page or two. But there will be at least a few of us, and we'll be a powerful club.
- 23 months earlier
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Their wordsI'm usually reluctant to make predictions about technology, but I feel fairly confident about this one: in a couple decades there won't be many people who can write.
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Their wordsThe reason so many people have trouble writing is that it's fundamentally difficult. To write well you have to think clearly, and thinking clearly is hard.
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Their wordsInstead of good writers, ok writers, and people who can't write, there will just be good writers and people who can't write.
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Their wordsSo a world divided into writes and write-nots is more dangerous than it sounds. It will be a world of thinks and think-nots.
- 23 years earlier
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Their wordsGood design looks easy. Like great athletes, great designers make it look easy. Mostly this is an illusion. The easy, conversational tone of good writing comes only on the eighth rewrite.