Rummage through Paul Graham’s collected essays. I wrote about his piece on startups a week ago. Since then I’ve realized his writing covers a broad range that goes far beyond the tech industry.
Graham writes with an informal, meandering style that questions accepted beliefs and leads to surprising conclusions. When reading him, I don’t feel like I’m being preached to or instructed. It’s more like sharing a conversation with an old friend. Ideas are shared without egotism. The conclusion doesn’t matter, only finding the truth.
This style differentiates Graham from other writers. He isn’t trying to sell himself or an idea. He isn’t trying to build authority in a niche. This is a guy who’s already made it and just wants to discuss what’s on his mind.
Graham doesn’t try to think for you, he thinks with you. The essays are rather long, so set aside some time. Don’t try to skim. He goes on so many tangents that you’ll get lost.
My favorites so far:
- Hiring is Obsolete - Graham takes a look at the way the business world is changing. Evidently people don’t do their best work in drab, uniform office buildings.
- Is It Worth Being Wise? - An attempt at differentiating wisdom and intelligence and an investigation into how human evolution has changed the perception of both.
- The Age of the Essay - An examination of how we’re taught to write in school and a prediction for the next era of individual expression.
If anyone takes the time to read any of the essays, please take a minute to leave your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to discuss.
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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[…] Original post by John Wesley […]
Well you weren’t kidding when you said his essays were long. I wish I could discuss it in more detail with you, but I just couldn’t seem to finish them. Generally I prefer things that I read on the web to be short and to the point. I find with longer topics, I need them to be in printed form, so I can find some place comfortable to read them. Instead of staring at them on a monitor.
Yeah, I know what you mean, maybe try printing out a copy if you can?
If you are able to make it through, it’s really worth the investment.
These articles make me wish I still had a commute. They would have been great to print out and read on the train. Could well be worth a bookmark to come back to later, great find - thanks for the tip
I really enjoyed The Age of Essay. Thanks for posting that!