How I Write I Met 20 of The World's Greatest Writers. Here's What I Learned.
As the new year begins, the speaker reflects on key insights from conversations with acclaimed writers. Discover Tim Ferriss's strategy of high/low quality standards and Marc Andreessen's unique information consumption approach. Dive into the art of 'word painting' and explore the mystery of femininity in storytelling. Learn about the importance of engaging with niche literature to foster originality. This insightful discussion highlights the balance between creativity and personal growth in the writing journey, revealing transformative lessons along the way.
01:01:03
Kevin Kelly's Studio
- David Perell visited Kevin Kelly's studio, a testament to his diverse passions.
- Kelly's studio reflects his unique blend of technology, nature, and cosmic thinking.
Read Old Books
- Avoid recent books; read what others aren't to gain a unique perspective, like The Cultural Tutor.
- Explore older works to understand the historical evolution of ideas and develop a distinct voice.
Barbell Information Diet
- Use a "barbell approach" to information consumption.
- Focus on either super current information or timeless works, as Marc Andreessen does.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Embracing Uniqueness in Writing
02:01 • 17min
Investing in Unique Voices
19:00 • 8min
Creating Vibes and the Shiny Dime in Writing
27:24 • 4min
The Art of Word Painting
31:25 • 7min
The Mystery of Femininity in Storytelling
37:59 • 4min
The Depth of Writing: Insights and Inspirations
41:51 • 21min
#4766
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
Against Method
Outline of an Anarchistic Theory of Knowledge
Ian Hacking
Paul Feyerabend
In this book, Paul Feyerabend challenges traditional views of scientific methodology by arguing that science should be an anarchic enterprise.
He contends that the imposition of methodological rules can hinder scientific progress and that 'anything goes' is a necessary stance to encourage innovation and pluralism in science.
The book includes detailed case studies, such as Galileo's hypothesis that the Earth rotates on its axis, to illustrate how scientists have profitably violated established rules.
Feyerabend rejects the distinction between the context of discovery and the context of justification, arguing that such distinctions are not reflected in scientific practice and could have disastrous consequences if enforced.
#990
• Mentioned in 37 episodes
Excellent Advice for Living
Wisdom I Wish I'd Known Earlier
Kevin Kelly
Excellent Advice for Living is a compilation of Kevin Kelly's life wisdom, initially written for his young adult children on his 68th birthday.
The book features 450 aphorisms that cover a wide range of topics, from setting ambitious goals and optimizing generosity to cultivating compassion and practical advice on career, relationships, parenting, and finances.
Kelly's advice is designed to be accessible and applicable to all ages, emphasizing the importance of kindness, decency, and generosity of spirit.
The book is praised for its straightforward and memorable guidance, making it an ideal companion for anyone seeking to navigate life with grace and creativity.
#16
• Mentioned in 418 episodes
The 4 Hour Workweek
Tim Ferriss
In 'The 4-Hour Workweek', Timothy Ferriss presents a step-by-step guide to 'lifestyle design', encouraging readers to question the traditional notion of retirement and instead create a lifestyle that prioritizes freedom, adventure, and personal growth.
The book teaches how to outsource life tasks, automate income, and eliminate unnecessary work using principles like the 80/20 rule and Parkinson’s Law. Ferriss shares his personal journey from a corporate workaholic to a location-independent entrepreneur and provides practical tips and case studies to help readers achieve similar results.
The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on high-value activities, taking 'mini-retirements', and living life to the fullest in the present rather than deferring enjoyment until retirement.
#4748
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
The Daily Pressfield
Steven Pressfield
#1636
• Mentioned in 26 episodes
The book of Hebrews
Dr Peter S. Ruckman
This commentary by Dr. Peter S. Ruckman provides a detailed and conservative interpretation of the Book of Hebrews.
It is designed to help readers understand the doctrine and significance of this biblical book, which is often considered one of the most misinterpreted.
The commentary is part of The Bible Believer's Commentary Series and is intended for those interested in a literal and doctrinally sound analysis of the scripture.
#268
• Mentioned in 94 episodes
The Book of Acts
Acts of the Apostles
Luke the Evangelist
The Book of Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament and serves as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke.
It chronicles the history of the early Christian church, beginning with the ascension of Jesus Christ and ending with Paul's imprisonment in Rome.
The book is divided into two main sections: the first focuses on the ministry of Peter in Jerusalem and Samaria (Acts 1–12), and the second follows Paul's missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire (Acts 13–28).
It highlights the transition of the gospel message from a Jewish audience to the Gentiles, the empowerment of believers by the Holy Spirit, and the growth of the church despite persecutions.
The book also explores the relationship between Christians and the Roman Empire, showing how Christians could obey both God and the civil authorities.
#1222
• Mentioned in 32 episodes
The consolation of philosophy
Boethius
Boethius's 'Consolation of Philosophy' is a philosophical treatise written while he awaited execution.
The work explores themes of fortune, adversity, and the nature of good and evil.
Through a dialogue between Boethius and Lady Philosophy, the text examines the relationship between God and the world, grappling with questions of divine providence and human suffering.
It offers a blend of philosophical and theological perspectives, providing solace and insight into the challenges of life.
The book remains a significant work in the history of philosophy and theology.
#174
• Mentioned in 126 episodes
On Writing
A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King
This book is both a memoir and a writing guide.
It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999.
The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C. V.
'), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript').
King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing.
He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.
#60942
The Art of Biography
A Guide to Writing Lives
David McCullough
David McCullough's "The Art of Biography" is a insightful exploration of the craft of writing biographies.
McCullough, a renowned biographer himself, shares his expertise and experience, offering guidance on various aspects of the process.
He discusses the importance of research, the challenges of portraying complex individuals, and the ethical considerations involved in writing about real people.
The book is a valuable resource for aspiring biographers and a fascinating read for anyone interested in the art of storytelling.
It provides a deep understanding of the skills and dedication required to create compelling and accurate biographies.
It’s the start of 2024 and to celebrate I thought I’d run through some of the best lessons I’ve picked up over the last 12 months.
This past year has had over 20 episodes produced so there was a lot to choose from but I ended up settling on 8 insights from some of my favorite conversations both inside and outside of the podcast.
Expect to learn how Tim Ferriss sets an extremely high/low quality bar, why Marc Andreessen uses a barbell approach to consume information, Kevin Kelly’s reason to be the only (not the best), how Riva Tez paints with words, why The Cultural Tutor won’t read anything from the past 50 years, how Tyler Cowen brings joy to his work, my thoughts on artificial intelligence, and much more…
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos
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