
January 2023
(Someone fed my essays into GPT to make something that could answer questions based on them, then asked it where good ideas come from. The answer was ok, but not what I would have said. This is what I would have said.)
The way to get new ideas is to notice anomalies: what seems strange, or missing, or broken? You can see anomalies in everyday life (much of standup comedy is based on this), but the best place to look for them is at the frontiers of knowledge.Knowledge grows fractally. From a distance its edges look smooth, but when you learn enough to get close to one, you'll notice it's full of gaps. These gaps will seem obvious; it will seem inexplicable that no one has tried x or wondered about y. In the best case, exploring such gaps yields whole new fractal buds.
Paul Graham emphasizes the importance of working on projects that you care deeply about and have a natural aptitude for, as this combination fosters innovation and dedication.
Button TextPaul Graham emphasizes writing that is bold and true, aiming to inform readers with important insights they were previously unaware of, through clear, concise, and impactful expression.
Button TextThe essay "The Top Idea in Your Mind" explores the concept that individuals typically have one predominant idea that occupies their thoughts
Button TextRead about the importance of embracing unconventional and innovative thoughts that challenge the status quo, and how breakthroughs often come from ideas initially perceived as absurd.
Button TextThe Best Essay by Paul Graham seeks to delineate the characteristics that would distinguish an exceptional essay, focusing on the importance of both content and writing quality
Button TextQui eum impedit reprehenderit placeat. Aut nihil et ipsum qui i
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