How to Write Usefully

Paul Graham’s essay How to Write Usefully argues that essays should aim beyond mere persuasion.

The Definition

Useful writing must be “correct” yet avoid vagueness by making “claims that are as strong as they can be made without becoming false.”

Four Components of Usefulness

These function multiplicatively:

1. Correctness — statements must be true
2. Novelty — ideas should surprise readers or articulate unconscious knowledge
3. Importance — the subject must matter to many people
4. Strength — claims expressed as unequivocally as possible without becoming false

The Morris Technique

Graham adopts a strategy from his friend Robert Morris: only publish ideas you’re confident about. “Delete it and try again” rather than settling for weak claims.

He proofreads extensively, sometimes reading sentences 100 times before publication.

Achieving Each Component

• Importance: Write about topics that matter to you personally
• Novelty: Deep expertise helps identify surprising insights
• Strength: Balance confident thinking with skillful qualification

The Controversy Problem

Novel essays create resistance. Contradicting “cherished beliefs” and stating claims “flatly” provokes defensive reactions.

My Takeaway

Start by narrowing your scope to areas where you possess genuine expertise, even with minimal readership.

What makes writing useful to you? I’d love to hear at persdre@gmail.com.