Chapter 1: The Essence of Meaning in Writing

I often ponder the idea that everything has a purpose. However, meaning is not something we simply discover; it is something we actively create and assign. This raises an important question: what significance do we wish to attribute to our writing?

Can writing serve as a tool for health, financial gain, or fostering friendships? What potential does writing hold? What transformations can we inspire through it?

Writing exists in a nearly universal format, yet what role does it play? It comprises letters, words, ink, digital bytes, and narratives. Writing possesses the power to stir emotions and can even transform lives. It serves as a medium for imparting knowledge and represents an enduring experience. Writing encapsulates our experiences, perceptions, and viewpoints, making it as unique as every individual's perspective.

The interplay of cause and effect in writing is intriguing, especially when considering the myriad factors that influence our work. Writing reveals a person's thought process, but it only exposes its surface. The most challenging aspect is understanding what lies beneath.

We are familiar with both the foundational and the elevated layers of human experience. We grasp the biological and psychological elements that govern human behavior, but we often overlook the intricate connections between emotions and actions.

Equally important are principles, which can be seen as crystallized emotions or long-standing beliefs. For instance, one might declare, "I will never eat ice cream again" in a moment of passion, but are they truly principled enough to stick to that vow? How stable are these emotions? Can they be easily revisited? Are they automatic in decision-making?

The ability to adhere to one’s principles is crucial; otherwise, impulsivity can dominate one's life. Is there such a thing as principled writing? Absolutely.

There’s also what is known as "cultural writing," which adheres to established rules, often unconsciously. We instinctively follow language conventions, grammar, and capitalization rules. For example, most sentences begin with a capital letter—this is a norm, a guideline that we often accept without question.

By adhering to such rules, we align ourselves with others' thought processes. Following norms requires a degree of trust, sometimes blind, and often lacking in principled consideration. Trust generally arises from intuition and emotion, while rationality stems from principles. Principles should have practical applications; otherwise, they risk being disregarded.

We seldom reflect on the usefulness of our subconscious principles. Given that we might not even recognize our principles, how can we comprehend their implications?

Ultimately, it circles back to "awareness." The key to empowering someone is to instill a sense of awareness within them, allowing them to explore new possibilities—a kind of "muscle for possibilities." By increasing our awareness daily, we enhance our quality of life. However, awareness tends to fluctuate amidst life’s noise. Not everything holds equal value, and we must strive to filter out distractions.

Awareness is inherently unstable, sometimes expanding and at other times contracting. This ebb and flow is often unpredictable. While principles can help navigate awareness, it is imperative for awareness to grow first.

Many individuals become stagnant, remaining within their comfort zones without growth. They may feel they have "found their place," yet their minds can become ensnared in limiting beliefs.

The optimal mindset is one that remains uncertain about its boundaries. While many crave certainty, the reality is that a margin of safety is all that can be guaranteed. Ironically, holding firm beliefs can result in a narrower margin of safety.

The Culture of Doubt

As a writer, I often question whether my efforts are worthwhile. Is my writing truly valuable? It becomes meaningless if motivated by external validation.

Avoid reading anything that was created solely for profit. I was once caught in that mindset—eager to earn money from my writing. My earlier works were subpar. I churned out multiple books, courses, and guides, but they were all lacking. Creating for monetary gain is misguided unless you are genuinely passionate about that pursuit.

I hold a disdain for the concept of ownership, as I find it perplexing. Some wield power to claim ownership, yet one perspective suggests that possessing something unused is unethical. When one hoards resources without sharing, it diminishes others' freedoms. Conversely, being compelled to share can also restrict personal freedom. Ultimately, life should revolve around contributions.

The ethics surrounding ownership are worth exploring. One should only claim ownership if they intend to utilize the asset. This is not merely ethical reasoning; it’s a matter of common sense. If I own a house and allow someone to reside there, I am still utilizing that space in a meaningful way. However, if I "own" a property without any intention of using or sharing it, that presents a different scenario.

Consider the societal implications of ownership: does what you possess contribute positively to the community?

What if society marginalizes you, or you choose to withdraw from it? Can you carry your possessions with you?

The societal value of ownership lies in its ability to foster contribution, while the personal value often relates to individual gain. Ideally, society should operate on a basis of mutual benefit.

"Every Ownership Should Contribute to Others"

This is a fundamental principle I've distilled today—a concept worth sharing.

In response to the question, "What defines a perfect world?" the answer could simply be: "Every ownership should contribute to other people's ownership."

This first video titled My Top 12 Writing Tips! | Advice That Changed How I Write offers valuable insights and practical advice that can transform your writing approach.

The second video, Write Something Bad. See What It Teaches You, emphasizes the lessons learned from imperfect writing and the growth it can inspire.