Thread by @david_perell

The three steps of writing an essay:

1) Simple
2) Complex
3) Simple

I usually finish close to where I started, but the writing process refines the original idea.

All my projects start with a simple idea. Then, they descend into a maddening complexity where I lose faith in the project. Eventually, they become simple again and that's when I publish.

These Sydney Opera house illustrations are a perfect visual representation of my process.

Often, the final result is close to my original source of inspiration too.

For example, the Sydney Opera House was inspired by Candela Church, and the final result has stunning similarities in color, rhythm, and shape.

Looks like the picture on the left in the tweet above is actually the Oceanografic Aquarium in Valencia, which Felix Candela designed.

Here are some of his other buildings, which may have also influenced the Sydney Opera House.

(h/t @PerisIdeas)