Thread by @WhatIsStoicism

Marcus Aurelius wrote a book.

Arrian wrote down the ideas of Epictetus.

Seneca wrote 12 essays, 124 letters, 9 tragedies, & probably a lot more.

Writing communicates to others but first it clarifies your own thinking.

Here are 7 ways you can do it 👇

1. Journal

Marcus Aurelius's Meditations was never meant to be a published book.

It was simply a Roman Emperor writing to himself.

Journaling helps get thoughts out of your head that would otherwise bounce around in there unchallenged.

"I like to think of [journaling] as windshield wipers, swiping away anything that stands between you & a clear view of your day."
- Julia Cameron

“The [journaling] pages aren’t intended for anyone but me. It’s the most cost-effective therapy I’ve ever found.”
– @tferriss

How to Journal:

https://twitter.com/DonJRobertson/status/1426531563102261254

2. Take Notes

How often do you read interesting idea then forget where you saw it?

Or forget the interesting idea entirely?

Writing notes takes the pressure off your brain to remember everything and allows you to time-travel back to moments of discovery.

The earlier you start taking notes, the better:

https://twitter.com/AliAbdaal/status/1288489462951886851

How to Take Notes:

https://twitter.com/rroudt/status/1346935990078775298

3. Join A Community

Writing may be an individual pursuit but it's not one of isolation.

Engaging with a community through writing fosters feelings of:

✅Connection
✅Contribution
✅Accountability

“If wisdom were given me under the express condition that it must be kept hidden and not uttered, I should refuse it.

No good thing is pleasant to possess, without friends to share it.”

- Seneca, Epistles 6.4

There are many great writing communities and courses out there,

@dickiebush's Ship 30 for 30 is one that continues to gain momentum:

https://twitter.com/dickiebush/status/1437026467800657921

4. Send Letters

The act of sending letters is seen as old-fashioned.

But that now means writing a letter to someone is a way to connect on a more personal level.

It's rare. It shows you care.

“Your letter has given me pleasure,

and has roused me from sluggishness.”

- Seneca, Letters From A Stoic, 74.1

Seneca wrote 124 letters to his friend Lucilius, here's a taster of the first 30:

https://twitter.com/WhatIsStoicism/status/1420328216909209603

5. Blog

Writing a blog allows you to pursue an interest.

You can focus on a topic and build up a collection of work.

Through your writing you will develop a clearer understanding of the thing that interests you and invite interaction.

"Words are the atomic unit of the internet.
​
With the stroke of a pen, you can build your network, improve your thinking, and create opportunities for yourself."

- @david_perell

6. Create A Guide

Another way to learn more about a topic is to write a "How To" guide.

This will also help you to write clearly as beginners will need to understand it.

We teach while we learn, and learn while we teach.

"Welcome those whom you yourself can improve.

The process is mutual; for men learn while they teach."

- Seneca, Epistles 7.8

7. Tweet

Twitter gets a bad rap sometimes

but if you perceive it negatively then you're following the wrong people.

It's another way to improve your writing (and understanding) as it forces you to be concise.

Again, community is central to the experience.

Challenges like @jayclouse's #Tweet100 help build a habit:

https://twitter.com/jayclouse/status/1428772337726459907

Thanks for reading my writing!

Here's a summary of 7 ways you can clarify your thinking and get started writing:

1. Journal
2. Take Notes
3. Join A Community
4. Send Letters
5. Blog
6. Create A Guide
7. Tweet

If you found this thread useful please feel free to retweet, thank you! 👇

https://twitter.com/WhatIsStoicism/status/1438102954821750784