Writing to Think


Dear Real Academics,

I have built much of my career off of the relationship between writing and thinking. The whole foundation of my research is based on the argument regarding the importance of utilizing language -- specifically writing -- to understand scientific concepts. 

Writing can help us refine our thinking, and even change it. Writing can help us understand the world. Writing can help us understand ourselves. 

The image of the solitary writer sorting through their thinking is not a myth. This image may be criticized, mainly from the angle of assuring writers they are not alone and that others are writing alongside them, and even with them. There is power to these points, and I greatly value my community of writers and am motivated by being part of writing groups. 

But here, my point is that individuals -- whether writing alongside or with someone -- are still individuals with thoughts, emotions, feelings, hopes, and dreams unique to them. Writing is a form of discourse, whether it is with yourself or with yourself and others. 

For example, even if my intent is to share my writing with an audience (like I am here), the act of writing in solitude on a topic helps me sort out my thinking in a way that I can't when there is a lot of "noise" from dialogue (especially in the world of social media and relentless news broadcasting). 

In the last month, I have had to sort out and listen to and absorb an incredible amount of new information than I have had to in a LONG time. And I'm not done. But I will say that toggling back and forth between the listening-and-speaking-and-writing among others to the quiet solitude of sorting-through-my-thinking-alone-through-writing has been incredibly beneficial and even therapeutic.

So, my practical tip for the week, dear Real Academics, is to challenge you to use writing to think. Yes, to think. And use writing not just in the realm of social media or dialogue, but also in a place of quiet solitude. 

Use writing to help you learn something new, to sort out your ideas, to process information. No one has to read what you write (unless you want them to). You may be amazed at where this process leads you if you give it a chance.

Until next time,

Maggie

www.therealacademics.com

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