Marc Andreessen and reading
Marc Andreessen is not just a great writer; he's a voracious reader. And there's a clear connection between the two.
Paul Graham provides insight into this, "Having good ideas is most of writing well. If you know what you're talking about, you can express it in the simplest words, and still, you'll be perceived as having an impeccable style."
So how do you “have good ideas”? By improving your inputs. Your inputs (what you experience, what actions you take, what you consume) will shape your writing.
Reading is a simple way to improve your inputs.
Marc Andreessen is clearly well read. Throughout his writing, he pieces together quotes spanning philosophy, economics, fiction, and more. These quotes support his argument, and it’s clear that digesting the books informed his post.
But reading is just the start. Taking other actions in the real world will help to improve your inputs.
Through action, you create information that can be transformed into great writing.
Examples of actions to take:
➤ Explore: Search for new places (online and offline), ideas, and experiences to help you gain a deeper understanding and perspective that can be reflected in your writing
➤ Build: Create something tangible (online or offline) like a product, a side hustle, or a piece of art that will provide a unique topic or perspective for your writing
➤ Converse: Engage in dialogue with others to learn their stories, perspectives, and insights to add depth and dimension to your writing
➤ Learn: Pursue educational or skill-building activities (especially reading) in your areas of interest to incorporate knowledge and expertise into your writing
➤ Experiment: Try out different ways of living, eating, or working, and reflect on the impact they have on your mindset, productivity, and overall well-being
Marc Andreessen is a great writer. And much of great writing is great ideas. The books he’s read and the life experiences he’s had are the inputs that help to produce great writing.