Why I Write
When I was a kid, I used to create makeshift books out of folded construction paper that I’d fill with information on sharks, dinosaurs, plants, and whatever other topic happened to catch my attention. I did this so I could share the things I had learned with my parents, and it pleased me to no end when they would respond to the information on a given page with the words “I never knew that”. While the subjects I choose to focus on have shifted significantly since those early days, I believe the core drive that led to me making those rudimentary books remains the same today as it was then. I simply find immense pleasure in sharing the knowledge I collect with others.
Of course, there is more to my writing than just the joy of sharing information. There is a reason I choose to write about misinformation or delve into the inner workings of niche radicalized subcommunities instead of discussing the reasons behind the presence of the Stegosaurus’s large back plates (incidentally, they likely served both as protection from predators as well as a means of regulating their body temperature by soaking up heat). I feel a genuine calling to write about the subjects I do because I believe I am uniquely suited to do so.
A personal philosophy I began to embrace when I was around 19 is that each of us possess unique capabilities and talents. We all have things we can do better than most other people. If we find a path in life that aligns with what we enjoy doing, what we excel at, and what contributes positively to the broader society around us, then there is likely a moral calling for us to follow that path. The key word here is “personal.” It’s not a philosophy I would impose on others, but rather something I encourage people to consider when examining their own skill sets and where those skills can be best applied.
For me, writing has become the ideal medium through which to express my unique blend of interests, talents, and values. I have always been drawn to subjects where knowledge and understanding can make a positive impact, addressing situations where a lack of comprehension has spawned numerous collective problems. I have a knack for taking relatively complex phenomena and describing them in a manner that is more understandable to the average person, a skill I am forever grateful for. Writing allows me to explore complex issues, scrutinize misinformation, and shed light on areas that are often misunderstood or overlooked. It is my way of contributing to the betterment of society, and in doing so, I derive deep satisfaction from pursuing my passion.
Writing is a form of connection, a bridge between the vast reservoirs of knowledge the world has to offer and the individuals seeking to quench their thirst for understanding. It enables me to engage with a diverse audience, fostering conversations and promoting critical thinking. It is a means of empowering others with the information they need to make informed decisions and engage with the world in a more meaningful way. Moreover, writing is a lifelong journey of self-discovery. It challenges me to continually expand my own knowledge and refine my skills, keeping me in a perpetual state of growth. It forces me to confront my biases, question my assumptions, and open my mind to new perspectives. In the process, it deepens my understanding of the world and my place within it.
That passion is, however, a double-edged sword, providing not only great feelings of elation but also moments of significant frustration and doubt. Before placing each word, an endless torrent of questions enters my mind: Am I wrong on this? Did I do enough research? Should I add another example? Is this the piece where people realize that I’m not as knowledgeable as they think I am? I recognize that with the power of words comes a tremendous responsibility. The weight of that responsibility often feels overwhelming.
It means facing the harsh realities of the world, confronting the depths of human ignorance, and unearthing uncomfortable truths. It means standing against the currents of misinformation and ignorance, armed only with the pen — or more aptly the keyboard — as my weapon. It means enduring the skepticism of skeptics, the criticism of critics, and the indifference of those who would rather remain blissfully unaware. Yet, in spite of those moments of doubt, the practice calls to me with an irresistible force, a calling that transcends all uncertainties.
So, I write. I write to educate, to challenge, to empathize, and to connect. I write because I am driven by a profound sense of purpose — the belief that in this vast world of ideas, my words, no matter how small, can make a difference. And in that difference, I find not only fulfillment but also an unwavering hope for a more enlightened future, one where understanding and empathy prevail.
