Great Advice on Writing and the Iron Law of Oligarchy: Finding Your Voice and Navigating Governance

Great Advice on Writing and the Iron Law of Oligarchy: Finding Your Voice and Navigating Governance

Writing is an art form that takes time and practice to perfect. Tim Urban, the founder of Wait But Why, shares some great advice on writing that can help aspiring writers find their voice, style, and tone. He emphasizes the importance of experimentation and not being afraid to start over or try a new approach if something isn't working. By continuously fiddling with your writing, you can eventually find a style that clicks and resonates with your audience.

One essential aspect of becoming a better writer is reading. Urban compares reading to fertilizer for writers, as it helps nourish their creativity and expand their knowledge. He suggests starting somewhere in the middle between completely copying another writer's style and being completely unique. As you mature as a writer, you can gradually work your way up the scale to develop your own distinct voice and style.

However, receiving feedback as a writer can be a double-edged sword. Urban advises being cautious about the source of feedback. The person giving feedback should genuinely believe in you, root for your success, and understand that your writing is a work in progress. It's crucial to receive feedback from someone who appreciates the ideas behind your writing rather than solely focusing on its quality.

While the quality of writing matters, Urban argues that the ideas conveyed are even more important. Having great ideas with pretty good writing is preferable to having excellent writing but lacking substance. As a writer, it's essential to prioritize developing compelling ideas and concepts that captivate your readers.

Shifting our focus from writing to governance, the concept of the Iron Law of Oligarchy becomes relevant. This theory suggests that in any formally democratic organization, power gradually disperses from the members into the hands of an elite few. This transition from democracy to oligarchy is inevitable due to the strategic capabilities of the latter. DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) aim to replicate the benefits of democracy, both in ownership and governance.

Direct democracies, while idealistic, are impractical due to the challenges of decision-making and information problems. In a direct democracy, everyone would have to participate in every decision, leading to inefficiency and delays. Additionally, voters have little incentive to educate themselves on various issues as their individual vote rarely holds significant weight.

The evolution from democracy to oligarchy, known as anacyclosis, is a recurring pattern throughout history. Over time, the elites in an oligarchy develop values that prioritize their interests over those of the general population. This gradual shift leads to decisions that benefit the elite few rather than the entire group. Even within DAOs, there is a tendency for democratic governance structures to transform into oligarchies over time.

While it may be possible to slow down this process through financial incentives and pre-programmed rules within DAOs, it's essential to acknowledge that the default trajectory for most democratic organizations is to trend towards oligarchy. This is an inherent challenge that DAOs will face in maintaining true democracy and preventing the concentration of power.

In conclusion, finding your voice as a writer and navigating governance structures both require continuous learning, adaptation, and awareness. Aspiring writers should embrace experimentation and reading to develop their unique style. Additionally, being mindful of the source of feedback is crucial for growth. Similarly, DAOs must be aware of the tendency towards oligarchy and explore innovative solutions to preserve true democracy. Three actionable advice that emerge from these discussions are:

1. Continuously experiment and fiddle with your writing until you find a style that clicks.
2. Prioritize developing compelling ideas and concepts that engage your readers.
3. Be mindful of the trajectory towards oligarchy in governance structures and explore ways to counterbalance this tendency within DAOs.

By implementing these actionable advice, writers and DAOs can navigate the challenges they face and strive for continuous improvement and success.