Weekly Dose of Optimism #28: The Power of Immigration and the Art of Writing

Weekly Dose of Optimism 28: The Power of Immigration and the Art of Writing

America has long been synonymous with innovation and scientific research, and a key factor behind this success is its historically high immigration rates. The influx of talented individuals from around the world has contributed significantly to the country's advancements in academia and mathematics. In fact, studies have shown that migrants are twice as likely to be employed in academia as mathematicians compared to their counterparts who did not migrate from the same country, despite having the same math scores (Agrawal et al, 2023).

However, it is important to note that leaving the USA due to certain requirements, such as the Fulbright program, can have a significant impact on one's research output. Research conducted by Kahn and MacGarvie (2016) revealed that individuals who left the USA due to Fulbright requirements experienced a staggering 65% reduction in publications and citations received, as well as an 80% decrease in publications in high-impact journals. This highlights the crucial role that the USA plays in fostering an environment conducive to scientific research and innovation.

The equation for innovation can be simplified to Opportunity + People = Innovation. The USA has provided ample opportunities for immigrants to flourish and contribute to the scientific community. By welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds and providing them with the necessary resources and support, the country has nurtured a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

In a similar vein, the art of writing also requires certain elements to thrive. Tim Urban, the founder of Wait But Why, shares valuable advice on writing that can be applied to any aspiring writer. He emphasizes the importance of persistence and experimentation, noting that it took him 300 blog posts before finding his voice, tone, and style. Writing is a journey of self-discovery, and it is essential to keep fiddling with different approaches until it clicks.

Another crucial aspect of developing as a writer is reading. Urban compares reading to fertilizer, stating that it nourishes and enriches one's writing abilities. He suggests starting with imitation, where one emulates the style and wording of a writer they admire. Over time, writers can strive to find their own unique voice and style, aiming to be somewhere in the middle of the spectrum between complete imitation and unparalleled innovation.

Receiving feedback is an integral part of growth as a writer, but it is crucial to be discerning about the source of feedback. Urban advises seeking feedback from individuals who believe in you, root for your success, and understand that your writing is a work in progress. It is the ideas behind the writing that hold more weight than the quality of the writing itself. Having great ideas with moderately good writing is preferable to the inverse.

Taking all of this into consideration, we can draw some actionable advice for both immigrants and aspiring writers:

1. Embrace opportunities: Just like immigrants who have found success in academia and mathematics in the USA, seize the opportunities that come your way. Whether it's in your career or personal life, be open to new experiences and challenges that can foster growth and innovation.

2. Persist and experiment: Aspiring writers should not be discouraged by initial setbacks or struggles. Keep writing, rewriting, and trying different approaches until you find your unique voice and style. Writing is a journey, and it takes time to refine your craft.

3. Seek constructive feedback: Surround yourself with individuals who genuinely believe in your potential as a writer and provide constructive criticism. Their feedback should focus on the ideas behind your writing rather than nitpicking at the quality of the writing itself. This will help you develop your voice and confidence as a writer.

In conclusion, the power of immigration and the art of writing are interconnected in their pursuit of innovation and growth. The USA's history of embracing immigrants and providing opportunities has led to significant advancements in academia and mathematics. Similarly, writers can find success by persisting, experimenting, and seeking feedback from those who support their journey. Both immigration and writing require a nurturing environment that encourages exploration and the pursuit of new ideas. By harnessing these principles, individuals can unlock their full potential and contribute to the world in meaningful ways.