It's a Gift to be Simple

One of the most important essays on writing I've ever read is George Orwell's "Politics and the English Language."

Ever since I first read it as an undergraduate, I've been affected powerfully by Orwell's thesis that "[The English language] becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts." The circular relationship between thought and language struck me as one of those beautiful, simple truths . . . that it takes a genius to state.

What I like about the idea so much is that it places clear thinking and clear writing within a context of virtue—not a simpering good/bad dichotomy, but a stern, antique Roman virtue placed firmly in the public arena.

The idea that the quality of writing matters and makes us better us better thinkers, citizens, and people inspires me.