Economical Writing Book Summary - Economical Writing Book explained in key points
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Economical Writing summary

Deirdre Nansen McCloskey

Thirty-Five Rules for Clear and Persuasive Prose

4.3 (45 ratings)
19 mins

Brief summary

Economical Writing by Deirdre Nansen McCloskey provides practical advice on improving writing efficiency and clarity. It emphasizes concise expression, effective argumentation, and the importance of precise language in academic and professional settings.

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    Economical Writing
    Summary of 5 key ideas

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    The endless task of writing

    Imagine a young child eagerly waiting for their parent to come home after a long day at the office. As the parent walks through the door, exhausted and juggling a stack of papers, the child watches in confusion. Seeing their parent settle down to work late into the night, the child asks, “Do you still have to do homework even when you’re grown up?”

    This simple question reveals a reality many professionals eventually face: writing, much like homework, never truly ends. In fields like economics, history, business, and government, writing demands constant effort and improvement. Despite its importance, many professionals receive little formal training in effective writing. While some institutions still value well-crafted reports, poor writing practices are common.

    Academics, pressured to publish, often produce work that’s rushed and unclear. Undergraduates receive minimal instruction in writing, typically confined to a single composition course, and graduate students receive even less. This lack of training leaves many struggling with clear communication. Poor writing can lead to failure, as unclear reports and papers are more likely to be dismissed. Even if some argue that obscurity can occasionally be beneficial, clear writing remains ethically and practically superior.

    Writing is also a form of thinking. The expression of ideas can significantly alter their meaning and impact. Throughout history, the power of scientific and economic arguments has often depended on language as much as ideas. Figures like Galileo and Keynes influenced opinions not just with their ideas but with their skillful writing. Style and content are inseparable; clear expression forces you to examine your thoughts critically. Writing isn’t just a tool for communication but a process that shapes thought itself.

    Good writing requires honesty and self-criticism. The act of writing often uncovers flaws in thinking and reveals unexpected insights. Through this process, the true value of ideas becomes evident. Writing, much like mathematics, is an instrument of thought, refining and shaping ideas through its disciplined structure.

    Again, much like mathematics, writing is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice. It’s not an innate talent that only a few possess; rather, it’s something that anyone can develop through dedication. While not everyone will become a literary genius, anyone can write better than they currently do by following the example of great writers who have shared their insights on the craft. Anyone can learn to refine their writing by applying a few key principles. This brings us to the next section – essential rules that can help transform your writing into something more effective and clear.

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    What is Economical Writing about?

    Economical Writing (1986) offers a concise guide to crafting clear and effective prose, particularly in the field of economics. Through thirty-five practical rules, it provides strategies for improving writing at every level, from overall structure to individual word choice, making it a valuable resource for writers looking to elevate their work.

    Who should read Economical Writing?

    • Students looking to improve their academic writing
    • Professionals aiming to enhance their communication skills
    • Writers seeking to refine their prose and clarity

    About the Author

    Deirdre Nansen McCloskey is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and Emerita Distinguished Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with a distinguished career spanning economics, history, English, and communication. Known for her interdisciplinary work, she’s authored over 25 books and 500 articles on a wide range of topics, from economic history to rhetoric and feminism. Among her best-known works are The Rhetoric of Economics, Crossing, and the Bourgeois Era trilogy, which explores the economic and social history behind the modern world’s prosperity.

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