Re:Writing as a Thinking Tool
by baxtr on Sunday November 08, 2026 @10:58AM
(#50414341)
Writing as a thinking tool has become sort of a meme these days.
And, yes, I also generally believe it’s a good thing to use it as a tool. I try to do use it as often as I can.
But… I think it’s also important to note that there are - like with almost anything - pitfalls and downsides. I rarely see them discussed and thus want to bring them up:
For highly analytical people, writing may become counterproductive. Especially, when it is used to continuously elaborate thoughts rather than to challenge assumptions, test hypotheses or reach decisions.
And, yes, I also generally believe it’s a good thing to use it as a tool. I try to do use it as often as I can.
But… I think it’s also important to note that there are - like with almost anything - pitfalls and downsides. I rarely see them discussed and thus want to bring them up:
For highly analytical people, writing may become counterproductive. Especially, when it is used to continuously elaborate thoughts rather than to challenge assumptions, test hypotheses or reach decisions.
Ask your favorite LLM for scientific references like this one: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40137068/