How to Write an Intro like Paul Graham (YCombinator Founder)

I break down how Paul Graham hooks you in the first two paragraphs of his essay "A Project of One's Own."

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[WordAndMouth]

This is absorbing content. I do sometimes find it interminable to coach writing better. As the mentee it feels like learning to dance. You have to keep working at it. Until everything you've learned fades away, and you become confident in your own process and style.

[flickeringsun]

Thanks for a succinct analysis, David. I've had the Hackers & Painters ebook waiting to be read for an embarrassingly long time. I'll be getting back to it soon and reading Mr Graham's blog soon after.

[mtillotson]

Great point on repeated words to shape a theme. Somewhat like callbacks in a comedy routine, repetition can serve as a reward for the reader when done well.

[isaacsadler]

David you are a national treasure! This was so insightful 🙌

[SeanOliver]

David love your writing.

I think if you started at 1:24 and just got into the breakdown this would be more powerful content. At several portions prior and after, I found myself asking "what is his point? Where are we going?"

Bottom line up front brother! Keep up the great work.

[mentalmodels]

This is so valuable! Love paul graham’s work

[patrickknight]

You're the pro and I couldn't even come close to what you are achieving here... it's an excellent lesson... video, but... would "cascading" be better than "sliding scale"? Not a criticism... just trying to participate.

[TheMarmite]

Please can you do Gwern next? He is on the opposite spectrum but is a fascinating writer.

[Xeronimo]

Dude, sorry for being so superficial but do get a decent hair cut! Good content as always though.