culture

Proper English Is a Myth: There’s No ‘Correct’ Way to Write

Brennan Kenneth Brown argues that the idea of “proper English” is a myth, as there is no universal, fixed standard for writing or speaking English. He explains that all dialects have systematic grammar, and enforcing rigid correctness often perpetuates social and linguistic oppression. Brown encourages focusing on communication and meaning rather than policing language, emphasizing that language is fluid, context-dependent, and shaped by culture and history.

https://brennan.day/proper-english-is-a-myth-theres-no-correct-way-to-write/

Rat Traps

The article traces the development and current state of the rationalist blogosphere, which began in the late 2000s with communities like LessWrong focusing on applied rationality and epistemic rigor. While once an intellectually vibrant subculture notable for blending science, philosophy, and self-improvement, the genre now faces challenges including stylistic stagnation, ideological insularity, and a recycling of familiar concepts that risk rendering it cliché and less engaging. The author suggests that for rationalist writing to remain relevant and persuasive, its community must diversify sources, embrace stylistic experimentation, and critically refresh its intellectual approach.

https://asteriskmag.com/issues/08/rat-traps

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