Key insights

• 💡 William Zinsser's book 'On Writing Well' transformed the approach to writing and learning.
• 📚 Zinsser, a professional writer for about 70 years, was also a renowned teacher of non-fiction writing at Yale University.
• 📝 The book discusses the value of writing as a tool for learning any subject, not just writing, and the author's personal struggle with writing.
• 📖 Zinsser didn't enjoy writing but took pleasure in having written. The book is divided into two parts: Zinsser's reasons for writing and a curated collection of good writing.
• 🌐 Writing is a multi-disciplinary activity that helps to clarify thoughts and organize ideas, and the book discusses the benefits of writing for learning and knowledge expansion.
• 📹 The video discusses the benefits of free form writing and how it relates to learning techniques, referencing Zinser's approach to writing.
• 🔬 Brilliant.org is recommended for a language model course and offers interactive lessons for math, science, and computer science.
• 🎓 Brilliant.org provides a 30-day free trial with hands-on courses and offers a 20% off annual premium subscription.

Q&A

• What does the video mention about brilliant.org?

  The video discusses brilliant.org as a platform for interactive lessons in math, science, and computer science. It highlights a 30-day free trial with hands-on courses, new monthly lessons, and the opportunity to get 20% off an annual premium subscription.

• What recommendations are made in the video for improving writing skills?

  The video recommends reading William Zinsser's book, 'On Writing Well,' for those who want to learn or improve their writing skills. Additionally, it suggests a language model course from brilliant.org for understanding AI and free form writing for personal expression and understanding of a topic.

• What are the main themes of the book by William Zinsser?

  The book is divided into two parts: Zinsser's reasons for writing and a curated collection of good writing. It emphasizes writing as a tool for learning, personal struggles with writing, and the benefits of writing across different disciplines.

• Who is William Zinsser and what is his background?

  William Zinsser was a professional writer for about 70 years and a renowned teacher of non-fiction writing at Yale University. One of his books, 'On Writing Well,' has sold over one and a half million copies, highlighting his expertise and influence in the writing and educational fields.

• What is the book by William Zinsser about?

  The book, 'On Writing Well,' discusses writing as a tool for learning any subject, uncovering knowledge gaps, and understanding complex concepts. It addresses the author's struggle with writing, the value of writing for learning, and the benefits of writing across different disciplines.

• 00:00 This video discusses how a book by William Zinsser transformed the approach to writing and learning, and aims to persuade the viewers to read the book as well. It provides a brief background on Zinsser as a professional writer and teacher.
• 00:58 The book discusses the value of writing as a tool for learning any subject, not just writing. It highlights that writing helps to uncover knowledge gaps and aids in understanding complex concepts. Additionally, it addresses the author's struggle with writing.
• 01:54 Ziner didn't like writing but found pleasure in having written. The book is divided into two parts: Ziner's reasons for writing and a curated collection of good writing.
• 02:54 Writing is a multi-disciplinary activity that helps to clarify thoughts and organize ideas, and the book discusses the benefits of writing for learning and knowledge expansion.
• 03:55 The video discusses the benefits of free form writing and how it relates to learning techniques, referencing Zinser's approach to writing. It also mentions a book by Zinser for improving writing skills and recommends a language model course from brilliant.org.
• 04:58 Brilliant is a great platform to learn math, science, and computer science through interactive lessons, and offers a 30-day free trial with hands-on courses.