Saturday, April 27, 2013

You Have To Know What's Possible

Knowledge is an important thing to have. Not all knowledge is equal, though. Knowing how to solve 4x-3=2/3x is of exceedingly limited value. Knowing how algebra works can be incredibly valuable.

There is great value in knowing the principles of information. Specifics can always be looked up, but the fundamental level of knowledge is necessary.

Simply put: you need to know what is possible.

Knowing what can and can't be explained with sciences, with maths, knowing how much information can be found by analyzing a stain on the ground or the contents of a trash can, these are all things that give us some semblance of the world.

There is so much out there that we don't know. But just because you specifically don't know something doesn't mean that it isn't known, or that it isn't knowable.

As a writer, there are some people just trying to poke holes in your story. When you make assumptions or when you ignore an easy solution to a problem, these people will lash out. Having more understanding of what is possible helps you keep them at bay.

Moreover, knowledge is inspirational. The more things you know, the more possibilities you are aware of, the more you have to play with in your creativity. And that will always lead to more interesting stories.

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