Explaining Complex Ideas Clearly - Steven Pinker on Overcoming the Curse of Knowledge
Harvard professor and author Steven Pinker writes about language, cognition, and how the mind works. He argues for writing that is clear, direct, and intellectually honest - especially in academic and professional settings. In a recent interview with David Perell, he explores why writing often becomes needlessly complex - and how that complexity can obscure meaning and lose the reader. One common pitfall in writing is the curse of knowledge - the unconscious tendency to assume others know what you know. When you forget that your readers may not share your background, context, or terminology, your explanations can become confusing, alienating, and difficult to follow. You lose the reader without realising it. The curse of knowledge is a silent killer of clarity and connection, especially in corporate and institutional settings where insider jargon often goes unchecked. ...