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Paul Graham: The Best Essay-writer Ever

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I love Paul Graham! (even though I've never written a line of code)

Paul Graham notices what other's miss. He uses his experiences in art, programing and life to shine light into the crevices from which the best ideas grow.  Finally though his writing and though Y Combinator, he is willing to teach.

More about Paul Graham

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The Top Five Reasons Paul Graham is the Best Essay-writer

  • He is insightful
  • He is funny
  • He uses what he knows (programing) without leaving non-programers behind
  • He makes me think
  • He loves art and science--which makes him well rounded.

Paul Graham for the rest of us

because not everyone can be a programmer

If you hang out in the land of computer technology of any flavor, or are interested in venture capital for internet startups, I'm sure you know about the work of Paul Graham.

If you aren't interested in any of those things, you probably don't know his work--but you should. Many of his essays are just as relevant to the rest of us.

I've chosen some of his best essays for the non-programmer below. Once you've read these you really must explore the rest on his website.
What You Can't Say
This is the essay that made me fall in love with the writing of Paul Graham. When I first read it several years ago, it changed the way I looked at what was and wasn't possible, and more importantly, what true, even though we didn't talk about it. I still go back to re-read this one on a regular basis.
Taste for Makers
Is good really just a matter of taste? Paul Graham says no--and here's why.
Why Nerds are Unpopular
Why is it that almost every successful adult was (or at least claims to have been) unpopular in high school? Paul Graham argues it's because nerds figure out fast that doing what it takes to be popular in high school just isn't worth one's time.
What You'll Wish You'd Known
If you could go back in time and talk to your high-school age self, what advice would you give yourself?
Writing, Briefly
Like what you've read so far? Finish off with tips from Paul Graham on improving your own writing.

Paul Graham Essays

In a book--because sometimes you don't have internet access

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What is Y Combinator?

While this lens is about Paul Graham the essayist, Y Combinator has become such a big part of who he is (and what he writes about) a discussion of his essays isn't complete without it.
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lizthefair

Maureen Carruthers brings a passion for the performing arts, open source software, social networking, consensus based decision making, and learning or... more »

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