Lists are very satisfying creative tools; especially when they are impractically long.
Taking some inspiration from Kathleen, I wanted to see what would happen if I tried to come up with 100 reasons to write an essay. Perhaps I am trying to think of ways to convince my university students that essays are not, in fact, the devil incarnate in literary form.
Here’s what I came up with.
1. To practice staying in motion
2. To find things
3. To know what isn’t yet known
4. To practice waiting
5. To practice seeing yourself on the page
6. To learn to make a point without saying it explicitly
7. To learn to make a point by saying it explicitly
8. For entertainment (to practice, being entertained by the process, rather than expecting it)
9. To have done something hard
10. To grow an idea
11. To participate in a tradition
12. To call oneself an essayist
13. To find something between formal writing and poetry/narrative (read Chesterton for this)
14. To write a lecture/speech
15. To adapt a lecture/speech
16. To attempt to emulate great writers
17. To contrast against great writers
18. To become a better writer
19. To become a faster writer
20. To write nonsense
21. To write something other people can read
22. To write something nobody els need read (but which might still be illuminating)
23. To set the stage for the next piece of work (before the sun goes down no less!)
24. To find a way into (and appreciate) mundane parts of the world
25. To escape mundane aspects of the world
26. To explore (or create) a world that doesn’t exist at all (and yet still write about it in an essay rather than a narrative)
27. To practice drafting
28. To practice finishing
29. To practice ideating (something to write about)
30. To practice tone (is this advice? a defence? a moral tale?)
31. To see how far one can go before it isn’t an essay anymore
32. To find the boundaries between essay as form and essay as function
33. To build some track record
34. To escape a genre that may be dominating one’s time
35. To say (or figure out) what you mean
36. To say (or figure out) something you definitely don’t mean
37. To try on someone else’ clothes
38. As a meditative exercise (e.g. a freewritten essay)
39. Because you have to (perhaps you are at uni)
40. To let off some steam
41. To get it right
42. To see where you went wrong
43. To see what is in the space between one’s own way of thinking, and that of another
44. To practice reacting (read in the presence of a writing implement)
45. To put something technical in accessible language
46. To find the technicality in something simple
47. To practice grammar
48. To write ungrammatically (yet correctly)
49. To try out different perspectives
50. To finish something in one sitting
51. To converse with the page
52. To practice brevity
53. To practice verbosity
54. To practice making an argument
55. To learn about imperfection
56. To develop an early idea
57. To extend an old idea
58. To make something out of nothing
59. To reduce something
60. To write a story on the sneaky
61. To defend something
62. To attack something
63. To sidestep something
64. To try writing with different media (pen and paper, computer, etc.)
65. To have made something today
66. To experience different places (writing in a cafe is not the same as writing in the dark watching a movie, or listening to a radio playing quietly in the background)
71. To see where words run out
72. To attempt a version that doesn’t involve words
73. To practice a language
74. To ask ‘what if?’
75. To document something
76. To remember something (or perhaps, someone)
77. Perhaps you have nothing better to be doing
78. Procrastination
79. To use up that spare paper
80. To write with that nice pen you were gifted
81. To find an excuse to visit somewhere (perhaps you wish to write in the quiet corner of a gallery)
82. To get some peace
83. Because one feels obliged
84. To pay the bills
85. To practice dealing with frustration and disappointment
86. To practice dealing with fulfilment
87. To escape another genre
88. To practice calligraphy (or perhaps, touch typing)
89. To enter a competition
90. To practice drafting
91. To be generous
92. To be selfish
93. To open up
94. To shut down
95. To make a good thing
96. To make a bad thing
97. To polarise
98. To unify
99. For the right reasons
100. For the wrong reasons
Later, I asked ChatGPT the same question. Enthusiastically (and with a preference for full-stops I do not share) it said:
Certainly! Writing an essay can be a beneficial and rewarding experience for various reasons. Here are 100 reasons to write an essay:
1. To explore a topic of personal interest.
2. To share knowledge and expertise.
3. To improve critical thinking skills.
4. To enhance research abilities.
5. To practice effective communication.
6. To develop a persuasive argument.
7. To inspire others with your ideas.
8. To express creativity and originality.
9. To challenge yourself intellectually.
10. To strengthen your writing skills.
11. To gain insights into complex issues.
12. To foster empathy and understanding.
13. To engage in self-reflection.
14. To contribute to academic discourse.
15. To clarify your thoughts and ideas.
16. To document historical events.
17. To analyse and interpret data.
18. To advocate for a cause you believe in.
19. To present a unique perspective.
20. To improve your vocabulary.
21. To organise your thoughts more effectively.
22. To impress and educate others.
23. To inspire positive change in society.
24. To promote critical analysis of a subject.
25. To participate in academic competitions.
26. To fulfil an educational requirement.
27. To demonstrate your expertise on a topic.
28. To create a record of your personal growth.
29. To share personal experiences and insights.
30. To contribute to a broader academic community.
31. To engage in intellectual discourse with others.
32. To showcase your writing prowess.
33. To present a well-structured argument.
34. To learn about different cultures and perspectives.
35. To impress potential employers or admissions officers.
36. To explore the nuances of a controversial topic.
37. To inspire others to take action.
38. To highlight the importance of a specific issue.
39. To engage in peer review and feedback.
40. To improve your problem-solving abilities.
41. To contribute to scientific research.
42. To share your passion with others.
43. To promote creativity and innovative thinking.
44. To inspire future generations of writers.
45. To participate in a writing challenge or competition.
46. To develop a deeper understanding of a subject.
47. To become a more effective communicator.
48. To contribute to public policy discussions.
49. To gain a sense of accomplishment.
50. To stimulate your intellect and curiosity.
51. To learn from the perspectives of others.
52. To leave a legacy of your thoughts and ideas.
53. To develop your analytical skills.
54. To inspire others to pursue their passions.
55. To contribute to the body of knowledge on a subject.
56. To engage in interdisciplinary learning.
57. To become a better reader by analysing texts.
58. To participate in academic research.
59. To promote open dialogue and discussion.
60. To prepare for future academic pursuits.
61. To influence public opinion on an issue.
62. To communicate complex ideas concisely.
63. To foster a deeper appreciation for a topic.
64. To develop a sense of discipline and commitment.
65. To challenge conventional wisdom.
66. To inspire critical thinking in others.
67. To encourage debate and discourse.
68. To showcase your ability to synthesise information.
69. To develop a better understanding of human behaviour.
70. To contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
71. To learn about the interconnectedness of different fields.
72. To build your professional reputation.
73. To improve your problem-solving skills.
74. To demonstrate your intellectual prowess.
75. To encourage introspection and self-awareness.
76. To enhance your persuasive writing abilities.
77. To promote empathy and compassion.
78. To express gratitude or admiration for someone.
79. To practice effective time management.
80. To inspire others to pursue lifelong learning.
81. To challenge yourself to achieve a goal.
82. To improve your ability to think critically and analytically.
83. To create a meaningful impact on others.
84. To engage in intellectual debates with peers.
85. To gain a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
86. To contribute to the cultural heritage of society.
87. To document and analyse historical events.
88. To inspire positive change in the world.
89. To showcase your academic achievements.
90. To connect with like-minded individuals.
91. To gain recognition for your ideas and insights.
92. To improve your academic and professional prospects.
93. To participate in intellectual discussions.
94. To educate others on a specific subject.
95. To leave a mark on future generations.
96. To build confidence in your writing abilities.
97. To explore the impact of technology on society.
98. To advocate for social justice and equality.
99. To inspire curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.
100. To become a more informed and engaged citizen.
Remember, writing an essay can be an incredibly valuable and fulfilling experience, and it allows you to contribute your voice to the world. Whether for personal growth, academic pursuits, or societal impact, the act of writing has numerous benefits that can positively influence both the writer and the reader.
