There is more currency - and profit - in fiction rather than history.

The (paraphrased) line was written by a historian, probably un-ironically. In 2018, insofar as I can find figures without subscribing to databases, fiction outsold it by a factor of over 10

There’s something about creating something quickly, without too much concern for the details past and present. Just add hot whatever and automagically, cuisine. Satisfying just enough. 

But most rewarding stuff is hard work. Am currently trying to find a way into one of Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s little non-fiction works on randomness. Honestly, was hoping for a quick few ideas and pull quotes. There’ll be there. I just need time for my mind to adjust to the strange light. 

Instant is so much easier, no? Of appearing to be on rails. Moving forwards with little rolling resistance and with the certainty that only one destination can provide. ‘On rails’ was always used to describe projects with that kind of momentum. Seeming to find a velocity that outstripped everyone else’s work.

Funny now that the idea of travelling at that clip, towards certainty, simply speeds us towards the idea of an idea. 

Something that seemingly promises much but never actually materialises. Self driving cars. Metaverses. Fiscal events. 

Strategy based on style rather than proof. 

Easy to read treatise on social theory. 

Neatly framed articles with pithy but humorous conclusions. 

Instant success. Not really instant after all. 

And noodling, as in what people who can play musical instruments do while looking for the melody. Not the other fishing kind.