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Why We Should Talk Specifically Amid Uncertainty — Sam Baumohl

lesswrong.com · 2,423 words · saved by 2 readers

I am often frustrated by those who promote vibes and deliver aimless soliloquies. We would often be better served by speaking specifically, more concisely, and boldly. From the average meeting room to the American political landscape, we are harming ourselves by speaking vaguely, and current roadblocks in policymaking across many facets of society are exacerbated by unspecific and unserious discourse. It is not just a political and social imperative, but instrumentally useful to speak specifically and intently. If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter - Blaise Pascal Any student learns that their opening paragraphs are the most important for introducing their argument and intent. Writing this way serves two critical functions: to frame the rest of the paper for the reader and the author. A common adage is that concise writing is the product of thorough writing. A good revision process forces you to reevaluate your intent for each sentence, which reveals redundant, awkw

x Why We Should Talk Specifically Amid Uncertainty — LessWrong AI Community Practical World Optimization Frontpage 11 Why We Should Talk Specifically Amid Uncertainty by sbaumohl 3rd Jan 2026 9 min read 1 11 I am often frustrated by those who promote vibes and deliver aimless soliloquies . We would often be better served by speaking specifically, more concisely, and boldly. From the average meeting room to the American political landscape, we are harming ourselves by speaking vaguely, and current roadblocks in policymaking across many facets of society are exacerbated by unspecific and unserio

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