When I read lively prose, one thing I notice is that it packs a lot of information per sentence—but not, usually, by being compact. Instead, how to explain it?

Take this phrase “an interesting and exciting new finding”—that’s pretty dead. And one of several reasons is that the word “exciting” is sort of implicated by the word “interesting”. They are not synonyms, but if I had blanked “exciting” and asked you, or a language model, to fill it in, “exciting” would have a high probability. So it is …

I will pay you $500 if you introduce me to a procrastination coach or therapist who meets all of the following criteria:

They have, at least occasionally, led someone to:

• resolve lifelong procrastination of all types

• in approximate one session/ day/ intervention

• even though the client had already tried all of the standard procrastination advice, including other coaching

• with effects lasting 6+ months and still going

Every time a parent fills a need there is a secret surplus.

A pat on the head, a soft touch, a moment of closer attention.

And children know this. “Tucking you in” has nothing to do with keeping you warm.

So when they ask for something, food, a towel, help with homework, sometimes they’re not asking for that thing at all.

They want the secret gift only a parent can give.

The pat on the head, the soft touch, the moment of close attention.