A 1000 points of view

For nearly every topic, idea, argument, belief, there are a 1000 points of view.

Addressing every single one is counterproductive for several reasons. It dilutes the core message, weakening its impact and clarity. It makes your view harder to follow and confusing to your audience. Even worse, it exhausts their attention. Covering every possible viewpoint rarely benefits anyone, except maybe philosophers and academics.

Skilled writers tend to be aware of unexplored arguments and subtleties in their work. They deliberately limit their scope to maximize their impact. Disregarding 995 points of view, they defend one or two, and counter three to four.

A perceptive reader understands that a writer’s message is contextual, chooses to benefit from the main point rather than nitpicking “flaws.

After all, the utility of any literary work lies in its potential to inspire ideas, invoke action, or trigger contemplation. Such potential increased when the work is succinct, sharp and focused.