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Insist on the Humanity of Others

#Questionable Writing Advice

August 1, 2026

Who exists freely in modern society that you disagree with most? Understand their point of view such that if you described it, they would concede: yes, you understand. This is called steel-manning.

It is a critical skill for a writer.

How might we present a counter point to the horrors of our world if we fail to understand why so many of our fellows embrace them?

We must comprehend the monstrous, not merely fight it.

Stories change the world. To tell such stories we cannot remain comfortable and self-righteous.