Desk Notes by Charles Schifano

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano delves into the nuances of writing, reflecting on the interplay between technology, memory, and creativity. It explores the solitary nature of writing and reading, the blurred lines between fiction and non-fiction, and the impact of social and historical contexts on literature and personal identity.

Writing Process Technology and Society Creativity and Discipline Literature and Storytelling Personal Identity and Memory Social Media's Impact Art and Society Historical and Cultural Analysis Artificial Intelligence in Literature

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The Performance of Pride

85 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Novels Authors Narrative Themes
  1. Shuggie Bain learns to dance as a way to escape his tough life, but he still feels the pressure of others watching him. His mother encourages him to keep dancing despite the difficulties.
  2. The novel highlights how appearances can hide deeper sorrows, like Shuggie's mother trying to maintain a sense of pride even in hard times. It's about how people present themselves to the world, even when they are struggling inside.
  3. Shuggie feels different and vulnerable due to his sexuality and difficult home life. The story shows how environments can trap people, making it hard to break free from poverty and pain.

The Ironist

109 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Language Irony Communication Social norms
  1. People often want irony to be shown clearly because misunderstandings are frustrating. They might wish for a special font to spot irony right away.
  2. Irony relies on the gap between what is said and what is meant. If everyone understands it perfectly, it might not be true irony.
  3. Today's culture puts a strong focus on clarity and being understood. This change makes it harder for people to laugh off mistakes or misunderstandings.

Don't Tell Your Parents

170 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Childhood Empathy Entertainment Parenting Perception
  1. Kids see the world differently than adults do. They have unique perspectives and experiences that adults often struggle to understand.
  2. Entertainment for kids used to create a sense of adventure and secrecy, but now it often feels like adults are trying too hard to be relatable. This can take away the excitement for children.
  3. Empathy is important for both kids and adults. Understanding each other's viewpoints can help bridge the gap in communication and lead to better relationships.

Dreaming About Waking

121 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📚 Literature Memoir Creative Writing Philosophy Self-reflection Narrative
  1. Dreams can feel more real than waking life, leading us to question what reality truly is. Sometimes, the experiences we have in dreams seem more intense and immediate than our daily experiences.
  2. The stories we tell about our past shape how we see ourselves. When we write or talk about our memories, we change those memories and how we understand our lives.
  3. Our perceptions of reality can often be misleading. It's important to stay open to new ways of seeing things and not be locked into one view of life.

Individual Lies

133 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📚 Literature Essays Philosophy Author analysis Political Commentary Historical context
  1. Small lies might seem harmless, but they can build up and lead to bigger problems later. It's better to confront uncomfortable truths today than to delay them.
  2. George Orwell's work teaches us the importance of honesty in writing and in life. Fighting for truth, even in small details, is crucial for true understanding.
  3. Choosing to go along with popular opinions or easy paths can harm your values. It's important to know your own beliefs before facing pressure from others.
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Weapons and Words

194 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Media History Philosophy
  1. Two brothers used violence to silence freedom of expression, showing the extreme conflict between ideas and brutality. This tragic event highlights how important it is to protect free speech, even when it offends.
  2. The piece discusses how humor and irony can express deep truths, which can often be misunderstood. Satire allows us to examine serious subjects without resorting to violence.
  3. Philippe Lançon's experience after the attack shows the struggle to understand trauma through art and literature. It reminds us that even in the face of horror, we can find ways to make sense of our lives and the world around us.

The Third Person

170 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Education Voice Identity Self-Expression
  1. Writing in the third person can feel freeing because it allows for distance from personal emotions. It helps some writers feel less vulnerable and more objective in their work.
  2. Many people struggle with expressing personal views in writing, often feeling it's arrogant to use 'I'. This can create a barrier to authentic self-expression in writing.
  3. Finding one's true writing voice can come from personal growth and life experiences over time, rather than just practice in writing. It's an ongoing journey of self-discovery.

Death and Life

48 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry Linguistics Philosophy Narrative Symbolism
  1. Death is a common theme in our language, showing up in many phrases and everyday conversations. This reflects how deeply the idea of death influences our thoughts and expressions.
  2. Words related to life, such as 'vital' and 'vivacious,' are also frequently used in discussions to convey a sense of energy and positivity. These words connect to our experiences and perceptions of being alive.
  3. Both death and life are rich topics in literature, often explored through powerful quotes and themes. They reveal our struggles and feelings about existence, making them relatable and poignant.

Even More Words About Words

121 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
📚 Literature Linguistics Language Writing Words Communication
  1. Many words in English have one side that is commonly used, while their pairs are often ignored. For example, you might be 'disgruntled' but have never been 'gruntled.'
  2. Language evolves and new words are created when two concepts come together. Words like 'email' started as 'electronic mail' and have changed over time.
  3. As words change, their pronunciation also shifts. For instance, 'bookshop' is pronounced differently than 'book shop,' showing how language and speech develop over time.

Pickup Lines

133 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social norms Technology impact Human Interaction Philosophy Personal Reflection
  1. Rudeness in daily interactions can lead to interesting conversations about empathy and kindness. When someone behaves poorly, it often sparks curiosity about their reasons and intentions.
  2. Technological progress is clear, but it's important to consider whether we've become more thoughtful and caring as a society. Just knowing more doesn't always mean we are better to each other.
  3. Our understanding of the past can change with new information. Life is about continually learning and revisiting what we thought we knew, which helps shape our connections with others.

Words about Words

157 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📚 Literature Language Writing Metaphor Communication
  1. Language is always changing, and it's normal for older generations to feel a bit disconnected from younger people's way of speaking. It's important for culture to evolve, and that includes how we communicate.
  2. When people say 'that's just semantics,' they might underestimate how important the right words are for clear communication. Taking time to choose the right words can really help us understand each other better.
  3. Metaphors can create deeper understanding by connecting new ideas with familiar ones. Mixing metaphors can be tricky, but when done well, it can lead to powerful imagery and insights.

More Words About Words

109 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
📚 Literature Language Linguistics Cultural shift Communication
  1. The word 'factoid' has changed meaning over time. It originally referred to a made-up truth, but now it often means just an interesting fact.
  2. Language changes naturally, like how 'literally' now sometimes means 'figuratively'. These shifts can be surprising because they flip the original meanings.
  3. As new forms of misleading information arise, we create new terms, like 'spin' and 'alternative facts', to describe them. It's a way for us to keep up with the blurred lines between truth and falsehood.

Honest Writing

607 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Author Perception Artistry Identity
  1. Writing can be perceived as permanent and irrevocable, creating a pressure for perfection.
  2. Writers may explore different perspectives and sensibilities, not necessarily aligning with their current beliefs.
  3. Literary writing allows room for ambiguity, partial truths, and playfulness, reflecting the complexities of human nature.

Writing What You Can't Say

60 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Poetry Fiction Non-fiction Criticism
  1. Listening to how you speak can help improve your writing. Pay attention to moments when you hesitate or struggle to find the right words; this is where your best ideas can emerge.
  2. The search for the right word can be difficult, but it's a valuable process for a writer. Those tricky moments highlight what you really want to express and push you to find better ways to describe it.
  3. Saying what you feel but can't easily put into words is a key part of writing. Embracing confusion and uncertainty can actually lead to more compelling stories and ideas.

The Two Types of Writing Problems

48 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Narrative Style Composition Artistry
  1. Writing problems can be split into two main types: composition issues and expression issues. Composition deals with how to arrange your words, while expression is about capturing your thoughts.
  2. When you know what you want to say but can't find the right words, it's usually a composition problem. There's often a solution or guide that can help you find the right way to say it.
  3. Writing is a mix of sharing what you're thinking and continuously refining it. It's okay to struggle; the goal is to bring the ideas in your mind to life on the page.

The Solitary Creator

522 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
📚 Literature Writing Reading Art Expression
  1. Writing and reading are solitary acts that require introspection and concentration.
  2. Good art reveals the creator's deepest feelings and demands good writers and readers.
  3. Language comprehension is complex and subjective, leading to potential misunderstandings in communication.

Not Supporting the Arts

364 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art Market Value Norms Marketing
  1. The idea of 'Supporting the Arts' is often vague and lacking in tangible action.
  2. Art is fundamental to life and society, not just something to enjoy after essential tasks are done.
  3. Artists struggle with valuing their work financially, and the wider public often underestimates the importance of art in their lives.

Declining Into Progress

315 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
📚 Literature Historical Fiction Character development Cultural Change
  1. In the novel 'The Leopard,' the protagonist experiences a turbulent time of change from aristocratic to more egalitarian society.
  2. People often perceive their time as one of societal degradation, but change is inevitable for progress.
  3. The author of 'The Leopard' mirrors the protagonist's sense of foreseeing change, highlighting the transition from old aristocratic norms to the new.

Bring Me Your Leader

364 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Authority Authoritarianism Power Dynamics Human Interaction
  1. In our modern world, there is a trend of continuous judging and assessing everything we interact with.
  2. Having difficult conversations directly with individuals can be more effective than immediately seeking higher authorities.
  3. The desire for a 'real leader' can create anxiety in various aspects of life, including politics and daily interactions.

Passing Away

352 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art Values Time Language Individuality
  1. Criticism of euphemisms like 'passed away' varies based on time and context.
  2. Language and values shift with time, affecting how we perceive events and people.
  3. As time passes, individuality fades, making collective interpretations more dominant.

The Taste Test

303 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Opinions Identity Social Dynamics Isolation
  1. Your tastes and preferences do not define your character, despite common cultural perceptions.
  2. It's important to maintain individuality and not feel pressured to align your preferences with someone else's to avoid conflict.
  3. The core of a person's character lies in social aspects like morals, ethics, and virtues, rather than superficial preferences.

Soundless

279 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Travel City life
  1. Living in a city means being surrounded by a constant cacophony of sounds, which can both be maddening and strangely comforting.
  2. Over time, distant sounds can fade into the background as your brain tunes them out to focus on specific noises.
  3. The noise of a city is like its heartbeat - a chaotic blend of various sounds that make up the urban symphony we experience daily.

A Sensitive Question

243 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Emotions Personal Growth Mindfulness Self-awareness
  1. Sensitivity is a complex trait that cannot easily be controlled or changed. It's not about achieving perfection or adjusting like a dial, but understanding and acceptance.
  2. Sensitivity affects how we perceive and interact with the world around us. It's not just about emotional reactions but also about sensory experiences and nuances.
  3. Being sensitive can lead to deeper connections and insights, but also makes a person more vulnerable to pain and suffering. It's important to find a balance between sensitivity and resilience.

Former Totalitarians

206 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💾 History Leadership Ethics Regime Decisions
  1. A life judged based on leadership in a horrific regime can be a critical aspect of history.
  2. Ethical individuals who foresaw the consequences but were not part of the consequential decisions can hold significant importance.
  3. The transition from being monstrous to making critical decisions in tough times can have lasting impacts on society.

What's Missing from AI Writing

315 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
📚 Literature Narration Perspective Fiction Authors
  1. Literature has evolved over time to focus more on individual perspectives rather than collective narratives.
  2. Great essays are distinguished by the unique perspective and voice of the writer, not just the subject matter.
  3. Effective writing, whether about architecture or any other topic, requires a distinct and engaging narrative voice to provide depth and connection for the reader.

True Fiction

437 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Writing Voice
  1. The line between fiction and non-fiction is becoming less significant.
  2. The way a story is told is more important than the actual facts in memoirs or literature.
  3. Writing is subjective, changing based on moods and perspectives, but it's the voice and sensibility that truly matters in storytelling.

Some Notes on Notes

522 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
📚 Literature Writing Artists Creativity Procrastination Discipline
  1. Writers often procrastinate due to fear of difficult subjects, exposure, rejection or mistakes.
  2. Social media has become a common distraction for writers, but its impact on creativity seems to be diminishing.
  3. Discipline plays a key role in creativity, and writers can start creating with just a pen and paper, bypassing the need for a perfect setup.

The Sentence Writer

473 implied HN points • 26 May 23
📚 Literature Authors Book analysis
  1. Certain writers inspire you to keep reading with a weight underneath every paragraph.
  2. Certain writers inspire you to savor a perfect sentence slowly.
  3. Certain writers inspire you to start writing with their words as kindling.

Listen, Memory

559 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art Technology Music Literature Philosophy
  1. The abundance of information in our technological world can lead to doubts about the authenticity of our desires and experiences.
  2. Even with purposeful living, we are still bombarded by a constant stream of information which can blur the line between personal desires and external influences.
  3. The overwhelming flow of information challenges our ability to create a coherent narrative, leading to uncertainty about the origin of our thoughts and feelings.

1968 Has Ended

340 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture History Politics Art
  1. 1968 had localized revolutions with varied impacts globally
  2. The cultural influence of 1968 has started to fade with newer generations
  3. Cultural progress involves valuing history but also striving for innovation

Individual Lies

315 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
📚 Literature Essays Writers Truth Language History
  1. Small lies can compound into something greater over time.
  2. Orwell emphasized the importance of telling the truth, even when it is uncomfortable.
  3. Avoiding expedient shortcuts in writing helps maintain integrity and clarity in communication.

Transfer at 42nd Street

315 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Perspective Narrative Social Behavior
  1. Feeling like the center of attention in a crowded, fearful scene can be unsettling.
  2. Unexpected situations in public transportation can lead to comical and awkward interactions.
  3. Perception and perspective can greatly influence how others view and react to a person in a social setting.

When ChatGPT Reads Roald Dahl

315 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
📚 Literature Classic literature Writing Style
  1. ChatGPT is a powerful predictive text machine trained on billions of parameters by OpenAI.
  2. There is debate around the risks of creating superior artificial intelligence and its potential catastrophic outcomes.
  3. There is controversy surrounding the editing of classic literature, such as Roald Dahl books, to align with modern sensibilities.

The Old Man And The River

97 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
📚 Literature Memoir
  1. The author reminisces about a childhood memory of encountering an old man on a riverboat, highlighting how certain details may get blurred over time but the essence of the memory remains vivid.
  2. The physical appearance and actions of the man in the memory are described in detail, showcasing how our recollections can hold onto specific traits and emotions more than factual accuracy.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of the sensations and feelings evoked by a memory, suggesting that the emotional impact of a recollection often outweighs precise factual details.