![](/clown-car.jpeg)

# cram those ideas into a clown car

To make memorable art, compress arguments/emotions into potent vehicles.

Here's my general algorithm for making things:

1. **vibes:** A [brilliant idea](/brilliant-app-idea) strikes, so I feverishly
   record some lurking feeling or suspicion as a cryptic note.
2. **arguments:** I split/organize the note into core theses or emotions I want
   to evoke. The main goal is to connect two unrelated ideas into a "eureka!"
   experience. When I'm feeling fancy, I sprinkle some
   [modus ponens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modus_ponens) on top. This
   entire process reveals that
   [90% my ideas are shallow and worthless crap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturgeon%27s_law)
   .
3. **vehicle:** For passable ideas, I find the smallest vehicle capable of
   delivering my message. Any clown car will do. Parables and satirical pieces
   are timeless. Comics and memes are generally underrated. Space operas and
   vaudeville are begging for renaissances.
4. **sketch:** I use [pseudoprose](/pseudoprose) and other bespoke systems to
   build my vehicle. At some point, I get tired of making it better and publish
   it as-is. To leave my readers wanting more,