Elias Garcia

Econ 210
Economical Writing Summaries: Chapters 1-10
Chapter 1:
For the field of economics, and for any profession seeking serious consideration, writing well
matters. McCloskey emphasizes this fact by outlining how those who can write well are those who are
paid well, while conversely, those who write poorly are paid poorly. In chapter 1, McCloskey sets the
foundation of her argument that for students, especially those in economics; the importance of writing
eclipses almost all other aspects of a profession. McCloskey also makes clear the sheer disregard many
colleges and professors have for emphasizing writing as a necessary tool. A proper metaphor would be
that of the baker hiring a new apprentice, but never showing them how to actually bake. Only the
bakers who bake well can obviously succeed, just as only economists who can write well will be read
and understood.
Chapter 2:
The argument that only the 'intention' or 'idea' of a piece of writing matters differentiates a poor
thinker from an intellectual, McCloskey argues. Writing and ideas are two sides of the same coin, and
by lacking one you surely lack the other. Additionally, writing well means you write critically,
something necessary for any serious economist. You can fully explore your arguments and realize the
faults and strength of them, adding and taking away as necessary. Like a flashlight without a light
bulb, you cannot illuminate your thoughts without projection, but without batteries, there is no use to
the bulb either (writing).
Chapter 3:
While you will probably never be known for an economic theorem or work, you can definitely
learn basic economic principles and apply. The same goes for writing, because while you may never
write your own book, you can definitely learn the basics and improve your ability. However, even

though there are many rules to follow, that does not mean all rules matter equally. Learning to write
includes not following the rules that are not actually helpful. McCloskey alludes to elementary school
and our early English teachers who taught us the shortcuts of grammar. While contextually, the rules
may have helped, they now do more harm than good for most people. Just like in T-Ball or soccer for
toddlers, you may have been introduced to tactics, that in the short run, worked; however, if you were
caught using an 11 man defense in a modern game of soccer, you would not only be laughed at, but
also lose terribly.
Chapter 4:
As an author, writing clear is mandatory. You, as the writer, do not decide clarity. The reader
decides the clarity of work. Thus, making concise pieces of writing matters most. McCloskey argues
that anything that sidetracks an argument should not be included, like this sentence almost, or the
numerous dependent clauses added, such as this, or that one. Equally important, however, make sure to
have fun and experiment. Put down your writing and come back again later, experiment with it.
Tweak at it. Just make sure the writing is clear. Clear. On point.
Chapter 5:
Michael Sandel, Peter Singer, Alain Badiou, Slavoj Zizek, Daniel Dennett, and Nigel Warburton
are some of the philosophers considered exceptional writers in their field today. The way these
individuals write determines the style of writing in the field of philosophy. If you want to be a good
philosopher one day, or at least a good philosophical writer, you would be wise to imitate their style. In
the greater context, the leading literaries of our era determine what society considers good writing
style. Good writing does not come from logical proofs, but from social conceptions and norms.
Breaking these norms typically marks you as a bad writer in the eyes of a reader, and will associate and
highlight your other mistakes. Not caring for the stylistic choices of your writing also probably means
you are dumb, or at least, that is what McCloskey suggests.

Chapter 6:
While writing has rules for different phases of a piece, the rules of rhetoric are universal. Not
the rhetoric of heated political debate, McCloskey advocates for the classical rhetoric of the Greek
philosophers and speakers. Rhetoric has three main components comprising of invention, arrangement,
and style. Think of the musical composer who creates orchestral pieces. When creating the actual
melodies and motifs of the piece (invention), composers also write the music itself in a set way
(arrangement). While rigidity in method may not be good, one should definitely frame their writing
around these three concepts.
Chapter 7:
The final aspect of classical rhetoric is obviously style. Luckily, for all of us, anyone can learn
style. According to McCloskey, it is simply a matter of rigorous, sometimes painful, practice. When
you might otherwise not want to, it is pivotal that you attempt to write. Be ruthless in your approach,
trap yourself in a corner, and force the pen to paper. Just like the child who hates their veggies, you
must write for your own good. You may despite yourself and your content, but once you finish, you
can begin to improve the piece.
Chapter 8:
Coincidentally, the most important thing for a writer to do...involves writing. Wherever you
are, you ought to keep some form of journal with you, tracking any new ideas or additions to what you
are currently working on. McCloskey makes clear that to be successful at writing, you can never afford
not to write, and should start as soon as possible. Organize your thoughts as you would library,
separating major categories from each other, and then further organizing minor branches of each group.
From this library of thought, you can then stitch together a story from the necessary works whenever
themes appear between different 'works' of yours. Whatever you do, always make sure to keep track of
everything you write. Be a librarian to your writing, track every change, every note, and every scrap.
By doing all of the above, you make sure that you have material to work with. Any research you do is

applied, as good writing is a method of thinking, and vice versa.

Chapter 9:
McCloskey's inclusion of this chapter is to help the new 'professional' surround themselves with
the tools necessary to be successful. To be skillful at what you do, you need the proper tools.
McCloskey suggests a laundry list of different items that ensure that you maximize your efficiency as a
writer, including dictionaries, pens, thesauruses, and quotation books. Put yourself in an environment
that is conducive to what you are focusing on. Set up your desk to make writing comfortable, but do
not distract yourself. If a phone distracts you, put it away for the time being. Keep close any notes you
have been gathering, and make sure to keep up with your journal entries. Have coffee ready if that
helps you write. Whatever it is, make sure to have it. Simultaneously, you should also make sure not
to distract yourself. Be creative and be flexible when it comes to writing.

Chapter 10:
There's only so much advise someone can give, and that includes McCloskey. Writing is not a
task that anyone can do, and even the most skilled writers have their bad days. That is why when you
have a 'lightbulb moment,' you need to make the best of it. Be creative and passionate when you find
the energy and inspiration to do so. When you do not feel like you can add anything, look over what
you do have. Edit your works, cut away the excess, and synthesize your ideas until they cannot be
reduced anymore. Show your work to your mom, what does she think? Your professor? Your peers?
If they find something confusing, break it down again and rewrite it. Read your work aloud, does it
sound right? If not, you are 'doing it wrong' and can improve your writing even more. Do not constrict
yourself to any presumed notions of what your writing will be. If you notice that you theme is
changing, go with it. If you deviate from your outline, change the outline to fit your work. Always be
moving towards your target, and always be keeping track of where that takes you.