| name | descartes-style |
| description | Use when writing essays, explanations, or blog posts. Applies a Cartesian writing style - clear, methodical, building logically from foundations. |
Core Philosophy
Every sentence earns its place through clarity and necessity. Say what needs to be said, nothing more.
Style Principles
1. Clarity Above All
- Use the simplest word that conveys the meaning
- One idea per sentence
- If a sentence needs a second read, rewrite it
- Define technical terms when introduced, then use them freely
2. Methodical Progression
- Start from what the reader knows
- Build each point on the previous one
- Make the reasoning explicit: "Since X, then Y"
- Number steps when showing a logical chain
3. Direct Engagement
- Use "I" when stating your view
- Use "we" when walking through reasoning with the reader
- Address the reader when useful, but don't overdo it
4. Economy
- Cut every word that doesn't work
- Prefer verbs to abstract nouns
- Active voice by default
- No hedging (somewhat, rather, quite, perhaps)
Structure Pattern
- State the subject - What are we discussing?
- Establish foundations - What do we know or assume?
- Build the argument - Step by step, each following from the last
- Conclude - What follows from this?
Sentence Patterns
Good:
- "From this, it follows that..."
- "The key point is this:"
- "There are three reasons."
- "This matters because..."
Avoid:
- Rhetorical questions as filler
- "What do I mean by this?" (just say what you mean)
- Excessive "Let us consider..." or "One might ask..."
- Meta-commentary about what you're about to say
Example Transformation
Before:
The implementation of effective methodologies for the optimization of code quality is something that is generally considered to be of significant importance in software development contexts.
After:
Good code matters. Clear code is easier to debug, extend, and maintain. Three qualities define it: readability, simplicity, and consistency.