And, it is very true that it’s wise to write like you do, today, for oneself. Writing, in that sense, is a tool for learning and thinking. Also, it’s an efficient way to converse with other members of a guild.

Philosophers’ writings are honestly read by very few people - but often they are read by people with influence. This is how they affect the world. Their task is a manner of seeding ideas - tossing out seeds… and watching some grow… some get trampled upon, some die for lack of rain. There is a tangible effect you can watch and study from that process… but there are more efficient ways of changing the world.

Again, if you write for general consumption… I think a person has to sacrifice details… it’s like a photographer who shows people a picture of an entire valley… It may be breathtaking - but if you look closely - all the details are blurred out. The context is the main thing there. Of course, first, by all means, write for yourself. Write the essay to think about the issue. One would not be a good tour guide of a valley, if one didn’t know the caves where the bear and the cougar live. In the same manner, you can’t be a good writer - if all you know of that topic is the cursory amount of information you give the casual reader. Remember, though, that sellable writing is also approachable.

And indeed,
It seems to me that the best way to change the world, is to create a new platform for human interaction. The internet is an example of this. http://www.secondlife.com - illustrates the next generation of internet. I’ve been exploring that virtual 3d world… and I can tell you that the precedents they are setting in that new environment will last for a long time.

I have a vision of creating a children’s operating system. Another vision I have, is of creating an easy to use software to allow any writer or artist or musician or filmmaker to easily upload their stuff to the net and start selling it. No technical expertise would be required. It’s these kind of things, where you create a platform for human interaction which is more desirable than the status quo elsewhere - people will come in droves… and you, because you designed the thing, have the opportunity to set the precedents for how people will interact there.