Quick & Dirty: A Letter to Oneself

Transcribing spontaneous ideas into words is akin to writing a letter to oneself. The organic memory capacity of the brain is limited, and no matter how brilliant an idea may be, it is easily forgotten if left solely in the mind. Hence, it is essential to put ideas into words, giving them form and visibility. This serves as a kind of memorandum, allowing for new discoveries and inspirations upon later review.
 
No matter how trivial or fragmented the idea may be, it is crucial to jot it down quickly without considering its future utility. Even the most outlandish and laughable ideas are worth recording. Otherwise, they may sink into the depths of the sea of ideas, never to resurface, much like a shipwreck from the Age of Exploration.
 
In English, there is a phrase, "Back-of-the-Envelope Calculation" (sometimes "Napkin Calculation"). Originating from an episode involving Fermi estimates, it signifies the act of jotting down ideas on the back of an envelope at hand, thereby giving immediate form to one's thoughts and leading to subsequent actions.
 
The habit of quickly recording any idea, no matter how trivial, will eventually prove beneficial. Since these notes are not meant for others to see, there is no need to organize or polish them. Quick & Dirty suffices. For instance:
 
An Idea Emerges
A sudden inspiration or a fleeting thought in daily life becomes the seed of an idea.
 
Quick & Dirty Recording
Immediately jot down the idea on anything at hand—be it a notebook, a memo app on your smartphone, or a scrap of paper. The key is to give the idea a tangible form.
 
Rediscovery
After some time, revisit these notes. Occasionally, they may be indecipherable, but consider this a "fortunate blank" that adds new inspiration. Changing perspectives or circumstances may reveal possibilities that were previously unseen.
 
Elevating the Idea
Develop the revisited idea into something better. By adding new elements or combining it with other ideas, it can be refined into something more concrete and feasible.
 
By repeating this process, the accumulation grows, ideas become more sophisticated, and eventually mature into something truly useful. The Quick & Dirty recording of ideas is the first step in this journey.
 
 

Greetings, I am Kuzei Ryosei, a novelist who delves into a diverse array of genres, spanning from the historical to the contemporary. My aim is to enchant readers with tales that breathe life into history and explore the intricate issues of modern society. I warmly invite you to reach out to me.