Write of Passage Weekly

Hello writers,

Welcome back to Write of Passage Weekly, where we help you use the Internet to attract like-minded people and life-changing opportunities. In fact, there’s no limit to the power of writing online. Today, you’ll learn that it’s also the secret to immortality. 

The last issue was about what it means to be a modern Prometheus. Today is about what it means to be an archegos. 

How to Live Forever

If you want to live forever, be an archegos.

The Greek word archegos describes the archetype of a pioneer. Archegos means “the leader,” “the founder,” “the author,” or “the prince.” An archegos is the head, the beginning of something, rather than the body or the tail. To live like an archegos is to lead change, dare to create, and pioneer ideas that will live long after you are gone.

One person’s idea can be the genesis of a generational belief. Just think of childhood fairy tales like “Cinderella,” “Hansel and Gretel,” “Rapunzel,” and “Red Riding Hood.” All of those stories were created by two men: the Brothers Grimm. These fairy tales demonstrate how one person’s story can leave a lasting impact on future generations and shape culture. The Brothers Grimm are long gone, but the morals of these stories still live within us. It’s as if parts of their creative selves have been immortalized through Disney movies, bedtime storytelling, and campfire entertainment. The Brothers Grimm have become part of our cultural cannon.

Writing is more than words on a page; writing can be the seed of revolution and innovation. Like Harry Potter casting a spell, putting the right words in the right order is the hypocenter of seismic change. Billion-dollar companies start from a mission statement. Countries are founded on constitutions. Religions adhere to scripture. Wars ignite from manifestos and speeches. 

The power of writing is not in describing how we live but in creating a mythos to show us what to live for. The power of “Goldilocks” is not in the facts about the three bears and their porridge. The power is in the moral of the story. Companies file for bankruptcy, countries collapse, religions fracture, and books wither. Only ideas live forever — writing is about leaving a legacy.

You earn your ticket to immortality by pioneering a change you believe in. One small idea from you might be one giant leap for a community, a genre, or an entire school of thought.

Never underestimate the power of sharing your ideas, for ideas are the parts of you that live long after you’re gone. When you take up the yoke of being an archegos, a pioneer, there's a part of you never dies. Your ideas live on in the permanent impact you’ve had on the lives of others.

How I Write Podcast

Derek Sivers: No Wasted Words

It’s hard to capture in words the love and creativity that Derek Sivers brings to his work. He describes himself as a “monomaniac, introvert, and slow thinker.” But those words just reveal his humility. Derek’s work has charmed millions — from his early days as a professional musician and circus performer, to founding CD Baby, writing fan favorites like Anything You Want and taking the stage at TED.

In this conversation, Derek shares how he finds his best ideas, why he plans to publish a “posthumous autobiography,” and why life is not a problem to be solved but a paradox to be experienced.

Listen Now: Spotify | Apple

From Our Team

"Writing with Chat GPT"

David explains why GPT isn’t a fad and how you can use it to be more creative. ChatGPT can help you write from conversation, fix local problems, and enhance your thinking.

Thank you for reading Write of Passage Weekly. 

Happy writing,

The Write of Passage Team