If an essay is a structured sequence of thoughts and observations presenting the author’s world view (their argument), using examples that back up this world view where (or if) needed, then what is conversation but sequences of essays put together? When two people discuss American foreign policy they are constructing vocal essays, essays and counter essays. Paper is unnecessary.

Perhaps all human interaction is composed of essays. Each word spoken is an example of each author’s world view. If this is true then perhaps the purest form of essay might be an “essay”. But “essays” have become over concerned (at least at the academic level) with being clever. Authors are encouraged not to portray their own views. Or if they do, to do it subtly and with major reference to other people’s views.

Perhaps the purest form of “essay” we discover today is found in the newspaper. Journalists are the new essayists, regularly producing imaginative and wholly subjective essays which interact with the minds of others. They are not dry academics but use living words. You may read them and shout your own essay response back at the pages in total and utter disagreement, but at least you are moved. I call for academics to make essays alive again. I am not referring to established authors. Many established authors, or theorists produce exciting essays all the time (often as articles in newspapers it would seem). I am referring to the essays demanded from undergraduates, postgraduates, A-level students, GCSE students...... Why do we struggle to fit our words into others’ shapes? All subjects are exciting, all can be wonderful when presented in words. I call on all who are required to write essays to make them beautiful and about what they love. Then perhaps we will stop feeling required to write essays and instead become compelled.

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