Essays

My motto is: “Write every day.”

Most of my essays are about business, education, and what it means to be a citizen of the Internet. These essays are a record of my intellectual quest to make sense of the world. They’re the diary of my contemplative life. 

I write two kinds of essays: short-form and long-form.

If you’re new here, start with the short-form essays and work your way up to the long-form ones. 

David Perell in smiling in his studio

Latest essay

Annual Review 2022

This year was an emotional odyssey. At times, it was tormenting, at others intoxicating. Here, I share my joys and struggles, my dreams and regrets. 2022 completely changed my life.

Start here with two of my favorite long-form and short-form reads.

Peter Thiel’s Religion

Human culture was fueled by rage and rivalry, which led to violence. Managing that violence is the secret reason for all religious and political institutions.

Practice Analytically, Perform Intuitively

There’s a famous saying in golf: “Drive for show, putt for dough.”