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This sounds less like a problem with writing essays and more with a fear of being judged - I know, because I have the same problem.

"I don't have anything to say to people who know less than me, because explaining obvious things seems boring [...] I feel like they are smarter than me and already know everything I am about to say"

I've suffered from this for years. 'That idea sounds stupid - it's far too simple', or 'if I write this / make this my peers will judge me'. When the reality, the people you look up to probably aren't looking at you, and there are far, far more people who, despite you thinking something is obvious, will find value in your work.

Reading HN (and similar) we're exposed to some incredible people - those at the top of their game. Because you or I am not that person doesn't mean that what we write doesn't have value to someone.

My friend has recently published his third novel. It's quite good. He started writing when we lived together at university 15 years. I used to read his short stories back then. It took him 13 years to publish his first book. But he wrote voraciously in the meantime. Most of us don't start great - it comes with practice.

Basically what I'm saying, is pick a topic - even one you consider too simple - and get started. Write 300 words. Then do the same tomorrow. Then the next day. Your writing will improve, you'll read more, research more, learn more - and new ideas will come to the point where you'll have more ideas than time. Like the writing itself, it comes with practice. And those 'obvious' topics you start with - they'll undoubtedly benefit someone in the long run.




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