Why Quora Aims for Depth Over a Quick Fix

From time to time, discussions around why Quora doesn't enforce strict length limits on answers have brewed. It's a valid curiosity, as some might argue that shorter answers are more digestible. However, a key argument against this perspective lies in the belief that 'a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.'

Why Short Answers May Not Always Suffice

My answer to this question is actually a question: If you dislike long answers, why not scroll down to the shorter ones?

Think of it: traveling by high-speed train can get you to your destination in a fraction of the time, but the experience is often rushed and unmemorable. Similarly, a three-line answer might capture surface-level information but fails to convey the depth and nuances of a complex topic. Just as a scenic route allows for appreciation of beautiful mountain vistas, long-form answers allow for a richer exploration of the subject matter.

The Art of Slowness

This concept is beautifully illustrated in Milan Kundera's novel, Slowness. Kundera explores the idea of slowing down, the virtues of reflection, rambling, and prolonging pleasure in the face of ever-accelerating speed. He opines: 'Speed is the form of ecstasy the technical revolution has bestowed on man. As opposed to a motorcyclist, the runner is always present in his body, forever required to think about his blisters, his exhaustion, and remains conscious of himself and of his time of life. This all changes when man delegates the faculty of speed to a machine.'

The connection between speed and forgetting, and slowness with memory is profound. Speed strips us of the time to reflect, to absorb, and to appreciate the journey. Slowness, on the other hand, allows for deep reflection, persistent understanding, and the creation of meaningful memories.

Why Quality Over Quantity

Many of the most valuable things in life require time and effort. If our goal is true understanding, not just the surface facts, then there’s much more to explore than a 3-line summary can offer. Many experienced Quora users and writers enrich the platform with their expertise in ways that cannot be easily condensed.

Exploring the Richness of Quora

Take, for example, Ahmad, who delves into the experience of getting a haircut from a South Asian barber, providing an intimate and unique narrative. Or Oscar Tay, who offers insights into the intricate noun classes of the Andamanese language, grounded in body parts. Such detailed answers are not just informative, but they create a nuanced understanding and a personal connection to the subject.

Similarly, stories like one shared by Alexey Tereshchenko in an elevator of the Eiffel Tower, where two Russian ladies discuss revelations about life in Russian without knowing that others can understand them, exemplify the depth and personal nature of many Quora answers.

Quora is not merely about sharing information; it’s about fostering understanding that goes beyond simple facts. Facts are the bones of understanding, but the flesh— which includes context, nuance, and personal experience— is what brings the subject to life. Often, complex facts require several paragraphs to explain fully.

If you need a quick answer, feel free to browse the shorter responses. But for those who prefer to take the time and appreciate the journey, there’s a wealth of depth to uncover.