Some people can’t even remember the last time they put pen to paper to write more than a few lines of text…
In a world dominated by keyboards and touchscreens, it’s easy to forget about putting pen to paper. So many of us are becoming disconnected from this skill in today’s online environment where the keyboard is king. Is it time to reclaim it?
Handwriting in history
Handwriting represents a significant milestone in the history of humans, marking the transition from oral traditions (where verbal storytelling was the only way to pass information on) to written records that could be preserved for the future for anyone to access.
Celebrate uniqueness
Handwriting is more than just a way to communicate; it expresses our individuality. Everyone’s handwriting is a unique reflection of their personality and style. There’s something special about receiving a handwritten letter or note, knowing that someone took the time to write it for you to read.
Is pen-and-paper writing still relevant?
What does handwriting give us today? It’s beneficial on so many levels, from helping children develop fine motor skills to being an art form that makes people active participants in expressing their thoughts on paper. It even allows artistic expression in the form of calligraphy.
In an increasingly digitised world, some marketing teams are reconsidering their use of printed materials in a bid to stand out from the digital crowd. Will we be seeing that go a step further with incorporating handwriting into marketing collateral? Personalisation is key, after all.
Next time you want to stop doom-scrolling, consider reconnecting with your handwriting by writing a note to a friend or family member, doodling, writing some poetry – or even making a handwritten shopping list. Reclaiming a lost skill needs to start somewhere!
Further reading
The history of handwriting and its evolution – Antonio’s Journal
From tablet to tablet: the history of handwriting – BBC Teach
