Will Handwriting become obsolete in the Digital World?

The question of the relevance of ‘hand’writing today – is it a question, at all? Or, is it like wondering ‘Would we stop eating with our hands if we had machines to feed us’? Perhaps this is the dilemma that sets the world thinking. On one hand, there are people who claim that ‘hand’writing, literally, would find it difficult, or impossible, to survive in the Digital World. On the other hand, we see Handwriting and Calligraphy Classes emerging and even flourishing at a lot of places. It is time we gave this interesting ‘paradox’ a deeper thought. Here.

‘Hand’writing

Writing by hand has been a centuries old practice. Even a fine art. A way – once upon a time, THE only way, perhaps – of recording matter, feelings, emotions, thoughts… as well as important, legal documents. A person’s handwritten signaturewas considered one of the most important declarations of truth or fact/s. Fact is, there are still some people who believe in putting their signatures on cheques in order to withdraw money from the bank; they still do not like using an ATM Machine. Yes; in today’s ‘digital world’. People who feel that their unique signature cannot be stolen – unlike their ATM cards or PIN numbers. They believe their signature is their identity; and pride. Were we talking about handwriting becoming obsolete?

There are places, yet, where hard copies of important, official or legal documents with signatures by hand are required. There are schools which give extra marks and points for good handwriting. There are parents who insist their children write (and not TYPE) neatly and there are people, young and old, who value a hand-written note, above all.

Of course, we still have fans seeking autographs from their favorite celebrities; and autographs, ladies and gentlemen, are most usually put on paper, by famous hands that write them for posterity.

It is said that no two signatures can be exactly the same; and there are ways and means of detecting the authenticity of a signature.

Let us know some very interesting things about writing by hand, through this video.

Handwriting, as we can very well see, has various advantages.

Writing helps us to remember better.

In our school-days, the ‘golden way’ to commit something to memory was to write it down. The reason, perhaps, why our teachers made us write a word at least thrice by way of Correction, if we misspelt it.

Some experts are of the opinion that writing something by hand helps us to remember it better, as we tend to concentrate more on it by:

1. Looking at what we are writing
2. Reading what we are writing
3. Thinking about what we are writing

and

1. Actually carrying out the action of writing it

all at the same time.

Writing can help us to store safer.

No wonder many people believe in writing things down, DESPITE computers and various modern data-storage devices, because they feel secure to have the matter on paper, stored safely away, and easily accessible, even if there comes some trouble related to technology.

Writing, after all, does not usually require electricity, battery, or any kind of password, to be accessed, stored and read. Neither does it get deleted at the click of a button, intentionally or otherwise. It can be accessed even at the remotest of places that have no internet or even electricity.

Many people still note phone numbers and other important things down, in spite of their modern devices, because writing something and keeping it safe at a place is like preserving it for ever and ever.

Writing a note is seen as a ‘Class Act’

Some people believe that it is sophisticated etiquette to send hand-written notes, instead of texts or Emails, in certain cases. For example:

• To thank.
• To congratulate.
• To express condolences.

Writing a note adds a personal touch to the content. It is like presenting a very integral part of oneself to the reader, which can strike a chord much deeper than any text or Mail can reach.

Writing can feel Therapeutic

Many times we come across the advice: “Write your sorrows/grievances/worries down. That can take a lot of load off your mind and heart.” It actually works for many. However, this advice has not been updated to “TYPE your sorrows etc. down…” yet.

Writing can enhance Creativity

There is something very fulfilling and relieving about writing. And of course, creative. No wonder some well-known writers and celebrities prefer to WRITE, even though they can use the most advanced technology for their purposes, if they wish to!

And yes, writers are still known as ‘write’rs – in this digital age, too.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy is the art of writing most beautifully. It is often produced with special brushes or pens, and usually in cursive handwriting that is extremely aesthetic.

Calligraphy, though considered a ‘dying art’ by some, seems to have given its so-called ‘replacement’ — the Computers — their ‘backbone’. It is said that many of the typefaces on the computers in use have actually been designed by Calligraphers, to make the users’ work easy!

If at all ‘sinking’ as an art, Calligraphy is being ‘revived’ too. There are many who love, appreciate and uphold the art of Calligraphy; despite computers.

Let us see the wonders of Calligraphy in the video below, to understand it better.

The Future of Handwriting and Calligraphy

As we can see, Handwriting and Calligraphy are still very much in practice, as they are in the minds and hearts of many. The difference, perhaps, could be that what were the only modes of communication and data preservation once upon a time have become lesser availed options, now; but they are very much there. And now that they have almost attained the status of ‘fine arts’ at places, they inspire even more awe, and interest.

We cannot forget the history and glory of ‘hand’writing and calligraphy; neither can we keep the knowledge of the same from the coming generations.

The Future could not have been Present without the Past.

They were ‘Hand’writing and Calligraphy, to an appreciable extent, that brought Civilization ahead to where it stands today; and it could very well be them, in more advanced form(at)s, perhaps, that shall be taking us further ahead.

It can well be said that with time, ‘Hand’writing and Calligraphy have only matured as fine arts, and even branched out into the many modern options that technology is presenting before us, today. The reason why it is important and necessary for us to know ‘Hand’writing and Calligraphy – so that we can understand and utilize these arts better.

Would you like to share your experiences or views regarding this matter? Please do. We would love to hear from you, here.