Welcome! I plan on using this platform to both educate and connect. I intend on updating this blog weekly, with topics related to writing, and I hope you find it useful! Please subscribe to the right for email updates, and always feel free to comment with suggestions about what you would like to read about!
This week: Why writing?
When we look back at human history and consider ancient culture, the standard for that culture is always the presence of writing. From a purely practical perspective, I suppose it's difficult to study that which has no written record, but writing is also uniquely human. Writing is part of what separates us from our fellow primates and the rest of the animal kingdom. Writing is what allowed people of multiple languages to learn about the experiences of a young girl named Anne, to feel what she felt, to know her innermost thoughts, as she hid from the Nazis during the Holocaust.
When we look back at human history and consider ancient culture, the standard for that culture is always the presence of writing. From a purely practical perspective, I suppose it's difficult to study that which has no written record, but writing is also uniquely human. Writing is part of what separates us from our fellow primates and the rest of the animal kingdom. Writing is what allowed people of multiple languages to learn about the experiences of a young girl named Anne, to feel what she felt, to know her innermost thoughts, as she hid from the Nazis during the Holocaust.
The beauty of writing is in its ability to serve as an equalizer. Any person can pick up a writing utensil and write. Any person can learn and practice this skill. The skill of writing can cross any social boundary.
Want to practice your writing skills, but are unsure of where to start? If you'd like, try this for practice: Write a summary of your day's events. Be as detailed or as generic as you prefer. Don't worry about what others might think, as this is only for practice and your eyes alone.
For my visual learners, consider the following image of ancient Sumerian Cuneiform. This image depicts the Code of Hammurabi, an ancient Babylonian law code predating Biblical texts - it is almost 4,000 years old! This piece of writing (carved into stone) allows us to learn a bit about ancient Babylonian culture.
For my visual learners, consider the following image of ancient Sumerian Cuneiform. This image depicts the Code of Hammurabi, an ancient Babylonian law code predating Biblical texts - it is almost 4,000 years old! This piece of writing (carved into stone) allows us to learn a bit about ancient Babylonian culture.
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| cuneiform up close |
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| Code of Hammurabi Stele |
How do YOU use writing? Comment below and stay tuned for next week's entry!
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