Why Writing Matters to Humanity: Lessons from Ancient Civilizations

By Chaeeun Lee

SASA places great value on scholarship, something that goes hand in hand with reading, language, and writing. Yet in a rapidly changing world, these practices are increasingly viewed as a burden rather than a necessity. It has become far easier to scroll through short videos than to pause, read carefully, and reflect. In many ways, instant consumption has begun to replace thoughtful engagement, raising concerns about declining literacy and attention spans in modern society (Perfas 2025).

While knowledge has been preserved through written texts for thousands of years, modern habits often favor speed over depth. Studies suggest that increased exposure to short-form digital media can negatively affect attention span and academic performance, further discouraging sustained reading and writing practices (Haliti-Sylaj 2024). This raises an important question: if we do not read, if we do not write, and if we never take time to organize our thoughts, how can we grow as individuals or as a society? Writing has long served as more than a method of communication; it is a tool for thinking, understanding, and self-examination. As scholars have noted, the history of writing is inseparable from the history of humanity itself, shaping how societies develop, govern, and remember (Stephens 2023).

To me, the reason writing holds such meaning is that it provides clarity. Writing allows thoughts and emotions to be examined rather than left to drift aimlessly. When ideas remain unexamined, confusion can build and subtly shape how we understand the world. Taking time to reflect through writing creates space for deliberate understanding, and this belief in reflection and thoughtful engagement closely aligns with the values that SASA promotes through scholarship and study.

Writing matters for three key reasons. First, it encourages inward reflection, allowing individuals to examine and express ideas creatively. Second, it gives people ownership over their thoughts by transforming fleeting impressions into deliberate understanding. Finally, it strengthens critical thinking by teaching how to organize ideas, evaluate evidence, and reason clearly, skills that are increasingly vital in an age of information overload and declining literacy rates (Perfas 2025).

Ancient civilizations deeply understood the importance of writing. In Mesopotamia, cuneiform tablets preserved laws, economic records, and cultural traditions that allowed societies to function and endure. In ancient Greece, philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle used written dialogues and treatises not only to record ideas but to test and refine them through argument and debate. Roman education similarly emphasized rhetoric and writing as essential skills for clear thinking and persuasive communication. These civilizations thrived in part because they valued writing not merely as record-keeping, but as a way to shape thought, transmit knowledge, and preserve culture across generations (Stephens 2023).

world history archive/alamy

SASA continues this tradition today through its commitment to Ancient Studies and academic inquiry. The study of the ancient world requires close reading of texts, careful attention to language, and thoughtful interpretation; all skills that writing develops. By encouraging engagement with ancient sources, SASA helps ensure that writing remains a meaningful practice that connects modern students to the long continuum of human thought.

Ultimately, writing is not just a skill; it is a way of making sense of life. Even small exercises, such as writing to clarify personal goals or questions, can bring insight and understanding. By choosing to write, we risk very little, yet gain clarity, perspective, and a deeper connection to both ourselves and the long tradition of human thought that organizations like SASA seek to preserve.

References

• Haliti-Sylaj, Trendeline, and Alisa Sadiku. “Impact of Short Reels on Attention Span and Academic Performance of Undergraduate Students.” Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, vol. 10, no. 3, 23 Aug. 2024, pp. 60–68, files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1454296.pdf.

• Perfas, Samantha Laine. “What’s Driving Decline in U.S. Literacy Rates?” Harvard Gazette, 24 Sept. 2025, news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/09/whats-driving-decline-in-u-s-literacy-rates/.

• Stephens, Walter. “The History of Writing Is the History of Humanity.” Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2023, lithub.com/the-history-of-writing-is-the-history-of-humanity/.