Why write? Penmanship for the 21st Century | Jake Weidmann | TEDxMileHigh

Summary

Jake passionately defends the enduring value of handwriting in an era dominated by technology. He emphasizes three key aspects: historical literacy, intellectual literacy, and creative literacy. Drawing from personal anecdotes, scientific research, and historical examples like Platt Rogers Spencer, he highlights how handwriting shapes the brain, aids learning, and fosters personal expression. Jake encourages a balance between technological advancements and traditional skills, advocating for the pen as a tool that connects us to our past, supports lifelong learning, and allows for creative self-expression. His message is a call to preserve the art of handwriting for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The pen is a simple yet powerful tool that has played a significant role in shaping history and culture.
• 😀 The pen has facilitated discoveries, recorded wars, documented religious doctrines, and inspired art and love.
• 😀 Handwriting is an essential part of humanity, linking past generations and empowering individuals.
• 😀 The decline of handwriting in education, with 41 out of 50 states no longer teaching it, jeopardizes its value.
• 😀 Handwriting helps develop three forms of literacy: historical, intellectual, and creative.
• 😀 Spencerian script, created by Platt Rogers Spencer, was a revolutionary form of penmanship designed for efficiency and grace.
• 😀 Some of the world's greatest penmen, like Louis Madarasz and F.B. Courtney, built on Spencer's work, influencing iconic designs like the Coca-Cola logo.
• 😀 J.C. Ryan, the 'handless penman,' proved that even without hands, one could master the art of penmanship.
• 😀 Studies show that handwriting, especially cursive, activates more areas of the brain, enhancing learning and memory retention compared to typing.
• 😀 Technology should complement handwriting education, not replace it, as both can coexist without diminishing each other.
• 😀 Handwritten notes capture emotions and personalities, with personal connections, like those with family members, giving handwritten words lasting power and meaning.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented by the speaker in favor of handwriting?

The speaker argues that handwriting, especially with a pen, is an essential part of our humanity and intellectual development. It is a tool that has shaped history, encouraged creativity, and remains fundamental to various forms of literacy.

Why does the speaker emphasize the historical significance of handwriting?

The speaker highlights that handwriting has been an essential part of human civilization for thousands of years, shaping records of discoveries, wars, and religious doctrines. It is portrayed as a vital connection to our past and intellectual heritage.

What is Spencerian script, and why is it important?

Spencerian script is an early form of penmanship created by Platt Rogers Spencer in the 19th century. It is important because it represents the foundation of cursive writing and was designed to be ergonomic, reducing writer's cramp by using whole arm movements.

What are some notable examples of figures who excelled in penmanship?

Figures such as Louis Madarasz, F.B. Courtney, and J.C. Ryan (the handless penman) are highlighted. Madarasz is noted for his ornamental penmanship, Courtney for his showmanship and mastery, and Ryan for overcoming the lack of hands to excel in writing.

How does handwriting benefit brain development?

Handwriting engages more areas of the brain compared to typing. It helps in cognitive development by reinforcing the learning of letter formation, which aids in reading comprehension. Cursive writing has been shown to activate brain regions used in higher reasoning.

What is the relationship between technology and handwriting, according to the speaker?

The speaker argues that while technology should not replace handwriting, it should coexist with it. Over-reliance on technology can lead to illiteracy, and the speaker advocates for a balanced approach, where both handwriting and typing are valued.

Why does the speaker highlight the personal nature of handwriting?

Handwriting is seen as a deeply personal form of expression, capturing not only thoughts but also emotions and individual personality traits. The speaker emphasizes the power of handwritten notes and how they can make a lasting emotional impact.

What is the significance of the speaker's own journey with penmanship?

The speaker shares how their passion for penmanship led them to create their own calligraphy pens, which ultimately contributed to their achievement as the youngest Master Penman. This journey underscores the transformative power of penmanship as both an art and a skill.

How does the speaker use their penmanship skills in other artistic endeavors?

The speaker incorporates their penmanship skills into other forms of artwork, such as wood carving and portraiture. For example, they created a portrait of Christ using a continuous stroke of calligraphy, demonstrating how handwriting can enhance creative expression.

What is the ultimate message the speaker wants to convey about handwriting?

The speaker urges the audience to recognize the enduring power of handwriting as a bridge to our history, a tool for learning, and a means of personal expression. They advocate for preserving and nurturing handwriting as a vital skill for future generations.