When a 13-year-old asks why writing is important, it might seem like a straightforward question. However, this question reflects a deeper concern in today’s world, where technology has made many tasks easier. Many young people, like my son, may prefer to use AI to generate essays quickly, thinking it is more efficient. But while this may save time, it misses the fundamental purpose of writing: to develop critical thinking and understanding.
Writing: More Than Just a Task
Writing is not merely about putting words on paper; it’s a process that helps us think more clearly and deeply about the topics we encounter. In a world where attention spans are dwindling and distractions abound, writing provides a rare opportunity to slow down. It compels us to concentrate on the subject at hand. When you write, you’re forced to think through your ideas thoroughly, helping you develop a more profound understanding of what you’re discussing.
Mortimer Adler, a famous philosopher, once said, “The person who says he knows what he thinks but cannot express it usually does not know what he thinks.” This statement highlights that writing is a way to uncover your understanding of a subject. When you try to articulate your thoughts in writing, you often realise that your understanding may be more superficial than you initially believed. Writing acts as a mirror, reflecting your thoughts back to you and revealing the gaps in your understanding.
Writing encourages you to engage with complex topics. When faced with a difficult problem, writing allows you to wrestle with your ideas, transforming confusion into clarity. You might find that the act of writing helps you discover insights you didn’t know you had. Paul Graham, a successful entrepreneur and essayist, emphasises this point by stating that “a good writer will almost always discover new things in the process of writing.” This process not only enhances your knowledge but also sharpens your ability to think critically.
The Distinction Between Writing and Presentations
In many organisations, people often use PowerPoint presentations to convey their ideas. However, there is a crucial difference between writing and creating slides. PowerPoint can sometimes hide poor thinking behind attractive graphics. A well-designed presentation may impress the audience, but it doesn’t guarantee that the presenter understands the topic deeply. In fact, many presenters may only possess surface-level knowledge of what they’re talking about.
Writing, on the other hand, strips away any embellishments and focuses on the core ideas. It leaves no room for poor reasoning to hide. When you write, you must confront your understanding directly, and any gaps in your knowledge become apparent. This confrontation is a valuable part of the learning process. Sharing your writing with others allows you to test your ideas. Unlike a presentation where visuals might distract, writing demands clarity and depth, making it a more effective way to communicate your thoughts.
Writing teaches you the value of editing. Revising your work can be challenging, as it often involves cutting parts that you may be attached to. This process of “killing your darlings” can lead to significant personal growth, helping you to differentiate between what is important and what is not. AI-generated text, in contrast, can be discarded without much thought, depriving you of this important learning experience.
Discovering Yourself Through Writing
Writing is not just about expressing ideas; it’s also about self-discovery. When you write, you convey not only your thoughts but also your personality and worldview. Your writing reflects who you are, and this connection makes the process deeply personal. As you engage in writing, you may uncover insights about yourself that you were previously unaware of.
In a world where many tasks can be easily outsourced to AI, the ability to think critically and express unique insights is becoming increasingly valuable.
Leave a Reply