Via Basel: Write More, Say Less

Art by Tifenn Python

Via Basel: Write, then Speak or Write More, Say Less

Abstract thinking, imagination followed by vocalization is a distinctive and critical feature in our human species development, probably the main difference that separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom. We should be grateful for our evolution to speaking creatures, capable of interacting and communicating complicated details that allowed us to cooperate and rise to the top of the food chain, as well as controlling nature to a certain extent. Language developed in its many varieties all over the planet. All the above took several hundred thousands of years to gradually manifest. Much later, 5500 years ago, we have the first evidence of writing, anywhere, in Mesopotamia (present day Iraq), called cuneiform. The whole process is fascinating, informative, fun, and teaches us a lot about our species. For a hilarious and informative lecture by a Darwin-like character go to: Cracking Ancient Codes: Cuneiform Writing – with Irving Finkel on You Tube.

The purpose early on was to record stuff, commerce etc., but then our ancestors magically started to introduce phonetics into these writings, allowing for even more sophisticated communication and the spoken word. Eventually stories, myths, musings, and wisdom were recorded, giving rise to literature and poetry. Of course through much of history only scribes and educated privileged people could actually write and read it. Most of our fellow sapiens were illiterate until recently, maybe a couple of centuries ago. Now we take writing for granted and recently, with online technology, computers, and lately AI, it has been reduced to short bursts on platforms like Facebook or Instagram, Twitter, etc. There are, however, lots of authors, poets, and writers of all sorts, but the average person mostly communicates verbally in speech, or electronically as I am doing now but in shorter, abbreviated ways. Less often in leisurely, expansive, and detailed ways. If a column or essay or any information is more than a few lines or takes more than a few minutes to read, we get impatient, either ignore it or skim it, missing the nuances and intricacies that constitute the essence of what is to be conveyed.

Sitting down and writing, whether by hand or digital means, allows our thoughts to settle, ripen, and mature and is thus more likely to inform and help than deceive and hurt. The pause, the hesitation while we put our thoughts into words, is beneficial in training ourselves to speak wisely and authentically. Skillful and mindful speech is needed more than ever today. Practicing writing, I believe, will have a positive effect on how and what we say, as well as preparing us to give a wise, time-controlled response rather than a rash reaction when provoked or challenged. Our ancestors appreciated writing so much they considered it sacred and even spiritual; thus the variety of scriptures from different cultures and regions. 

Your writing does not have to be a literary masterpiece. Just pen down your thoughts, present feelings, maybe even your story in a notebook or diary, or type it on your favorite word processor system. Be bold and authentic. Make a habit of it, if not daily, then weekly or monthly. Years later, when you read it and reacquaint yourself with your younger self, it may turn out to be the best gift you gave yourself, allowing you to assess and evaluate your growth, or lack of it, from a wider and fuller perspective. An added bonus: your progeny, or future generations, may be interested in it someday, have fun with it or learn from it, keeping the memories alive, so deep and vivid, like no picture or painting can.     

Basel Al-Aswad, father of EIL founder Christopher Al-Aswad, is a yogi trapped in an Orthopedic Surgeon’s body. His loves in life include reading, writing, hiking, enjoying nature, meditation, and spending time with his large Iraqi family, and now, semi-retired, he is exploring new avenues in medicine, education, public speaking, teaching, and social engagement.

More art by Tifenn Python at EIL

Moleskine project at EIL

World’s Oldest Writing at YouTube