The Relevance of Cursive in the Digital Age

With the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing reliance on computers and smartphones, the question often arises: is learning cursive still necessary? This article explores the significance of penmanship in our current digital era, the potential benefits of mastering cursive, and why it remains an impressive skill worth preserving.

Does the Digital Age Dictate Our Skill Set?

It’s true that we live in a digital age, but this shouldn’t dictate our skill set entirely. Many of us spend countless hours in front of screens, but we still find value in preserving certain traditional skills. For instance, I may use computers and smartphones regularly, but I also require penmanship for tasks such as signing checks and making notes. Just as we have coffee pods, we can still appreciate the old-fashioned French press and freshly ground coffee. In the same vein, preserving penmanship is a matter of personal choice and freedom. Good handwriting allows for legible notes, which can be incredibly useful, no matter what field one studies.

The Case of Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs is a prime example of how learning calligraphy—his form of penmanship—before embarking on a career in digital technology provides unexpected benefits. As a titan in the digital world, Jobs took calligraphy classes before his ascent to fame. His multifaceted education undoubtedly enriched his understanding of design and aesthetics, contributing to his visionary approach to technology. This shows that the time spent mastering penmanship, including cursive, is far from wasted. It can provide a broader perspective and creativity that technological advancements might not offer alone.

Is Touch Typing More Relevant Than Handwriting?

While cursive handwriting is less commonly required, touch typing is indeed a highly relevant modern skill. Most workplace interactions involve typing on a keyboard, making it an essential tool for communication and productivity. However, handwriting in cursive, although not as widely necessary, still holds sentimental and practical value. It allows for a more tactile and personalized form of communication, especially during brainstorming sessions. While the final submissions are often typed, the initial handwritten drafts can capture the essence of creative thought.

The Disappearance of Penmanship

Unfortunately, penmanship in general is becoming a lost art. Many educational institutions have moved away from requiring cursive writing in classrooms, and most professionals do not require you to submit work in cursive. For a copywriter like myself, who has been in the industry for almost a decade, I’ve never been asked to submit a copy deck in cursive or anything handwritten. Instead, hand typing has become the norm for note-taking and copywriting.

Personal Experience and Reflection

Reflecting on my own experience, I was often assigned essays and writing prompts to be completed in class over the span of 45 minutes, a challenge that lusted to keep up with the pace of my ideas. However, this practice led to hand pain and the development of an aversion to writing. This negative association nearly convinced me to avoid a career in writing entirely. But as I grew up and entered the profession, I found that I didn’t need to write by hand unless I wanted to.

Conclusion

While writing by hand and in cursive is no longer as crucial as it once was, the discipline and artistry of penmanship remain impressive. Cursive handwriting, while not technically required in the digital age, offers a unique form of creative expression and legibility that can be invaluable in certain contexts. Whether for personal gratification, professional advantage, or simply for the pleasure of creating beautiful penmanship, the skill of cursive remains a relevant and worthwhile pursuit.