The Value of Written Expression

Another very short essay

The printed exchange of ideas is of incalculable worth, without it we occupy a world undefined. The verbal exchange of ideas is not as exact and thus, less valued. As words are spoken we rub them with emotion and the air which they infuse becomes incensed. Ephemeral words’ building a cathedral of emotion, but the passion remains with no groundwork and the edifice collapses. In the aftermath we are left in a swirling puff of dirt and rubble, with a countenance of severe disquiet; probing for the expressively injured.

In contrast, the written word is definite and lasting; offering sovereignty from time so an issue might be considered more precisely. Significances enduring long after passions abate so it may be appraised with lucid thought and reason. This advantage does not come without deficiencies. The innate consequence of any anthology of durable expressions is the incapacity to echo the rapid amendments to the social order. Writers are therefore fated to episodically vacillate from fool to sage and from sage to fool with the evolutions and reversions of culture.

 

How can I know what I think till I see what I say?

                          E. M. Forster

Reviews

[Patricia Chase]

well said.