Writing is perhaps the first human technology, a critical tool for gathering, recording, interpreting, and storing information.
It’s not “writing,” per se, in all the cases I’m about to note here. But I’ve compiled a basic evolution of how we humans put some kind of object to another kind of object to communicate one thing or another. Now with this very “clear” communication, the following is what I mean.
Paintings on Cave Walls
Vestiges of ancient cave paintings show pictures painted with stone, charcoal mixed with animal fat, and various other dyes from fruits and vegetables. These drawings don’t mean anything to us now, but they left a form of communication that was understood among their people.
Pictures on Clay Tablets
Early administrative functions were recorded with a sharp tool drawing pictures on soft clay. This method of recording information was developed in what was Mesopotamia, now Iraq.
Reed on Papyrus
Reed pens were used in the 4th century BC for writing on papyrus and continued to be used for many centuries after.
Feather Quill on Parchment
Moving up in the technical world of writing was the feather quill and ink used to write on parchment paper.
Chalk on Slate
The earliest writing tools for math and alphabets in schools were chalk used to write on slate.
Pen and Pencil to Paper
Most of us (not all) grew up using these tools to record thoughts, assignments, letters, and general communication.
Fingers on Keyboards
This is what I mean when I say not all above, because Millennials, and Generation Z folks were mostly brought up putting fingers on keyboards as their only writing tools.
Thumbs on Phone
It is inevitable that at some future time, evolution will step in with some modification of today’s physiology because of the prevalent use of thumbs on smart phones.
Humans and AI
Artificial intelligence is blasting off its launchpad with promises and threats about how we humans will use it to further communication.
AI and Humans
Finally, there is the terrifying possibility that AI may one day control humans, and all the communication we may ever seek to do.
madmuser 