“The act of writing itself is like an act of love. There is contact. There is exchange too. We no longer know whether the words come out of the ink onto the page, or whether they emerge from the page itself where they were sleeping, the ink merely giving them colour.”- Georges Rodenbach, The Bells of Bruges

Those who grew up penning letters know what went into writing one. It was an act of transferring one’s thoughts and a bit of one’s soul through the ink on paper. Whether it was a letter between lovers or between parent and child or siblings or penpals, it was a personal creation that carried the emotions of the sender to the receiver. You could perceive the mood of the sender and, to an extent, even their health based on the quality and legibility of the writing.

A few months ago, I was clearing up my in-laws’ old flat. I came across bundles of letters received by my mother-in-law from her father, mother, siblings and even friends, many of them no more. When I brought them back to her, she shed tears of joy. You can feel the physical presence of the sender when you read a handwritten letter, something which is missing in this digital age.

In an era where instant messaging, emails, and social media dominate communication, the handwritten letter has become a rarity. Once an essential form of correspondence, the art of letter writing has faded into the background, replaced by the speed and efficiency of digital communication. But has it truly become a lost art, or does it still hold a special place in our increasingly digital world?

The Historical Significance of Handwritten Letters

For centuries, handwritten letters were the primary means of communication across distances. From love letters exchanged between lovers to correspondences between intellectuals and politicians, letters were a personal and profound way to express emotions, ideas, and information. Great historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, Vincent van Gogh, and Jane Austen left behind letters that provide valuable insights into their thoughts and personalities.

Before the advent of the telephone and the internet, letters were treasured, often kept as keepsakes and passed down through generations. They carried the writer’s emotions through the physical strokes of a pen, creating a tangible connection between the sender and the recipient. The act of writing, sealing, and mailing a letter required time and effort, making the message more meaningful and personal.

The Rise of Digital Communication

With the rise of digital technology, communication has become instant. Emails, text messages, and social media platforms allow people to send and receive messages within seconds. This shift has dramatically changed the way we connect with one another. The convenience and efficiency of digital communication have made it the preferred method for both personal and professional interactions. When you are connected in real-time 24*7, the need to meticulously draft a letter covering the events of the past few days is lost. Today, all news is updated within seconds via WhatsApp messages.

However, while digital communication is fast and efficient, it lacks the personal touch of a handwritten letter. A typed email does not convey the same depth of emotion as a handwritten note. Autocorrect and pre-written responses often strip messages of personality and sincerity, reducing them to mere exchanges of information rather than heartfelt expressions.

The Emotional and Psychological Impact of Handwritten Letters

Handwritten letters evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth that digital messages cannot replicate. There is something deeply personal about receiving a handwritten letter—knowing that someone took the time to write, fold, and mail it makes the message feel special. Studies have shown that writing by hand engages the brain differently than typing, promoting better memory retention and emotional connection.

For many, writing letters is a therapeutic process. The act of putting pen to paper forces the writer to slow down and be intentional with their words. Unlike digital messages that can be easily edited or deleted, handwritten letters capture the raw and authentic emotions of the moment.

The Role of Handwritten Letters in Modern Times

Despite the decline in letter writing, there are still moments when handwritten letters are cherished. Love letters, thank-you notes, and handwritten invitations carry a sentimental value that digital messages lack. Many people still keep handwritten letters from loved ones, treasuring them as mementoes of important moments in their lives.

In professional settings, handwritten letters can make a lasting impression. A well-crafted thank-you note after a job interview or a handwritten message to a valued client can set one apart in a world dominated by impersonal digital communication.

Moreover, movements promoting the revival of letter-writing have emerged in recent years. Organisations like the Letter Writers Alliance ( now retired) and events like National Letter Writing Month encourage people to embrace this art form again. Social media influencers and stationery brands also advocate for the charm and benefits of writing letters, proving that this tradition is far from obsolete.

The Challenges of Keeping Handwritten Letters Alive

The decline of handwritten letters can be attributed to several factors. The fast-paced nature of modern life leaves little time for letter writing. The convenience of typing and sending messages instantly makes writing letters seem unnecessary. Additionally, postal services are becoming less relevant, with fewer people willing to go through the process of mailing a letter. 

Though long personal emails or the digital equivalent of a handwritten letter can carry deep emotions, but handwriting adds another layer of intimacy.

That’s where another challenge comes in –  the fading practice of cursive writing. Many schools have removed cursive handwriting from their curricula, making it difficult for younger generations to appreciate or engage in letter writing. As digital devices become the primary tools for communication, the ability to write longhand is slowly diminishing.

Preserving the Art of Letter Writing

While digital communication continues to dominate, there are ways to preserve the beauty of handwritten letters. Encouraging children to write letters to friends and family members can help keep the practice alive. Parents and educators can emphasise the value of handwriting by incorporating letter-writing activities in school curricula.

For those who appreciate the charm of handwritten letters, taking the time to write to loved ones can be a fulfilling experience. Keeping a collection of meaningful letters can also serve as a reminder of the personal connections that transcend digital interactions.

Businesses can also contribute to preserving this art by including handwritten elements in their branding and communication strategies. Handwritten thank-you notes, holiday cards, and personalised messages can create a more genuine connection with customers and clients.

Conclusion

The art of handwritten letters may have declined, but it is not entirely lost. In a world where digital communication reigns supreme, handwritten letters offer a refreshing and meaningful way to connect. Their ability to convey emotions, preserve memories, and create lasting impressions makes them irreplaceable. While we may never return to a time when letters were the primary form of communication, embracing the beauty of letter writing can add depth and sincerity to our modern interactions. Whether as a personal gesture or a professional touch, handwritten letters continue to hold a special place in our hearts, proving that some traditions are timeless. It would be apt to conclude with a quote from Haruki Murakami.

“I’ll write to you. A super-long letter, like in an old-fashioned novel”- Haruki Murakami, After Dark

Author: Bharathy Easwar