Handwriting
In our rapidly evolving era, where societal, educational, and economic models are in constant flux, it's intriguing to ponder the significance of handwriting, its place in our lives, and its role in our overall communication.
Among the many pillars that support our human society, education is the one that determines the fate of handwriting for future generations.
For instance, in the United States, cursive writing hasn't been mandatory for over 15 years in K-12 schools. This trend is mirrored across the Western world, where handwriting is gradually becoming an option rather than a requirement, and Belgium is no exception.
With classrooms increasingly equipped with tablets and laptops, the emphasis has shifted towards listening, comprehending, and transcribing information onto any medium available. Nowadays, digital writing is steadily overshadowing its traditional counterpart.
Writing has been an integral part of our history.
Throughout time, humans have relied on tools and mediums to transmit, explain, and preserve information.
To the question of whether handwriting will disappear, the resounding answer is no.
On the contrary, it is evolving to become more creative, instantaneous, self-correcting, and even generated by artificial intelligence.
Writing has been a means of communication since time immemorial; only the tools have changed.
Consider this a plea to preserve our ability to trace lines, dots, dashes, and to draw our communication on paper.
Take note of the opportunities we still have today to use a pen for writing.
Even our signature is no longer necessarily required to be handwritten; electronic signatures are becoming commonplace.
There is, however, one domain where handwriting retains its full value: personal messages.
Those handwritten notes that convey to the recipient that they are significant enough to warrant the use of a pen. While the occasions for such messages are diminishing over the years, let us celebrate this tool that some fine writing houses continue to craft—the beautiful pens reserved for special occasions, expressions of gratitude, and declarations of love.
Handwriting is more than just a practical skill; it's a canvas for showcasing your personality.
Graphology, the science of analyzing handwriting, underscores this point.
For all your truly important messages, putting pen to paper becomes a rare and highly valued gesture, allowing you to make a unique choice among these exceptional writing tools.
1. "Ascent of the Mont-Blanc Limited Edition" by Montblanc: In homage to the first ascent of Mont Blanc, this famous brand has created an exceptional and luxurious pen. It's the one you use when signing a significant document or aiming to put your best lines forward.
Montblanc Brussels - Ave Louise,11 - 1050 Brussels // or get this beauty online!
2. "Ebony" by Bentley in Partnership with Graf von Faber-Castell: Representing the pinnacle of luxury, this prestigious collaboration between Bentley and Graf von Faber-Castell gives birth to an extraordinary pen named "Ebony."
Bentley Brussels - Grand' route, 399 - 1620 Drogenbos // Or get this beauty online!
3. "The Year of the Tiger" by Caran d'Ache: Caran d'Ache presents a true masterpiece of writing with "The Year of the Tiger," undoubtedly one of the world's most exquisite fountain pens.
Les Papeteries NIAS - Chaussée de Charleroi, 4 - 1060 Brussels // Or get this beauty online!
4. "ATX Sandblasted" by CROSS: Since 1846, CROSS has been synonymous with fine writing. The ATX Sandblasted is a perfect example of their commitment to exceptional quality and unparalleled writing comfort, making it an ideal choice for your handwritten notes.
Les Papeteries NIAS - Chaussée de Charleroi, 4 - 1060 Brussels // Or get this beauty online!
5. "M800 Souverain" by Pelikan: Pelikan, a globally renowned brand known for its craftsmanship and innovations, offers a fabulous pen for your most important messages and signatures: the M800 Souverain.
Papeterie Pelikan Brussels - Spoorwegstraat 43, 1702 Dilbeek // Or get this beauty online!
These writing instruments go beyond mere tools; they are expressions of individuality, refined taste, and an appreciation for the art of writing by hand.