Bring Back the Lost Art of Letters

As modern technology has developed and the internet has seemingly pervaded all forms of communication, the act of writing letters has grown increasingly out of style, something which may be contributing to a less-caring world. 

Though the practice of letter writing has existed since ancient times, it became most popular in the 18th century, a period named the “Great Age of Letter Writing.” The popularity of letters rose out of necessity, as in the time of American exploration, letters were used to conduct business and connect families forced to split up in search of a better life, according to the National Postal Museum. 

Too focused on their day-to-day lives, people now rarely take out the time to address a personalized letter to loving grandparents, a long-distance significant other or a missed friend. 

The main reason for this lies in a simple lack of motivation. Writing letters seems unnecessary to many because there’s other quicker ways to interact that don’t require sitting down with a pen and paper. 

During the 18th century, letters were the only available form of long-distance communication. Letter writing was even embedded into school teachings, according to the American Philosophical Society. 

The practice has faded as more ways to communicate have emerged, but receiving an addressed, hand-written letter will always be infinitely nicer than a quick text. 

It’s obvious to anyone who receives a letter how much care was put into it. As opposed to texts, a letter contains the receiver’s name, along with a sign-off from the writer themself. The body typically contains multiple topics — updates about their life, inquiries about the receiver’s life and an expression of well wishes. 

We should more frequently exchange letters because they’re a physical piece of paper which can be used as decoration or simply as a keepsake. Postcards and letters sent decades ago can still be found today, and are often cherished and admired by people who weren’t even involved in the exchange. 

Despite living within today’s fast-paced mentality, it’s important to not always be in a rush. There’s always enough time to think of someone. Letters simply provide a level of personalization and care texts don’t allow, and are therefore an easy way to let someone know they’re loved. 

Even if a text is sent to ask about someone’s well-being, chances are it won’t hold the level of detail necessary to make someone’s day. Especially today, letters are so rare they can brighten someone’s mood just by their unexpected nature alone. 

More than ever, our culture is fixated on hustling and living by the Silicon Valley maxim described in The New York Times, “Done is better than perfect.” Though it’s important here and there to not get hung up on details, reaching out to a loved one is an instance where perfecting a letter is almost always better than rushing a text. 

It’s important to not rush a task intended to make someone feel important. 

People are becoming more focused on themselves, according to Psychology Today, which threatens greater economic disparity and less concern for the less fortunate. It may seem dramatic to compare not writing a letter to not caring, but writing letters is a simple way to be more thoughtful.

Sending texts is so common now, the short, digital messages don’t adequately convey the love many of us share with each other. Dropping a letter in a mailbox instead of pressing “send” is an undemanding way to let someone know you love them.