The Lost Art of Writing a Note by Hand

"There are so many digital platforms through which we interact these days that it's hardly surprising that we've nearly forgotten the most memorable way of all to communicate: with pen and paper. A CBS News poll conducted in 2021 found that less than a third of Americans had hand-written a single personal letter in the previous five years."

"Making your thoughts clear on paper doesn't always come easy. But the effort is precisely what makes it an expression of thoughtfulness. And unless you have something particularly unpleasant to impart, such a note will not only be received with gratitude but remembered too."

"You can of course write a letter in just about any form of ink using any kind of pen. But if you really want to make an impression ditch the sharpie and buy yourself a proper fountain pen. A good one is expensive but, properly used and maintained, it will last for years."

Handwritten communication has dramatically declined in modern society, with less than a third of Americans writing personal letters in five years and creative handwriting among children dropping 61 percent since 2010. Despite this trend, handwritten letters remain a powerful form of human expression that stands out in an increasingly digital world. Writing meaningful letters requires three essential elements: pen, paper, and time. The effort invested in composing handwritten correspondence demonstrates genuine thoughtfulness and care, making such notes memorable and appreciated by recipients. Using a quality fountain pen elevates the experience and creates a lasting tool that, with proper maintenance, endures for years.

Read at Esquire