Why Write?

The internet is full of voices yelling into the void. Why add my own? What can I possible add to the cacophony?

I’ve asked myself these questions many times, used them as an excuse not to put words to screen. Some notion will be kicking around my head, some muddy morass of ideas I’ve consumed. I want to share it, poke at it, put it to the test of others’ opinions. Polish it into something cogent and coherent. Maybe it’s the seed of something great? Maybe it’s dead in the cradle. How will I know? Why bother?

Social media is a rarely a good place for nuanced discussion. For me, the Facebook dopamine kick hits when an article or post results in civil, thoughtful commentary, rather than the more typical talking past each other. And yet, even that little token from the slot machine is a poor imitation of the fruitful conversations that could be happening in person, among friends and neighbors, if we still had the inclination (and now safety) to gather regularly and often with others for no other reason than good company.

Most often, “something interesting” shared just hangs out unappreciated, unremarked, and soon forgotten. More’s the pity…

So why write? I love ideas. I love to read. I love to think about what I read, chew it, and digest it. Maybe most of what comes out as a result is just the natural byproduct. But some of that substance forms the mental meat and provides the energy to grow towards better understanding and wiser action.

Writing is like taking a walk after a big dinner, both as exercise and digestive aid. And it’s always better with company.

So here I am, hoping someone will take the walk with me.