Writing a sign of devolution

Who agrees with this: A spoken word is greater than a written word. So, is writing really a sign of an advanced people? Maybe writing is a sign of devolution? Just a thought. We need words, but if we were really as advanced as we think we are, would we still “need” writing over memorization and oral tradition? Those with memory problems end up having to resort to writing everything down. Those with an “evolved” mind and memory would not write things down, would they? Another example: those with a healthier/advanced/disciplined memory would probably have integrity with their spoken words and would not need a written signed contract to make a deal… a handshake and their “word” would be their bond. What do you think? When you learn a new language, do you have to practice the writing part to learn to speak the new language? I don’t know since I’ve never learned another language fluently. But babies don’t need to learn to write the letters/words to begin speaking and understanding the language their parents teach them. So, I wonder if we were truly the most progressed of all humans in history, would we need all of this writing and language to be the greatest example of human achievement in history? Would we need to use written numbers to count what “belongs” to us? Do we (the English speaking “civilized” peoples of the West, especially, who assume with gross arrogance that our minds are able to do “anything” if we just keep exploring and writing papers about our “disoveries”) really do everything with excellence these days? Does our planet say so? Does the “3rd world” believe we are the epitome of awesomeness in the history of humanity? I love books and reading as much as the next bookworm and nerd. But I still wonder if maybe we need a little more humility regarding our “progress” and less “short cuts”, which we call technology/writing/documents full of written words words words…overwhelming confusing knowledge and words. :)

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Reading The Discarded Image by C. S. Lewis. He is of course coming from the assumption that we modern humans are more advanced than our Medieval and even more so our ancient relatives - specifically civilizations. So, although he reveres their perspectives, he would probably still hold that we are more advanced in “truth” than they were understanding the world and the universe and even God - even though he likes their view of the heavens back then. And he would say that there are some things that have been lost to us today because we are a little (or a lot) more shallow than we were.

I see the increase of writing/literacy as a correlation between our increase of shallow thought and belief. C. S. Lewis may not see that. Most people, naturally, assume literacy is always good. The ability for everyone to write is a good thing. But I could show how it is a devolution becuase we rely too much now on words and writing instead of the power of memorization, spoken words, storytelling (out loud), imagination and symbolism. I will call it WONDER. We are in a continual loss of Wonder which I think is an essential element of the human experience.