Why Do You Need to Write?
By: Dr. Ali Aminulloh, M.Pd.I. ME (Lecturer at IAI Alazis)
Humans are special creatures. Not only because we are homo sapiens, but also because we are homo lague, the creators of words. From the beginning, words have been the foundation of civilization. The world’s first holy book begins with a command to read, a call inseparable from its object: writing. This is what distinguishes humans from other creatures—our ability to record thoughts, feelings, and knowledge in writing.
Remember, the messages of the prophets came to us not only orally, but also because someone wrote them down. Prophet Abraham had sacred tablets, as did Moses. The Latin proverb says, verba volant, scripta manent—speech will perish, writing will last. And indeed, writing is the eternal bridge between the past and the future.
Writing, the Most Powerful Weapon in the Modern Era
In today’s information age, writing is no longer just a hobby, but a necessity. In communication theory, writing has undeniable urgency. Writing is the most effective way to convey ideas in a structured, organized, and clear manner. It is a documentation tool that helps us archive memories, knowledge, and decisions for future reference. Furthermore, the process of writing is a thinking process in itself. By writing, we not only record but also clarify and develop ideas that are still vague in our minds.
Communication experts like Marshall McLuhan and Peter Elbow understood this power well. McLuhan saw writing as a medium that shapes messages, while Elbow viewed writing as an expressive process that helps us produce meaningful works. So, when you write, you are not only communicating with others but also communicating with yourself, organizing scattered ideas.
Time to Make Your Ideas Immortal
So, why should we write and publish them in the media? The benefits are numerous. First, your writing will increase the visibility of your brilliant ideas. When you write in the media, you open a window for those ideas to be seen by a wider audience. Second, it is an opportunity for interaction. Writing in the media can spark discussion, criticism, and constructive feedback. Third, and most importantly, writing in the media can build your credibility. It establishes you as a writer, an expert, or even an inspiration in your field.
An elephant dies, leaving its tusks behind, a tiger dies, leaving its stripes behind, and a journalist dies, leaving its writing behind. That’s why writing is a symbol of eternity. It’s an indelible imprint, a legacy that endures through time.
Epilogue: Writing: Proof of Your Immortality
So, don’t let your brilliant ideas just sit in your head. Don’t let your great ideas simply evaporate. Grab a pen or open your laptop now. Start writing, and let the world read what’s inside you. Because by writing, you’re not just leaving words behind, but also a lasting imprint that will live on and inspire, even long after you’re gone. Start writing, and you’ll immortalize yourself.*
Indramayu, Indonesia, August 8, 2025
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