Transition from oral tradition to written word from "summary" of How The Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill
The Irish monks were not simply preserving the written word; they were also bridging a divide between the oral tradition of storytelling and the permanence of the written word. In the early days of civilization, stories and knowledge were passed down orally from one generation to the next. This oral tradition was the lifeblood of culture, preserving history, myths, and wisdom through the spoken word. However, as societies grew and changed, the limitations of oral tradition became apparent. Memories faded, details were lost or altered in the retelling, and the risk of entire stories being forgotten was always present. It was in this context that the transition to the written word became crucial. Writing provided a way to capture and preserve knowledge in a tangible form. It allowed for the precise recording of events, ideas, and concepts, ensuring that they would not be lost to time. The written word could be studied, analyzed, and shared with others i...
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