From Scrolls to Screens: How Socrates’ Fear of Writing Echoes in the Age of AI
Finding harmony between technological advancements and humans
Long ago in ancient Greece, the philosopher Socrates voiced a concern that might surprise us today.
He feared that the written word — newly popular in his time — would erode human memory and weaken true understanding.
Socrates preferred the rich, dynamic exchange of ideas in face-to-face dialogue, where people had to actively listen, remember, and respond. Writing, he believed, was a shortcut that might make people rely on records rather than real conversation, undermining the connections he so valued.
But while Socrates’ fears were well-founded, we know now that writing didn’t destroy dialogue or erode human memory. Instead, it did the opposite.
It transformed knowledge, allowing it to travel across generations and cultures. It preserved ideas, sparked new ones, and ultimately enriched human connection. Today, we rely on books, letters, and records to communicate ideas and emotions that might otherwise be lost.
The written word didn’t replace our need for conversation; it expanded it, creating new ways for humans to connect.
