kickaha: (Default)
kickaha ([personal profile] kickaha) wrote2003-03-04 03:31 pm

Powdered Whigs

I've been reading a lovely little self-culturally-boosting book called "How the Scots Invented the Modern World", tracing out the historical rise of the Scottish Enlightenment, and how it rose more or less simultaneously with (slightly before), and fed, 'The' Enlightenment of the Continent, leading in turn to many of the social, economic and legal systems we call Western Civilization.

During this little jaunt out of my own field, I've been struck by how closely my own personal beliefs seem to align with the selected writing snippets of some of the intellects of the time. Note to self: Must read more.

Along the way though, I've found myself inquiring about the seeming fall of writing in modern culture. We don't write, we type. We don't mail, we blog. Anyone can 'publish' a tract. Wonderfully democractic and liberating.

But really unsatisfying, in my mind. I want the scratch of nib on paper, the flow of ink across rough fibers... *something* that gives me feedback on a physical and tactile level that the act of creation not only *exists* but that by god, it just might *matter*. Carpal tunnel is not that feedback.

Screw the Internet, I want a quill.
lovecraftcomplex: Rose Lalonde scribbling on a Squiddles poster. (Default)

[personal profile] lovecraftcomplex 2003-03-04 12:58 pm (UTC)(link)
This made me smile. Thanks!
ext_17627: by kristoir (nightbyrd)

I find fountain pens immensely satisfying.

[identity profile] byrdie.livejournal.com 2003-03-04 01:29 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't have the patience for calligraphy, and I've never tried a quill, but the scratch of a fountain pen on rough paper is a lovely sensation. Also, mixing my own inks makes me feel like I have a pretty version of a Junior Scientist Kit. =}

[identity profile] ginkgo.livejournal.com 2003-03-04 02:54 pm (UTC)(link)
While I wholeheartedly agree, there are few things in this world more frustrating than being a few minutes away from finishing a pen and ink drawing on vellum only to have the nib stick and splatter ink droplets everywhere. It's like having your pen give your drawing an india ink raspberry.

No, I wasn't going for a stippled effect there, thanks.

As to your other points, I'm sure you will have a great time visiting my childhood to discuss such things with my father. ;)