[10,000 Steps, 1,000 Characters a Day] "Writing by Hand and Reading Aloud Boosts Effectiveness"

The Power of Hand Transcription,
According to Classics Scholar Park Sumil of Hanyang University

The act of copying the contents of a book by hand is called "pilsaa," which literally means to transcribe with a brush. In an era where countless pieces of information are just a keystroke away and conversations with friends are possible at the touch of a smartphone, one might wonder whether there is any need to go through the trouble of writing by hand.

Park Sumil, a research professor of classics at Hanyang University, emphasizes, "The benefits of writing by hand are by no means insignificant." She explains, "Although it is a slower process, it helps sharpen the mind, strengthens one's ability to think, and fosters a calm disposition." Professor Park's research covers the humanities spirit of Silhak, writing, classical studies, and the history of East Asian exchanges. In 2015, she published "Classical Transcription: 71 Pieces of Ancient Wisdom to Enrich Life," a collection of meaningful passages and virtues essential for leaders.

There are numerous studies showing that writing by hand greatly aids brain development. Not only do people learn to read faster when they learn by writing, but they also demonstrate superior abilities in generating ideas and acquiring information. According to Professor Katya Feder of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Ottawa in Canada, students can recall what they have studied more easily when they take notes with a pen compared to memorizing without writing. This is because brain activity is stimulated when writing by hand.

Professor Park notes, "Writing by hand calms the mind and helps develop the power of thought." Typing on a keyboard is fast, leaving little time for reflection. However, writing each character by hand requires physical time and care, which naturally creates moments for contemplation. The sound of a pencil scratching on paper as you transcribe words brings calm and increases concentration. Since handwritten text is harder to erase, the process of carefully considering and writing each word helps cultivate deeper thinking. Professor Park adds, "Handwriting contains warm emotion and rich learning effects," and says, "It is even more effective to say the words aloud while writing by hand, rather than simply copying them."

How can one become a better writer? Professor Park, who has long studied Yeonam Park Ji-won (1737-1805), recommends the writing methods of this great literary figure. First, she advises, "Write with sincerity." Expressing what you have directly seen, heard, and felt can transform even ordinary words into something new.

The second principle is to "Make it hurt and itch." In "Gwa-jeong-rok," written by Yeonam's second son, Park Jong-chae, Yeonam says, "If your writing neither hurts nor itches, and if every phrase is mediocre and indecisive, what use is such writing?" Professor Park explains, "Yeonam's writing made readers feel pain, embarrassment, anger, enlightenment, and motivation."

The third principle is to "Capture what is right before your eyes," focusing on the present reality. The fourth is to "Reveal flaws and imperfections" to portray a more vivid and authentic human image. In her book "The Charm of Yeonam's Prose," published in November last year, Professor Park wrote, "Yeonam excelled in the use of metaphor and was a leading intellect of his era, skillfully expressing his thoughts and reflections in prose." She added, "Yeonam was the greatest writer of the Joseon Dynasty and a figure who ranks among the most important in the intellectual history of Korean classics."