In The Power of Writing by Joel Swerdlow, we discover the importance of writing for our civilization. Over the years, written information has become the main means of communication. Individuals use whatever is available to write to convey their message. Early forms of writing include carving symbols into stone and bone, written leaves, silk, papyrus, parchment, and paper. Currently, writing is used in many contexts; for example, we have books, text messages, online blogs, sayings, road signs and emails. There are no limits to written information and, most importantly, it can be retained indefinitely. Writing helps me communicate to others my identity, my creativity and my imagination. Individually, I use writing to compose lyrics, write about my personal experiences, and to connect with my family. In my opinion, writing is an important communication tool in my personal and professional development, because it provides insight into my individual ideas. Identity can be defined as the unique characteristic belonging to a given individual. It depends on who you are, what you think about yourself, how the world perceives you, and the characteristics that define you. As a student, I often write papers regarding opinions on several topics. For the most part, I use my personal experiences to form an informed opinion. I believe my identity is conveyed through writing about my personal experiences, when advice is sought. According to Swerdlow, written material provides important characteristics of individuals: "Writing is so powerful that the beginnings of civilization and history are most often defined as movement cultures develop them." Anthropologists can only paint the contours of ancient society...... middle of paper ... to feel the same emotion as me. According to Swerdlow, writing has the power to move hearts and minds. “But Wei’s story proclaims the greatest power of writing: its ability to move hearts and minds” (32). In my opinion, Swerdlow accurately believes that writing touches hearts and minds. Because when I compose, that's my main intention. In conclusion, writing helps me communicate with others in different ways. Writing is a remarkable form of communication because it allows me to recognize my identity through my living experience. It also helps me connect and communicate with my loved ones living abroad. Finally, writing allows me to touch hearts by composing musical lyrics. Works Cited Swerdlow, Joel. “The power of writing.” Living in the World: Cultural Themes for Writers. Ed. Tatiana M. Holway. Boston: Australia: National Geographic Learning, 2013. 28-42. Print.