Since, the beginning of written language, humans have recorded both necessary and non-necessary information on a surface using staining substance.

For the Egyptians, it was clay tablets and natural tints. For the Chinese, it was parchment and black ink. Although these civilizations were complete and polar opposites, their one similarity was in writing.

It is the one thing all ancient civilizations and today's cultures all share.

Why do we do it?

For necessity, on one hand, as we need a place to store knowledge that we have gained permanently and spread it through our community in an efficient manner.

For pleasure, on the other hand, which still remains a mystery to me. Why do we write simply for fun?

When did humans decide that writing could be used for more than just the necessary?

Of course, legends and myths were and still are used by some to attempt an understanding of human existence and origins and were transcribed to more easily spread it to others, but what of the tales and stories that are only written for enjoyment?

Why did Shakespeare decide to write "Romeo and Juliet" and Homer, "The Iliad"?

Why do we write?