What is the original purpose of writing?

The original purpose of writing is difficult to pinpoint definitively, as it evolved gradually over a long period. However, the most widely accepted view is that writing initially served as a tool for record-keeping. Early writing systems weren't used for storytelling or poetry; their primary function was to:

* Track goods and resources: Early civilizations needed to keep track of inventories, taxes, and trade. This need spurred the development of systems for representing numbers and quantities.

* Maintain administrative records: Governments and temples required systems for documenting laws, decrees, and religious rituals.

* Preserve historical events: Important happenings, lineage, and significant dates were recorded to transmit knowledge across generations.

Essentially, writing emerged as a more reliable and efficient way of remembering and communicating information than oral traditions alone, particularly information that was crucial for the functioning of complex societies. While artistic and literary uses developed later, the core original purpose was practical and functional: to record and preserve important data.