Many years spent in writing, editing and research have convinced me that, used intelligently, writing is an invaluable form of communication that enables us to develop our thinking and influence others.
Using writing intelligently includes giving our writing a 'social life' - in other words, making sure what we have written does not disappear into a black hole but that we use it to stimulate conversation and dialogue.
Historically, writing technologies (writing, printing, computers and more recently the web), have profoundly shaped the world of work. For example, they have privileged plans and bureaucracy over spontaneity, creativity and face-to-face contact. If you have an appetite to read more, see my book chapter on this subject.