Signature moves: are we losing the ability to write by hand?
Briefly

The autopen, a mechanical device that replicates signatures, has sparked debate over authenticity in signatures, especially in high-stakes environments like the White House and military. Controversies arose when figures like Donald Rumsfeld and Bob Dylan used autopens for personal and artistic purposes, prompting discussions on the value of handwritten signatures as expressions of individuality. Handwriting conveys personality and emotion, as archival research reveals the unique quirks of scripts, highlighting the disparity between machine-made signatures and authentic human connection.
‘Using a machine was an error in judgment and I want to rectify it immediately’ — Bob Dylan on his use of an autopen for signing his book.
The ambivalence surrounding autopens reflects our complex relationship with handwriting, which signifies individuality and deeper connection.
The autopen represents a blend of efficiency and emotional detachment, raising questions about authenticity in signatures and the implications for personal connection.
Decoding handwriting offers a unique insight into an individual's personality, with scripts revealing emotional states and personal diligence through the quirks of penmanship.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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