Why do you think ordinary men and women did not generally keep records of what they did?

Ordinary men and women in history often refrained from keeping records due to a confluence of practical, cultural, and socio-economic factors. Limited access to resources such as paper, ink, and writing tools posed a significant barrier, making record-keeping a luxury many could ill afford. Moreover, widespread illiteracy prevalent in numerous societies impeded the ability of individuals to document their experiences in written form. The oral tradition, prevalent in various cultures, served as a primary means of transmitting information, rendering written records less essential.

The exigencies of daily life, particularly the struggle for basic survival, diverted attention away from the luxury of documentation. People engaged in labor-intensive activities related to subsistence, leaving little time or inclination for recording their daily experiences. Additionally, a lack of awareness regarding the historical significance of personal activities and a cultural emphasis on oral storytelling rather than written documentation further discouraged record-keeping. In societies where formal education was scant, the skills necessary for recording one’s experiences were not widespread. The transient nature of available materials also played a role, as early writing surfaces were often perishable. In essence, a combination of practical constraints, cultural norms, and the pressing demands of daily life contributed to the historical absence of widespread record-keeping among ordinary men and women.