Dear ones, give it a thought. Should the card say my name, my designation and my address? Does it sound perfect? I may wish to express my personality in a way that people would remember me. Maybe I would like to express the status of my relationship. Then there is an opinion about pronouns and title.

Cards have an interesting history. In China cards were used very early. In ancient China, tiny ornate cards were used between traders, requesting for a meeting. These were on a piece of wood or on paper. They stated the name, title, job description and a few words about themselves. The oldest card is dated to 300 CE. This card could have gold engraving if used by an aristocrat.

Then In 15th century China visiting cards were used to announce the intention of the visitor and left outside the residence. Then the receiver of the card, would look at the card and decide whether he would meet him and have a meeting. In 18th Century Europe, the cards were decorative, adorned with crests and flourishes. The material was variable. It could be silk, heavy paper or maybe metal. One side had the information and the other was blank, to write a note.

Let us get back to ourselves, what kind of card would one like to have? What should the card be made out of. Just our name? Our title? Our purpose? Do I have to look inwards? Do I ask these questions, who am I, to myself? How do I see myself in position to the world? It is not easy. We can make it funny; it can be either self-depreciating or self-indulgent. We can be serious and genuine. It is our self-expression.

Give it a try.

Aim Hrim Klim

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash