The Secret Code of Sounds: How Early Humans Invented Writing
Explore the history of writing and early human communication. Discover how hunter-gatherers used ancient symbols and cave art to share survival stories.
Best quote from The Secret Code of Sounds: How Early Humans Invented Writing
A book is really just a stack of paper with ink stains on it until a child learns the code. The moment they connect the sound to the shape, the paper disappears and they are in a world of imagination.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
My seven year old Abigail wants to learn how letters and alphabets were invented and phonics too
Frequently Asked Questions
Before letters existed, early humans communicated through a system of ancient symbols and drawings. These first writers were actually artists who carved images into rocks or shells to represent people and things. For example, if someone wanted to represent a specific person, they might draw a stick figure and add a unique detail, like a tiny hat, to distinguish them from others in their community.
For hunter-gatherers, early communication was primarily focused on survival. These early humans spent their days hunting animals and gathering food, so their carvings and symbols were used to share vital information. This included sharing tips on where to find nuts and berries or providing instructions on how to hunt, making their early writing a practical tool for staying alive and finding their next meal.
Early humans used literal drawings to tell their stories, similar to a game of Pictionary. Instead of using an alphabet, they carved symbols into natural materials like shells and rocks to represent the world around them. These symbols included depictions of people and animals, such as giant woolly mammoths, allowing them to warn others of nearby creatures or document their hunting experiences long before libraries or iPads existed.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
