> …forcing children to spend years learning longhand sums that can be easily done by computers. If we don't teach this, we'll forget how we got computers to do arithmetic in the first place. Not teaching basic arithmetic skills would be unconscionable.
Calligraphy is similar. Once an important art, now not even an afterthought. We need a understanding of math and algorithms but not really knowledge of the procedures.
However, contained within the process of learning long addition is a microcosm of our mathematical praxis: useful parables about logic, pattern, deduction, notation, communication, quantity, and more. There is a great deal to be derived from its study which, by scaffolding young minds, leads to more mathematical scientists, and hence value for society. I would have great difficulty arguing the same for calligraphy.
I don't always go out walking because I have somewhere to go!