[tene80i]

This only follows if the only value/worth you consider is economic value, ie for trade. Which would exclude much of what people value: creativity, scientific knowledge, insights for living, personal growth etc. Obviously those have economic value in certain ways, but it’s not their only value.

[tuatoru]

Yes, getting better at communicating clearly and effectively is worth the time for social reasons. Aesthetic reasons can be important too.

[jodrellblank]

How would one know they are getting better at communicating clearly and effectively? Compare with code or drawing where mistakes are instantly seen. Writing doesn't have that, and if you read back your own writing you always know what you were thinking. Who has got time to read what you write, from an outside perspective, and reply with what they think you said, without getting involved in whether they dis/agree or dis/like?

Maybe there's a website in that - parrot.me where you post and other people reply only with paraphrasing what you said back to you.

[narinxas]

i'm just exactly at that "moment in life" where it's either 'make' money (i.e. collect it from others using trade) or recieve welfare (ask for donations, beg on the streets, call parents...)

[vonjuice]

I think cooking is a good analogy. You may have no desire to get into the food industry, but having cooking skills is good for you (and potentially those around you) regardless.