oh, no comma, watch out!

More than any other mark, the comma draws our attention to the mixed origins of modern punctuation, and its consequent mingling of two quite distinct functions: To illuminate the grammar of a sentence 2 To point up-… literary qualities as rhythm, direction, pitch, tone and flow (70  Eats shoots and Leaves)

These are two very important functions that we do not give the comma to much credit for.  Have you ever tired to read a sentence that needs commas with out them? How did anyone read when commas were non-existent? Not only do you not know what it saying but you run out of breath. Where would the world be today with out punctuation. Obviously past generations felt is was important to make marks in order to clarify the meaning of their writings so it must be important. I never thought of punctuation this way but it truly is