Is the Pen Mightier than the Sword? Change, Motivation and Truth
Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012
by Steve Kovacs
The Kovacs Perspective
In 1839 English author, Edward Bulwer-Lytton coined the phrase: The pen is mightier than the sword. Since then, many have quoted the words and now they are considered a proverb. It basically means words are more powerful and effective than weapons or force in accomplishing your purpose. Furthermore, that writing about ideas is more of a moving force than force can ever be. What do you think? Do you think words are actually more powerful than force or weapons?
Would words or writing about ideas of change have been more powerful in Iraq or in Afghanistan than America’s weapons and soldiers? Probably not for various reasons but on average the pen is mightier than the sword. Real or lasting change occurs when people are spurred to change by understanding or motivation. Conquering people by force is seldom everlasting and much of what the force caused to occur slowly reverts to how things were before.
A teacher can seldom make real lasting changes to an out of control or habitually unruly child by force alone. Motivating that child or helping him understand some basic truths can make a lasting change. Writing expressively can bring people to their own understanding of the truth of situations. The key phrase here is bringing people “to their own understanding of the truth."
If someone wants to convey their outlook or ideas and get others to take on their views, they must of course make it convincing to the person reading their words. However, it must truly light a spark of belief inside the reader for it to take real hold. Some people try to use force when writing with a pen or computer or communicating with words. They use forceful terms indicating if someone does not believe or side with them, they are fools. This seldom motivates people to their way of thinking.
All people, whether black, white, Asian, European, Christian, Jewish or Muslim must be touched inside themselves by writers for change to take hold. This is to say the writer’s words must spark a personal light in the reader, which the reader must discern and sort out and then possibly take on the writers ideas.
Yes, the pen, or communicating with others is more powerful than the sword for making real change. Communicating with people, whether by pen, computer or words has the possibility of sparking ideas of change and action inside humans where force could only at best, do temporarily.
I think it is wise to remember though that for anyone wanting to motivate or change someone to migrate over to his or her way of thinking, they must say the absolute truth regarding the matter and offer ideas that will help them make their own minds up—like leading by example towards the truth, in a sense. You seldom can force people to come to your side. However, by using honesty and facts, one can motivate people to the right side of an idea or to do the right thing. Even if you are incorrect in your ideas that you are trying to have others change to, by using your honesty, facts, and the mindset of having others open their minds to the truth they may yet get to the right side, possibly inadvertently by you. So, drop the sword, literally and figuratively, and grab a pen—it works better.
A teacher can seldom make real lasting changes to an out of control or habitually unruly child by force alone. Motivating that child or helping him understand some basic truths can make a lasting change. Writing expressively can bring people to their own understanding of the truth of situations. The key phrase here is bringing people “to their own understanding of the truth."
If someone wants to convey their outlook or ideas and get others to take on their views, they must of course make it convincing to the person reading their words. However, it must truly light a spark of belief inside the reader for it to take real hold. Some people try to use force when writing with a pen or computer or communicating with words. They use forceful terms indicating if someone does not believe or side with them, they are fools. This seldom motivates people to their way of thinking.
All people, whether black, white, Asian, European, Christian, Jewish or Muslim must be touched inside themselves by writers for change to take hold. This is to say the writer’s words must spark a personal light in the reader, which the reader must discern and sort out and then possibly take on the writers ideas.
Yes, the pen, or communicating with others is more powerful than the sword for making real change. Communicating with people, whether by pen, computer or words has the possibility of sparking ideas of change and action inside humans where force could only at best, do temporarily.
I think it is wise to remember though that for anyone wanting to motivate or change someone to migrate over to his or her way of thinking, they must say the absolute truth regarding the matter and offer ideas that will help them make their own minds up—like leading by example towards the truth, in a sense. You seldom can force people to come to your side. However, by using honesty and facts, one can motivate people to the right side of an idea or to do the right thing. Even if you are incorrect in your ideas that you are trying to have others change to, by using your honesty, facts, and the mindset of having others open their minds to the truth they may yet get to the right side, possibly inadvertently by you. So, drop the sword, literally and figuratively, and grab a pen—it works better.
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)I think you're absolutely right Steve. When one needs to resort to using force to motivate change, they then have failed in the arena of ideas. Great stuff as usual.Arena of ideas--I like that--thanks very much Dave.
Steve
Absolutely the best article I have ever read on the subject, and we must learn to discern when force is necessary. As you say, truth written correctly can institute change. You articulate that so well.What a great comment! Thanks. I really do believe that the truth written about eloquently can make profound change. Similarly with words--spoken in the right way or better put I guess, spoken from the truth, the heart, empathy--no bullcrap etc can make people do things they never knew they could or never believed was possible etc. I guess I'll never be able to run for politics with these kinds of views--lol.
Thanks again.
Steve
I loved this whole article, Steve, I kept saying yes, yes yes! As I read your question "what do you think...?" the thoughts that came into my mind were exactly what the rest of the article was about. It was so satisfying to read. I think it's kind of the miraculous part of life that bullying, even though it is so frightening and can destroy our bodies, can't penetrate our independence of mind, and it can't touch our spirits.Hi Jennifer,
Thanks...truth is universal and we were on the same page here--from S Africa to Ohio in the USA!
I'm not sure what you meant by bullying but people who communicate like you (write) can make positive changes to a whole host of people such as those who may be of the bullying mindset like adults and some people in power or parents who unconsciously show and drive their kids to "outlets" such as bullying. Words have power!
Steve
I loved this whole article, SteveThanks best attorney, P.
Very good article and great wisdom. I like the "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" version of this - that to get a man to change, you have to convince him that the idea was his all along, and then he'll be his own motivation!Ha-ha very funny--makes sense! Thanks for reading, the comment and the fan club--thanks very much.
Steve
I believe that the pen is mightier than the sword. Words can either make or break a person. For instance, many teens these days commit suicide just because they hear negative feedback from other people. We can conclude as well that self-esteem is equally important. I also found articles related to this blog post that you might find informative on wannareadyou . com.Thanks for the read, comment and info relayed.
Steve
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