Power of Words

There are two sides to every argument. The debate on the power words hold is a timeless one. Also one that people will feel strongly on either way, but they often don’t realize it. As humans we use words to express ourselves, share our thoughts and emotions. Connections are built and taken apart by words. In forming relationships with the people in our lives, we use words as a sort of tool to connect.

Have you ever found yourself using the expression “the pen is mightier than the sword”? A phrase often used to depict the power of written word. It was first coined by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839 in his written work. The phrases expresses that words are a stronger weapon than that of a sword.

Throughout history swords have been associated with strength and power. For a great period of time they were the strongest physical weapon known to man. When handled properly a sword can cause unimaginable damage. Slicing it’s victims and tearing them to shreds or stabbing them. The famous phrase “the pen is mightier than the sword” indicates that words hold the same strength and capabilities as a sword, if not even more so. It is often believed that words can cut deeper than any sword. A physical wound will heal over time while the wound left by words lingers.

When criticized we as people often are offended. We take that criticism and the words used to convey it very seriously. Over analyzing, repeating it to ourselves and making it a conscious thought each time we part take in a similar action. The words given and directed to us are not easily forgotten over time, giving the famous phrase by Edward Bulwer-Lytton truth and meaning.

The same argument is true when taken in a positive light as well. A compliment, agreements, and declarations of love are all expressed through words and they each hold power and elect emotions that we carry with us long after the words have been said. Many people can still remember the first time their partner told them that they loved them. Most people hold reassuring expressions close to them as they try something new.

Words are a clear form of expression and allow us to reveal our thoughts and desires to one another. Expression and connections hold great power.

Though there is another side to the argument. The phrase “actions speak louder than words” counters the argument that words hold power. The phrase is was first said 1628 but was made famous by Abraham Lincoln in 1856. The phrase expresses the idea that the choices and the steps made mean more than just talking about it.

People spend their lives planning for the future, be it the distant future or what the person is going to eat in an hour for lunch today’s society demands people to be prepared for what lay ahead. Often these plans are shared and spoken about, and as is the case with elaborate and long term plans they require more thought therefore they are spoken of more than a plan for the near future. In many situations people can get caught between planning phase and the moment when the event is acted upon. This in between moment is where the phrase, “actions speak louder than words” gains its power. The people who continually talk about their plans, and yet never follow through with them are the ones whom this phrase is often directed. After hearing about the person’s plans repeatedly the words lose their meaning and value that they once had because their is nothing to support them. The next step never happens. The words no longer seem true.

When a person plans on vacationing to Rome, Italy and excitedly talks about all the things they plan on seeing while there, and they share their intentions for booking the trip their words express their desire for the trip, though after an extended period of time when the trip is never booked, the words don’t hold the same meaning. The desire once held by the person planning the trip is no longer believed by the other people listening to the plans.

The phrase, "actions speak louder than words" is most commonly used by one person to describe another person’s behavior or lack of action. Where the phrase, “the pen is mightier than the sword” describes how words lead to action. The two phrases carry different meanings but speak on the same notion. They both address the power or loss of power that words have. It is no wonder words have such a large impact on the relationships and connections we build with one another.