Aarav Saki (Week 9): A Finely Sharpened Blade
While I’d normally be averse to start the first blog post of a new year with such a trite and clichéd saying, it really does lend itself well to our topic for this week. And, in my opinion, it is an assertion that is hardly debatable. Words, both written and spoken (or whispered, or shouted), have far greater potential than what they initially let on.
If you want proof, simply look to the continued existence of the adage itself, which was supposedly first penned by a playwright in 1839. After all, how else could six simple words outlast the reigns of myriad kings, queens, and authoritarian leaders? Words are more significant than any show of force or ominous figure that is conjured into thought when the word “power” is mentioned.
The power to convince. The power to connect. The power to understand. All of these are thanks to the ability of words and their capacity to communicate ideas. Words are the interlocking webs behind any typical definition of power, the glue that holds together any meaningful display of might, and the swords and knives with which the soldiers of the future truly wage war.
And as I write now, somewhat sobered by the fact that us English students wield one of the greatest powers that may ever exist, I would like to emphasize one last thing: While the pen may be mightier than the sword, it falls upon us to use that might for good.
Image Source: https://www.grammar.zone/the-pen-is-mightier-than-the-sword/
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Hi Aarav. I wrote a blog on this topic last quarter. The saying basically refers to the old battle of mind versus body. I am in full support of the mind. With its near infinite computational power, the mind far surpasses brute force. The pen can write orders that move armies, as sword cannot do much against an army. The pen can spark war, or plead peace, it can build bridges or build weapons. The sword pales in comparison to the mighty pen.
ReplyDeleteHi Aarav,
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautifully written blog and I admire the deep analysis behind a simple phrase. The pen is mightier than the sword. In simple thoughts, the pen paves way towards treaties, agreements, and most importantly― knowledge. Knowledge is power. The voluntary act of knowing and understanding can change the world. That is in fact how we have come this far in society.
There is another reason that this phrase has been overused to the point of cliché and lasted through the centuries: people know it to be true. I appreciate how deep you have delved into the concept of language and its power. It is somewhat overwhelming to acknowledge that our own pens are capable of making such a great difference, but it is also empowering to think that all we need to inspire change are writing materials and an audience.
ReplyDeleteHi Aarav, I think something that I've learned from your blog is to never underestimate the power that words hold. Words can really communicate so many things, such as life-changing ideas and such. The image you've included ties back to my blog, and I think that's pretty interesting! I argued about how words speak louder than actions and actions speak louder than words; the pen would obviously be the "words" in this case, and the sword would be considered the action. I think it's so interesting how so many people share similar ideas, but then again, who could blame them!
ReplyDeleteHi Aarav, I read your blog, and I am impressed with the way you conveyed your thoughts on the power of words. Language itself way for people to express their thoughts and ideas. Even though actions can prove certain desires to some extent, it is words that are able to clearly define the messages in the end. This is maybe why I strongly believe in the first sentence of your blog: “The pen is mightier than the sword.” However, knowing the power in words brings us to caution the consequences that reside it. As much as words can heal, they can also do much harm, which is why it is important for us to use our words in ways that bring about positive change.
ReplyDeleteHi Aarav, I learned many things from your blog and your message was conveyed very well with the style in which you wrote your blog. I found the idea that words and that phrase, "The pen is mightier than the sword," has outlived the times of monarchs and continues to be proven true in many cases. It highlights the power of words and language but also serves as a cautioning statement. When words are used in the wrong way, they can have many drastic consequences so it is important to think before you use your words.
ReplyDeleteHi Aarav, I am going to take the literal approach. A pen is not stronger than a sword. So if two people were in a battle and one had a pen, and one had a sword, the person with a sword would win 10 out of 10 times. However, figuratively, a pen is stronger. All these stories that we hear from the past, the sword fights, and these battles would be lost to history if it was not for the pen.
ReplyDeleteHey Aarav, I see we have a like minded understanding of the importance of words. I agree with your statements about words have the power to convince and understand and feel that words themselves are power. The words we use however are only powerful and effective both as English students and people because we give them power through the thought and emotions we put into them with the meanings behind them useless without the context of our emotions and thoughts.
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