The pen is not mightier than the sword. - Page 2 - Writers Forum

mammamaia · 03-19-2005, 05:40 PM

i didn't see any real argument, heated or otherwise... just a variety of views on the subject...

seems to be just a lively discussion... nothing wrong with that, right?

semtecks · 03-19-2005, 05:49 PM

I suppose you're right, mamamia. I wansn't trying to be argumentative, I was just messing around. Don't get me wrong the pen is mighty, i just don't think it's as mighty as the power it controls.

Ilan Bouchard · 03-19-2005, 08:55 PM

Well, I know a sword wouldn't let us have a discussion like this. And while a pen doesn't let us do so here either, it represents public knowledge and exposure that we're dependent on to converse here.

I think we need someone else to disagree with this phrase to make this a nice, even debate.

Hodge · 03-19-2005, 09:01 PM

The sword is forceful, making a person bend to its will whether they want to or not. The pen is not, it allows the freedom of choice. The pen is not mightier than the sword, more are just willing to follow it.

Kane · 03-19-2005, 09:33 PM

One thing that both the sword and pen have in common is that they are only as strong as the arm that wields them. You must look at them as tools and nothing more. The real power, then, comes from the mind. Power is an idea.

Lets put this in perspective:

One warrior with a sword might be able to cut down several unarmed men before he becomes tired, or faces too many enemies.

One author with a published work can theoretically reach billions of people.

Here is another way to look at it:

A man with a sword has the power to take a life.

A man who expresses his idea with the pen can change a life. In turn, the man whose life has changed can share the idea and change the life of another.

So you see, while the sword can be used to kill and end life, it does not have the ability to sustain thought and spread ideas throughout the minds of men.

If you think about it, you should be able reach the conclusion that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword.

Bhauger · 03-20-2005, 08:26 AM

It refers to media and communication. A journalist can write a scathing article about a politician, and that will change everyone's few of them. You can persuade people to your cause with words better than violence, violence only instills fear.

People are stupid and impressionable. Much like how everyone believes rumors.

Fishbar · 03-21-2005, 01:25 PM

Ooooh, I suck at debates but I do love a good one.

So here's my change:

You can't take "the pen is mightier than the sword" on it's own...

As maia pointed out there's more to it, there's a whole quote of which that is only half...

Quote:

"Beneath the rule of men entirely great, the pen is mightier than the sword."

Now I don't need to tell you folks that taking only half of what someone says and trying to make sense of it is wrong...

You could endlessly discuss what an awful person I am because you quoted from my lips "I hate" when what I said was "I hate refried beans in my tacos"

so lets back up and look at the whole quote about men entirely great.

To me that makes the whole arguement sort of moot because you've been given a qualifier in that "beneath the rule of men entirely great."

If it was "Beneath anyone the pen is mightier than the sword" Then you could be like "well, maybe not."

But it's hard to argue that greatness is more or less directly related to who made the most people happy and safe...

I dunno. Ramble much?

-fish

mammamaia · 03-21-2005, 01:37 PM

also, lytton wasn't the first to use the term... so, maybe you need to go back to the original in 'proverbs'?

Fishbar · 03-21-2005, 04:34 PM

That may; within the realm of reason; ever so slightly; slip a ways beyond my threshold of caring.

Maybe someone else would like to take over the proverbial proverb hunt. (oh that was really a stinker, I am truly sorry.)

Jp · 03-23-2005, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by semtecks

Don't get me wrong the pen is mighty, i just don't think it's as mighty as the power it controls.

Semtecks, that is exactly the point 'it' controls the power, not the other way around.

And

Tyson, I just say what comes to mind. But thank you.