The Power of Words

“The Pen is mightier than the sword…” – Edward Bulwer-Lyton, Novelist & Playwright (1839)

Just a short half decade or so ago, and still to some people, actions spoke louder than words. However, we’ve reached a time where words have begun to speak louder than actions, and can even change the minds of world leaders, thus shaping the course of history. From rights issues to political wars, to new laws and regulations, this has become the new norm worldwide. If a society wants change and wants it now, everyone the world over can see it in word form first before action is even considered.
Our digitalized world offers an entirely different form of perception, where what you say and how you say it determines who you are, rather than what you actually do. However, it’s not simply the spoken word, but how and what you write is what matters. Writing has become a vital form of communication without us even realizing it, as every digital and social media platform depends on how well you can put words together.
Throughout history, thousands of years back, people have tried to figure out the origins of power, be it the power of love, persuasion, politics, habits and rituals, etc. Many have have found it in the power of the written word, if you take a look back to the likes of Machiavelli, Shakespeare, and others, who have without a doubt influenced humanity from a time long gone to generations after their lives, and nowadays more than ever, that is proving to be true.
The pen has now been transformed into the keyboard, which still wields words as powerful or more so than any sword could. Millions of words are typed everyday, for all the world to see and consider. Not all of us will ever be seen on YouTube or TV, however, a Twitter post or an article comment might be viewed by a million people, all kinds of people from everywhere or any status. Entire life reputations, company and corporate faces, and celebrity statuses are being built on how well an individual can put words together to deliver a powerful message.
When someone, anyone from all walks of life, comes across your profile, what would you have them know of you? Your words have the power to have someone perceive you as respectful, quick to anger, narcissistic, lacking in integrity, any positive or negative trait. What would you have them think of you when they read your posts, tweets, updates and comments? These are all created of words, and when people read your words, what impression and perception of yourself do you want to leave in their minds?