The expression, “The pen is mightier than the sword” is so familiar, but is both enlightening and mysterious. On one hand, it is true that words have power to inspire or discourage men and women. On the other more literal sense, smashing a pen and sword together would produce just the opposite effect: you have a broken pen and spattered ink. So then what does the expression really mean?

Many populations have been affected by war and brute force to do things they would not normally do. With the aid of superior weapons, much good and evil has been wrought throughout history: Native Americans were driven from their homes, as were Pioneers of the Mormon Faith; I am both. With weapons and a lot of divine intervention, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars were fought to bring about the modern United States. However, it seems the expression is really saying that in spite of all those great and terrible deeds done by weapons of war, much more has been done by the power of communication. It was the meetings leading to the Constitution’s creation that held the States together. But much more, the words of master writers across history have left a lasting impact. We still read Shakespeare after 400 years. I doubt that few aside from a few historians and collectors even look at the weapons of that era.

The expression seems to hint that mankind’s reason supersedes its brutal nature. Sure, that darker side still exists within each of us; sure, it haunts us to denying it, or even trying to destroy it in others. But the greatest progresses of humanity have been when we observe the darkness within us and try to use it to leverage us into better things, to learn and grow from it. Words of exploration, explanation and affirmation do more to help us conquer that darkness than any manner of physical force that has been used to drive it out. History seems to hint that hatred and violence are simply the result of us fearing the darkness within others or ourselves rather than addressing it. Darkness is bad if it overwhelms us, but not if we grow stronger by overcoming it. Since light chases away darkness every time, and recognizing the contrast between the two helps us to want the light better, knowing what lurks in the darkness becomes an advantage. Do not consider it as accepting or embracing the darkness; think of it more as spying out its strengths and weaknesses. Making a choice becomes much easier after we gain awareness within ourselves and others, and writing is one of the most effective ways to do just that.

I think I understand now.