the pen is mightier than the sword
Words defeat violence
A proverb meaning that written words and ideas have more lasting power than violence or military force.
The pen represents writing, persuasion, and intellectual influence; the sword represents physical coercion.
Often invoked to argue that journalism, literature, or diplomacy can accomplish what weapons cannot: The dictator learned that the pen is mightier than the sword when the leaked documents brought down his regime.
- penInk-filled writing tool
- swordHilted fighting blade
- written wordLanguage in visible form
- inkWriting fluid
- wordsUnits of language
war of words · power · writing · weapon · quill · rhetoric · persuasion · influence · ideas · diplomacy · truth · eloquence · free speech · journalism · printing press · propaganda · public opinion · revolution
the pen is mightier than the swordactions speak louder than words
Deeds reveal character better
talk is cheap · put up or shut up · blood and iron · all talk and no action · walk the walk
the pen is mightier than the swordnice guys finish last
Compassion handicaps competitive success