Monday column: Is the pen still mightier than the sword?

The pen is not anymore used to write words in an era that is now wholly dominated by digital communications where information has changed form from ink on paper to pixels on bright electronics screens.

But the ability of the written words to cross linguistic and cultural barriers remains the same. We used to hold the pen with our fingers and now we use the same fingers to type words. So the method has not changed. From a printed word, voices are heard and actions are recorded like it always has been.

So the written word is still mightier than the sword no matter in what form it is. Except, of course, the speed of the messages sent across to readers has vastly improved. Something come to mind about that transition of the ‘written word’ from a piece of paper to a screen. Like in the old days, it all depends who has the sword in their hands.  

Well written words can inspire progressive change and influence positive thoughts. This is where we need to be careful with our children to educate them the moment they can a hold a pen between their fingers. Why? Because written words can be used as a protection tool or for destruction. Not just to get a job done.

In the recent international affair development, students in certain countries started tapping on their phosphorous screens held in the palms of their hands, messages that went across towns and villages in just a split second. And all hell broke loose. So it is important that we teach our children law and order to protect civil peace from the written words.

It all starts at home and how responsible we can be as parents. Yes, children still learn from books but as they grow older, the internet and the social media is another source of knowledge. However, as parents, we must first teach them civil obedience to use the modern form of communications for good use.

They also need to learn that if swords can get blunted then written words can run out of steam, too, in the speed they travel to our screens. Messages change meaning depending where they come from. Above all, it all depends on how young people react to what they receive. Not everything they read is meant to smooth out their lives.

There is a lot of mischief in those written words we see on the bight screens. Not everything written out there has relevance in our lives. Also, what we read now might well be the vision of others to force undesirable changes. Not our visions. This is where we need to educate our children in their growing up days. We don’t want them thinking that the written words can win battles and wars. We want them to realize the written words also record the laws and public order to live together in harmony.

I might add that carefully written words, in whatever form, can solve contemporary problems to improve our lives instead of stirring up social complications. For example, quick messages can fly around to be the source of ending poverty to many groups of people wherever they are in the world. This way, our young people can use the written words to do a lot of social good, include finding each other jobs.  This way, we can sharpen the sword of words to make our lives better without causing mischief.