The power of the written word.

Something I've been think about lately.

It has been said that when William Booth (the founder of the Salvation Army) was on his death bed in 1912, he wanted to send a message to the leaders of the various Salvation Armies around the world. With the cost of Telegrams being so high he could only afford to send one word out. The word that he chose was simply ‘others’. This one powerful word went on to become the motto of the Salvation Army inspiring people around the world to act selflessly and give back just as William did. The Salvation Army hasn’t been able to find the documental proof of this telegram, so this story is purely anecdotal. But I can’t help but think that this simple story is the perfect example of the power of the written word.

History has given us some of the most powerful, inspiring words that will ever be spoken. Martin Luther King’s speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial where he called for equality and an end to discrimination will forever be imprinted in the minds of not only Americans but people around the world. His speech containing the famous words “I have a dream today” have become his legacy that has outlived him.

The ancient philosophers like Socrates and Plato with words like ‘I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance’ are still being quoted (and misquoted on Facebook) to this very day. And every year thousands of high school students around the world dive into the works of William Shakespeare. Learning stories of betrayal, love and tragedy. Then awkwardly acting out the famous words of Mark Antony “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears”

Unfortunately language has also provided us with examples that aren’t so enchanting. There are countless songs being played on the radio that talk of being the biggest pimp on the block or going to the club to get a ‘drank’. And if I never hear the phrase ‘nek minnit’ ever again I will not be complaining.

These wonderful and not so wonderful examples can’t help but make me wonder that if we are lucky enough to be able to communicate with each other and leave our legacy in the form of words, should there be a sense of responsibility that comes with the power of speech? Should we think before we speak? Are all those arguments about grammar on Youtube valid? Should I stop talking smack about Glee on the internet?

So, valued reader. What do you think? Do we have a responsibility to use our words carefully or are they merely a means to and end? This is not a rhetorical question.