The pen is mightier than the sword, but the sword stabs better. I thought that was cute when I was in high school and I still think it’s cute. I’m just that type of person. I like ink and I like stabby stab stab, but I’m not here to talk about that today. I’m here to talk about what ink and pens bring to life: Words.
It’s something I’ve been thinking about lately, the power of words. Most people don’t give them a second thought. They are a tool, used every day to convey messages to other people, nothing especially extraordinary. However, they are a pool of potential, waiting to be tapped. They are weapons that can be twisted for whatever purpose necessary.
Yesterday before closing at work, my boss sat and watched a video of one of the prospective presidential candidates for 2016. I don’t particularly care to mention who it was, but while listening at my desk, it occurred to me that this person was an excellent speaker. Whether it was them or their aids doing the writing, I liked how their words fit together to create a picture of qualities I’d like in a candidate. That being said, I must admit I didn’t agree with everything this person was saying, and I don’t care for how some of their views were presented, but it made me realize. Charisma is partly just a way with words that convinces your audience you’re right.
Lawyers do it all the time, twisting words to make their cause the right one, regardless of whether or not it is truly right. Politicians do it all the time to make themselves look better and convince the American public they are the best ones for the job. As the listener, as a reader, it is my job to carefully hear their words and interpret them according to my own set of values and beliefs, and not fall prey to the web of well crafted words they’ve spun around me to turn me in their direction.
Words are powerful things, y’all. As a reader, as a writer, I wish more people could acknowledge this. We’re raising a generation that knows nothing beyond regurgitation. They don’t know how to truly analyze the words they’re hearing, reading. And that is how pretty words can be deadly.
Respect the wordsmiths y’all, and listen carefully to what they say. They have the power to make you believe, to change your entire outlook, and that’s as wondrous a gift as it is terrifying.
Kelswitch, over and out. Have a great day all!
The Kelswitch 
Where would we be without words?
Lost in a world of confusion, no doubt.