I know the phrases have different and individual interpretations, but when you put them next to one another they form an interesting question - at least I think so.
2006-09-16 06:07:41 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
True , Cleverness beats Strength ; But only when put into action .(unless implemented into action those clever ideas are of no value/cannot bear fruitful results ) .
When put together thats what it means.
2006-09-16 22:05:04 · answer #1 · answered by aum_sudha 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The pen reaches more people than the sword, certainly with the one stroke, but if you don't act on a thought, all you have is the thought.
At bottom, this would be an issue of degree. Bearing in mind that writing is an action, so it's pretty much the same question. That is, active versus passive. And it's all basically situational, anyway. In some instances, of course, the sword is much more to the point, but that would be in individual circumstances and need not concern one bent upon discussing philosophy.
Thought without correct action is pointless, pragmatically speaking, so what you would really be talking about is whether it is better to be active or passive. To which, I para-quote physics--no action, no reaction, no nothing.
2006-09-16 13:51:31 · answer #2 · answered by kaththea s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pen isn't mightier than the sword, and actions do speak louder than words. The first phrase is false, so no contridiction.
An idea is only as powerful as the number of people it can get to defend it (or enforce it) with a sword.
2006-09-16 16:14:31 · answer #3 · answered by terraform_mars 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are right that when these put together, they sound contradictory.
An action could come from a pen or a sword. When the pen is used effectively, it has the "action" that beats the sword. However, if the pen is not used effectively, it would cause no action, and would be as useless as a sword used without any justification.
The action beats the words because it's easier said than done, both for the writer and the fighter.
2006-09-16 13:40:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pen can do more harm with one letter, then a sword can do with one swing. Everyone can see the printed letter a million times over, but no hearts are changed by a film of a swinging sword.
Inversely, words are just that. Anyone can use them, but its the action that shows the words are true.
In fact one could say, that the pen is mightier than all, for it has been many a pen that has stirred the great action throughout annals of history.
It is only now that it is the other way around.
2006-09-16 13:29:08 · answer #5 · answered by joelgehringer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't necessarily true that actions speak louder than words. I believe the phrase is "sometimes, actions can speak louder than words," which is very true. It all depends on the situation or how you view it, I guess. One phrase it speaking of something reasonably different, yet both are true. Words can do what actions cannot, and actions can do what words cannot; it all depends on the situation and how you view it. For example, if you want to get your opinion(s) out into the world and known to the public, then both phrases can help you; you can either write articles or books that the public will read and realize your ideas by, or get out there and do public speakings and speeches and attend meetings of the sort and tell your ideas, rather than let the public read them. Another example of how actions can speak louder than words is when you are in love with someone. Body language and the way you act around them can be "louder" than just flat-out telling her (or him) "I love you." Sometimes you can't really put something into words, and instead you put it into your actions to make it understood. In conclusion, both phrases are true, but are used somewhat differently, all depending on where you are.
2006-09-16 13:57:47 · answer #6 · answered by Display Name 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Actions speak louder than words" means this to me: Actions say much more about who you are, actions define your character. Anyone can say lofty words and try to sound noble but few can truly act noble all the time. and a confusing part of this phrase to me that speech itself is to some degree an act.
"The pen is mightier than the sword" means this to me: What can be accomplished with the sword is quite obvious and can be effective if overpowering people is your goal, but you won't truly change people's minds. You can only opress people and its effects will be temporary on the world. However words can be eternal, they can create a revolution of thought when recorded into history. What effect does the greek's military have on us today? What effects do their philosophers have on us today?
I think the first quote refers more to personal relations while the second refers to a grander scale of time and speaks of world relations.
2006-09-16 13:38:58 · answer #7 · answered by kioruke 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"The Pen mightier than the sword"
It is something to do with war, the thing is you don't have to fight to win a war, you can write it down but fighting someone gets hurt or worst someone dies.
"Action speaks louder than words"
It involves making a promise you can not keep. Instead of saying I love you, you show your love. When you say you will help don't say it. Do it!
Don't get confuse with two phrases, they're both different situations
2006-09-16 13:31:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Words are so powerful because they are the expression of ideas and ideas are stronger than individual people. Think of the Bill of Rights, those words freed a country because of the idea that they expressed.These words still have meaning in our day to day lives, over two hundred years later. They inspire action and action is pointless without an idea. If I told you that the president sent troops over to France and killed everyone there, the first question you probably would ask is, why.
2006-09-16 14:54:03 · answer #9 · answered by jdalex3 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no conflict, "the pen is mightier than the sword" compares two actions: the act of writing or expressing your thoughts and the act of violence, therefore both actions speaks louder than words. :)
2006-09-16 14:11:25 · answer #10 · answered by Karla 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question. Here's what I think:
In the quote "action speak louder than words," what they mean is "what you do means more than what you say."
In the quote "the pen is mightier than the sword," what they mean is "cleverness beats strength"
so yea, they do sound like they're talking about the same action.
jeez im confusing myself here.
2006-09-16 13:13:47 · answer #11 · answered by =] 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋