Even today many people believe that the use of
force is necessary for good government and peace in society. There are others
who believe that the pen is mightier than the sword.
What does the pen stand for? It stands for the art
of writing. It stands for the press, literature, newspaper. Books and other
writings. The purpose of all writing is to connect one mind with another, to
persuade the reader to take up the view which the writer holds on a particular
subject. The reader has the right to hold his own view; he. May not be
convinced of the writer’s judgement and opinions presented to him. We may,
therefore, say that the pen stands for the peaceful means by which a person is
persuaded to accept the view which the writer holds, No force is used to
persuade the reader.
On the other hand, the sword always stands for force.
A man holding a sword in his hand forces his views on others. If they do not
accept his views he must fight. The sword Therefore force not reason.
Surely, the pen is the better of the word is not
without its uses. In the world, there exists not without sincere, honest and
responsible people but also those who wicked, dishonest and highly unreasonable.
No argument can convince them, and then you are compelled to no eloquence can
persuade them and then you are compelled to defend yourself. They may attack
you without and cause. At such times the sword is required. Where arguments
fail the sword succeeds. But this does not mean that the use of ±e sword is
desirable. More often than it has not been misused. History shows how kings and
generals owed power and used to it oppress the people. Give a man the sword for
good ‘purposes and in most cases he will use it for evil purposes.
All thoughtful men, therefore, prefer the pen to
the sword. The government of today is carried on through the help of the press.
We believe in reason. We are soon warned if we are in the wrong. No government
of today can stand against a powerful pen. The writer or the debater by his
writing or reasoning power rules the day. People have a greater faith in the
power of the pen than- in that of the sword.
It does not mean, however, that the sword has no
place in the world. Both the pen and the sword have their uses in life. Both reason
and force properly mixed are necessary for good government. The time has not
yet come when people will care for the good of other more than for their own.
But it is a sign of good times coming. The force is no longer an argument with
us. But we have not yet reached that ideal state when all swords may be beaten
into plough shares. We need not wear them on our sides, but must have them
hanging from a pen nearby.