Why the sword is mightier than the pen. Agree or disagree?
“The pen is mightier than the sword.” — Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1839
When Bulwer-Lytton wrote those words, he was making a point about institutional power - how diplomacy and laws could shape nations more effectively than armies.
It became one of the most quoted phrases in history.
And one of the most dangerous.
Here’s why…
In the real world - not the world of debate clubs or diplomatic summits - your eloquent letter only matters if the person receiving it is willing to listen.
👊 You can craft the perfect de-escalation script.
👊 You can write the most persuasive argument.
👊 You can attempt the smartest verbal intervention.
But if the other person has already decided violence is their answer?
Your words fall on deaf ears.
This isn’t about winning debates. This is about understanding intervention in volatile, real-world situations.
When you step into conflict armed only with words, you’d better have thought through the entire operation. What happens when they escalate? What happens when talking is over? What happens when the rules change?
If you haven’t war-gamed the full spectrum of how things can unfold, you’re not prepared. You’re just hoping your eloquence carries the day.
Hope isn’t a strategy.
Real intervention - the kind that keeps you and others safe - requires more than good intentions and strong words. It requires being ready for what comes next.
It requires understanding that de-escalation only works when you’re capable of handling escalation.
Violence doesn’t care about your vocabulary.
Reality doesn’t care about your debate skills.
So I’ve taken some poetic liberty with Bulwer-Lytton’s iconic phrase:
“The pen is mightier than the sword - but only if you have a sword, know how to use it, and are willing to use it.”
Stay safe by staying dangerous 👊
Coach B
WANT TO LEARN HOW TO USE A SWORD?
HOW ABOUT A SPEAR? I CAN HELP WITH THAT 😉
Last cert for 2025 is November 15-16 - adding the SPEAR to your school, agency or organization is a game-changer.
P.S. My buddy Jack Donovan wrote “Violence is Golden” - an essay that captures this reality perfectly. Violence is the gold standard, the reserve that guarantees order. Read it here.
P.P.S If you’d like more insight into fear management and self-defense psychology, grab my free e-book SHTF here.