In the short-term it might seem that violence is more powerful as some people sadly turn to violence as a way of resolving disputes.
However in the long-term, violence achieves nothing and as even causes further damage. As such, violence is not strong, but weak. Below are five key reasons why the pen is mightier than the sword.
1. Appeals more to our rationality: humans are rational beings and a reasoned debate appeals much more to our sense of rationality and our love of thinking things through than violence does.
2. Dispute resolution: language is a peaceful way to resolve disputes and to let everyone have their say. One exception is when language is very inflammatory and is designed to incite listeners or readers to violence. In this situation, the distinction between pen and sword - between language and violence - can be said to collapse.
3. No regrets: violence brings with it immense regrets, as its devastating consequences often cannot be undone. When we read a piece of text, however, we have time to think it through and act only when we have decided on the best course of action; as such, the pen brings fewer regrets. It enables us to ponder and plan our actions rather than simply reacting angrily in the heat of the moment.
4. Achievement: in the long run - and, usually in the short run too - violence achieves nothing. Rather the peaceful arts of persuasion, rationality and the genuine striving to create a world free of violence will achieve much more for humankind. This can be summed up in a single sentence: violence achieves nothing.
5. Long lasting: a well written novel or carefully thought our philosophical treatise will last for centuries - or more. By contrast, a violent act will fizzle out and will not only last long in the history books only in a negative sense, it will also probably destroy more than it creates. So, the pen is mightier than the sword quite simply because its effects last longer and can be appreciated by humans for many years to come.
Conclusion: The less violence that there is in the world, the better place it becomes. There are so many reasons why the pen is mightier than the sword. For instance, language achieves much more than violence does, and its achievements will last much longer than the effects of violence. Moreover, peace has a power of its own that is more of a true power than the false illusions of strength that are associated with violence.