THE ILLUSION OF THE MIGHTY PEN

The pen had, and has ever been mightier. That the pen is mighty is both attested to in space and time. But, what could have prompted us to the hazy argument that pen is mightier than the sword? Of what strength has a plastic-made item to be considered superior to a metallic object? Perhaps, the fact behind it is metaphysical. But then, we cannot underestimate the personages of Agamemnon, Odysseus and Achilles for their uncanny dexterity in sword-handling in the Trojan War. History has it indelibly written that the trio brought a remarkable fame to the ancient Greek with their mighty swords. The sword, a property of the knights and heroes, has brought to many lands triumphs and honours. Where was pen at that time, when Perseus decapitated Medusa – the lethal beast of the Greek land? Where was the pen, when the only resistance to oppression is the sword; when the innocent lives were ceased untimely by the ruthless oppressor? I could count many battles and freedoms won with the sword but few of the ink-spilling object. Like the eras before us, we follow suit holding that the pen is mightier.

Deep down the heart, we hold the belief that the pen is mightier than the sword. From past and present, its meaning has been taken with a grain of salt to suit the circumstances around it in an epoch. Sometimes in 406 BC, Euripides put, "The tongue is mightier than the blade.". He could have intended to underscore the power of oratory. Perhaps to argue, the best of them wasn't the worrior who carried arms all around but the one endowed with eloquence. Who knew if the nobel prize of today was based on this reality in his societal context? Likewise, the Prophet of Islam – Muhammad (pbuh) – in the 7's, was echoed by 'Abdullah, saying, "There will be a tribulation that will wipe out the Arabs, in which those killed on both sides are doomed... in that time, the spoken word will be stronger than the sword". I wonder what impression made him acknowledge the spoken word rather than the sword. As a leader and Prophet, he was simply futuristic though; because he had reconciled battles on either medium. In his viewpoint, he foresaw an imminent trial looming over the Arabs, which comes at a time when eloquence and literacy will be a great deal of subject. Since writing is secondary to speech, thus he believed in the superiority of the pen. Then, in 1839, Edward Bulwer-Lytton recouched the phrase making it what it is today –The pen is mightier than the sword. From one of the interpretations of his adage, Edward's viewpoint is my concern, bearing in mind, the stereotype you and I live with in the contemporary world while disregarding the truth. Then, the illusion follows. 

We have a shift of understanding and context of the proverb thinking that the “privilege to be in school” is an end to meaningful life. It's far from that reality, no doubt. “Best degree does not necessarily make you successful.”, VP, Yemi Osibanjo, added. With personal dialogues with academians, I have seen one thousand and one reasons why a lad should resolve to be in school and get a deploma. I came with my resolve, hitherto, that getting a degree is simply for insurance. Statistics even shows that one's diploma is a passport to higher earnings and protection against tough economic times, which sounds pretty cool. On this ground, I figured out what makes the pen mighty. Does that mean we should all make a headlong dive for school regardless of personal differences? No! Scientists have claimed that every two child possess different memory traits. So, judging the fish by its climbing ability is prejudicial. 

Being in school, for many, is a “scam”; it makes them robotic and unproductive. I've listened to the sad remarks from graduates of university saying, “I'm now gonna focus on my trade after school”. What on earth? This must be a joke; after wasting four, or even more, productive years streaming up classes. I often do a flashback comparing myself to others by running through the memory line of my excitement at the time of admission. Then, what were the hopes, aspirations and dreams like? Extreme, of course! But now, where is the zeal? For many, GONE! While the pen is what brought some to the pinnacle of their success today, it's only a myth for others.

I've come to the conclusion that both utensils are super and mighty. It begs the question of who “wields” what? Knowing what works for you matters and goes along way shaping your imagination and life objectives. The business magnates like Bill Gates, Jack Ma, Dangote and host of others are brilliant cases of those “wielding” the sword to make ends meet. Gates dropped the “pen” in Harvard in his second year and picked up the “sword”. Jack Ma, CEO of Ali Baba, graduated with a bachelor's degree in English, then dropped the “pen” for the “sword”. Dangote too. We know the records these people set in the world today. However, we have vibrant and elegant academians in the world who have set the pace on how to “wield” the pen to success. Across subjects of life, there's always a figure that set the pace, do your life consultation. It all depends on you and me. If we want to change our storyline, let's stop counting on diploma; it's an insurance, but doesn't guarantee your success, save few cases. 

Make a choice of what to wield your success, be it the “pen” or the “sword” to avoid one-side story and burning your lifetime on irrelevance. Obviously, the sword is equally mighty. But then, I crave to hold the mighty pen every now and then.