Of all the powerful weapons of destruction that man has invented, the most terrible – and the most cowardly – is the word.
Knives and firearms leave traces of blood.
Bombs shake whole buildings and streets.
Poisons can always be detected.
But a destructive word can provoke Evil without leaving behind it a single clue.
Children are subject to years of conditioning by their parents, artists are mercilessly pilloried, women are systematically undermined by remarks made by their husbands, the faithful are kept apart from religion by those who judge themselves capable of interpreting the voice of God.
Check to see if you yourself are using this weapon.
Check to see if someone is using this weapon on you.
And put a stop to both.
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Many a times we do not know the destruction wraught in by our own words. Its easy to say to always use words of love or words that inspire others but what of our own anquish, our insecurities! No parent wants to be mean or cruel to his own children but many a times we are so because we cant help ourselves…………Bringing up children is surely no childplay!!
Word – is alaso the format of communication used in the Scriptures…. It is the “Evil” intent/mind of man that causes a bad “impression” of the use of “Word”!
WORD of the LORD is the most Powerful of all powers!!
So it cannot be “exlusively” bad…. it must be inherestly
good…. like any tool – it is the user that decides what use to pt it to!!
Siento los errores cometidos al escribir, sigo sin leer lo que escribo, un día todo volverá a ser como siempre y se reflejará en esos pequeños detalles, y por supuesto en las grandes cosas.
Hasta pronto, anhelo el día en que todo vuelva a ser como era.
Bye…
Estoy de acuerdo toalmente, señor Coelho!! las palabras son armas destructivas en los labios de aquellos que se sienten mas poderosos que los otros. Es por esto que los niños son victimas de todos aquellos a su alrededor porque se consideran superiores a ellos y los subestiman. Lo mismo sucede con las mujeres que sus maridos, o padres, o hermanos, o la misma sociedad las considera inferiores y peor aun esta sucediendo con nuestros ancianos sus familias los consideran inutiles e inservibles y asi los tratan olvidando que ese camino que recorren hoy fue trazado por todos ellos. Lo peor es que el niño tendra tiempo para recuperarse de esas heridas, las mujeres con un poco de coraje tambien, pero nuestros ancianos moriran con esas heridas abiertas.
eso si me tocó porque o lo estoy haciendo: ¡tengo que parar!
“Children are subject to years of conditioning by their parents” –
Though I usually love the content of Mr Coelho’s blog, I feel that this comment is frankly not well thought through. This comment can be damaging by lessening children’s trust in benevolent parental education. If parents wouldn’t condition (as most animals do too), by setting standards & values via words and example; the media or strangers would do that job, without having the child’s best interest at heart! We’d end up with ferral children and society. Conditioning is vital to survival, even though it hurts all children. Refer to “I’m OK, You’re OK”, by Amy and Thomas Harris which is interesting reading and explains a lot of this stuff.
Your personality is hidden under your tongue.
yeah no doubt tht a pen is te most effective weapone of the world. . . .coz with other weapons u can slave the people but not their minds n thoughts while with a pen u can motivate their minds n thoughts.
great wisdom! certainly each of us has said violating words to children while educating the so loved creatures! and has made the same mistake with friends etc., but without bad intention! i think, we are not perfect, if we love and live. but i believe, in this way it is not so cruel and the hurt person can forgive me, if i apologize from the bottom of my heart! i can use the opportunity to be more sensitive and careful in the future. than i will be able to avoid the same mistake. i’m sure, we have to learn during our whole lifetime and that’s the only right way!
didnt anyone post eliots quote of “before the beginning was the word …and the wordwas with God… “
Bueno, lo bueno de subir es que lo pesado, lo grosero, se queda abajo. Antes no me podía defender, alguien pensará que no quería, que el que quiere puede, probablemente sabe poco y quiera aparentar que sabe mucho, en cualquier caso, esto me hacía blanco fácil para los envidiosos, el mundo se me echó encima, porque cuando sencillamente vieron “hueco” para pisar y sentirse un poco más grandes. Evidentemente esto es una visión mía, que puede o no ser acertada, no todo el mundo desciende al submundo donde las alimañas estan sedientas de victimas a las que deborara para saciar su complejo, aunque la verdad es que no me importa demasiado lo que piense el entorno, cada vez necesito menos competir para situarme por encima de nadie, que cada cual cuide su huerto y deje a los demás en paz, esta e la diferencia entre unos y otros, unos están sedientos de sangre y sus conversaciones acaban desmembrando al envidiado, otros viven su vida.
Bye…
Found this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzgzim5m7oU, which is called the power of words and reinforces Paulo’s piece beautifully but from a different angle. Words can have both a positive and negative impact and I suppose we are dominately inclined to use either positive or negative words depending on our conditioning. The question is whether you are prepared to look at the impact your words have, identify which words you choose and change if necessary
seriously – words are the nectar that breeds and destroys – I know because i have loved them as a means and as an end. Simple until they are unleashes – they are thoughts that have been given impetus and rise forth like a tidal wave – change, love, hate, destruction are all such effects
I am equally guilty of their mis(use) frequently and I am on the path to change – to better understand their worth and the fact that once said – they become instruments of our judgement.
It is the intention to harm or humiliate that makes of words a letal weapon and let’s be aware that our negligent – and thus inappropriate – use of words may harm too…just as very skilled sharp use of the words may do as well.
Thought, word and deed are what create your reality! Be aware and be conscious of them. Think again before you speak and act!
Great timing. From from I can see atm, this is being used on me in terms of religion and I was then in turn subconsciously using against others…shame on me. I’ll put a stop to both.
You can never take back once you’ve said something words can be so destructive to a person. If you hear negative things all the time you will start to believe it to be true. It’s like the saying goes if you can’t say something nice about someone then rather keep quite, you have now idea how hurtful your words can be.
It is true that the word is a weapon.
The spoken word, the word omitted, which one the most painful …
This reminds me of the Four Agreements. One of the Agreements you are to have with yourself & God is….To Be Impeccable with Your Word. Thank you for these reminders & inspiration. For me they usually lead to a meditation.
With Gratitude,
Susie
La palabra es aveces nuestro amigo otras nuestro enemigo y la mente de cada individuo la utiliza como una herramienta para expresar en sus diferentes formas y triste es cuando se le da mal uso. Haciendo de ella un abuso sin control previo. La palabra interpreta lo que hay en cada uno de nosotros buscando sus propias justificaciones en las controversias del razonamiento y emociones de lo que cree que es y cómo ve el mundo exterior. Gracias Paulo nos haces reflexionar y eso es amor fundido en EL PODER DE LA PALABRA y su poder despierta el coraje…
Do we mean love, when we say love? – Samuel Beckett
—————————————————-
Some people use the word ‘I love you’ without meaning it.. their actions show otherwise..
In extension
-do we utter the words we mean to say?
-do we mean the words we utter?
Love and Gratitude
Annie
La palabra es aveces nuestro amigo otras nuestro enemigo y la mente de cada individuo la utiliza como una herramienta para expresar en sus diferentes formas y triste es cuando se le da mal uso. Haciendo de ella un abuso sin control previo. La palabra interpreta lo que hay en cada uno de nosotros buscando sus propias justificaciones en las controversias del razonamiento y emociones de lo que cree que es y cómo ve el mundo exterior…
Love the Socrates story!
Lots of comments that are true and inspiring.
I am always most sadden when kids who can not defend themselves are hurt by words that adults use, for who can a child turn to when it is done to them? So let’s put a stop to it and if we see it, let’s speak up!
There is also a saying “Do you say what you think, or do you think before you say it?”
I think we are the ones that need to look at ourselves first and we must be the change. For sure we can’t change anyone but we can change ourselves.
Asking a different question will give you a different life – Chinese proverb.
You can change the things you think and say, but you cannot change the other. Only in setting the example can you hope to inspire others.
love, Sandra
Dear Paulo,
The good thing about it is that by teaching you to learn the tools you can achieve it.
Great to implement a program like that with young children so that they benefit from it in their lives.
Loving yourself is the best thing you can do.
You are your own counselor as well.
The day I started doing that was when I noticed a change.
Asking and answering our own questions is for me the best way to get an honest answer.
There will be time where you will react – I believe only a few people will be immune to that -
However with the right tools, you are on your way up.
With thanks, gratitude and love,
Marie-Christine
Yes indeed,
I said bad word to kept me from doing something bad.
The result was I kept doing and felt guilty all the time. Now I tried to do the other way, I let myself doing something to understand the impact to me, to know and to be responsible. I deserve a kindness in my life. I try to give my self courage instead curse, I know I more respect myself in that way. Thanks paulo
I love these “blogs” cause even talented and wise people are ready (?) to accept criticism and …just opinions. Anyhow even here we only can get advices and hints what to do with our lives; where to go next. But thing is that we are listening to our heroes. Maybe we do not even make one step to the direction they tell us to go. Afraid of the change maybe. But at least some people can make us to listen. And to think properly. After that everything is in our own hands. Have a perfect week.
thats very true and many are suffering from this.it is the use of the WORDS that can make a life as well as destroy a life…a world….so people please behave with other the way u want others to behave with you.please don’t use those words which you won’t like for yourself……….and the world will be beautiful.
I enjoyed this post… since I am tall -1.80 mts. – and live in Honduras where people is short, I suffered a lot when I was a child, luckly my family decided to sent me to Europe and I discovered I was not a phenomenon…but I still remember my mother being angry because she couldn´t find clothes for me in my country…..and letting me know this with “words”.
It is always words that inevitably lead to the firearms, bombs and poisons. I am a photographer and I know the truth how just one picture can lead to a thousand words… which can then lead to evil or good, love or destruction of the soul. The devil is hard at work out there, especially these days. Your words are so true, Paulo. Thank you for always stretching my mind to think deeper. You are a blessing to this world.
Thank you. Powerful words. I love your work. Your book the Alchemist moved me. I remember reading it a couple years after leaving university. It gave me the courage to explore, be a leader not a follower, love without fear and understand that the only thing I could ever change was myself. Your work has inspired me throughout the twists and turns of my life journey. Thank you. Z
Thanks, it is nice comment you have brought to this community!
Just your comment did not completed here unfortunately!? Because you have said at the end of this comment:
Check to see if you yourself are using this weapon.
Check to see if someone is using this weapon on you.
And put a stop to both.
Let to know after checking how to stop to both?
Thanks.
A careless word may kindle strife. A cruel word may wreck
a life. A timely word may level stress. But a loving word may
heal and bless.
FROM
YOUR’S TRULY
SID
there is a two line poem in tamil by Thiruvallvar.he says It is better for anyone to control ones own tongue,if not he will loose everything on earth and in heaven too.It is just like we bridle the horse so as we must control our tongue also. because it doesn’t have a bone. The word that comes out from ones mouth may be a positive word which gives blessings and grace or it may be a negative word which ruins every one.so let the word be a blessing not a curse that comes from thy mouth.
maybe am repeating ur words:GOD IS IN THE WORD. SO ALWAYS BE POSITIVE WHILE SAYING SOMETHING TO ANYBODY ELSE OR ABOUT URSELF.
Muy acertado el post.Es cierto la palabra, es un arma que brota del corazón, y que tiene su poder tanto para bien como para mal.Es importante la educación para que no haya malas palabras y se sepa expresar aunque se este en desacuerdo.
The first agreement in The 4 Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
1.Be Impeccable With Your Word.
2.Don’t Take Anything Personally.
3.Don’t Make Assumptions.
4.Always Do Your Best.
dopo essersi eretto l’nimale uomo è arrivato alla parola..
..l’intelligenza la usa..
..la stupidità la ferisce…..
,,,usiamola sempre …..è… unico strumento di evoluzione continua…
,,,donne……studiate diventate autonome ,,,,e usate la parola….
nn permettete a nessuno di annientarvi……
nemmeno per il cosi’ detto <>….amore…..
per cortesia tradurre bene…..
Paulo, I believe that’s why Education is one of the most powerful word of Instruction.
With love
Marie-Christine
Thoughts are words combined.
Words are definition of all.
Definition is the skill only human have in the known world.
All – including weapons are made by words.
What you read – and what you think now is : words.
Use the words wice.
Dear Paulo Coelho,
you are so right, my whole life me and my sisters were treated like dogs in the family of my mother. The words they said to us let us so mentally handicaped that our lives were literally destroyed. My mother died on sorrow and cancer, she said she couldn´t hear it anymore. When she died I decided to leave the family and live my life. I am very happy now and my two sisters are following my example but I can´t forget the words and they are like scars in my soul. But I try not to see them so one day it will not hurt anymore when I touch them with my memory.
I use words to bring love and positive vibrations to my environment and don´t let them hurt me anymore.
“I decided to go on diet,in 2 weeks I lost 14 days”
This is funny and clever and I agree because a 14 days diet doesn’t work,unless you have one or two kilos to lose.The more you lose quickly,the more quickly you will gain them back.And you will starve and only think about eating,and you will not be able to have the same sharp mind etc..but if you chose an anti-diet,with just some rules,it will take months,even a year depending on how much you have to lose.You will need patience,strength and determination,like everything else,you will not starve,you will not think about it with time,your body will get used to good habits.It’s like everything,you need work.There are no miracles or perhaps one or two sometimes ;)
…pensemos pues en la palabra y acto de provocar REAL ACADEMIA ESPAÑOLA
DICCIONARIO DE LA LENGUA ESPAÑOLA – Vigésima segunda edición
provocar.
(Del lat. provocāre).
1. tr. Incitar, inducir a alguien a que ejecute algo.
2. tr. Irritar o estimular a alguien con palabras u obras para que se enoje.
3. tr. Intentar excitar el deseo sexual en alguien. U. t. c. intr.
4. tr. Mover o incitar. Provocar a risa, a lástima.
5. tr. Hacer que una cosa produzca otra como reacción o respuesta a ella. La caída de la bolsa provocó cierto nerviosismo.
6. tr. coloq. Vomitar lo contenido en el estómago. U. m. c. intr.
7. tr. coloq. Col., El Salv. y Ven. Incitar el apetito, apetecer, gustar.
8. tr. p. us. Facilitar, ayudar.
Real Academia Española © Todos los derechos reservadosel
I loved this post, especially the part: “he faithful are kept apart from religion by those who judge themselves capable of interpreting the voice of God.”
Words are weapon of construction as well. All the greatest minds of the world have only used that weapon to shape whatever good we get to see, feel, soak in and be happy in our lives.
” In the beginning there was God, and God was the word…” So powerful is the word, that it creates the thougts, the believes and the world…. Today , when I feel the words of others attacking or criticizing me, I just turn my back on them…. they are not worth my love and company, for they show, they don´t value what I am…
Words shared with love are felt like a touch on the skin.Like the image, it can be like a feather or the cut of a knife.
Words leave marks in our heart and soul. Let it be from love.
Não são só as armas que matam, mas as palavras.
sam weapon pam,u can fight wid d same weapon to stop others using such weapon against u but it should b opposite to words they r using, kind words is d strongest weapons ever found on this earth.
Is the word just a weapon? Is it not also inspiration? Is it not the very tool you are using to tell your readers to guard against the use of itself as a weapon?
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