"The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword"
Start writing a post
Student Life

"The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword"

It's my sorority's open motto, but it's so much more than just that.

166
"The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword"

If you’re an Alpha Xi Delta, you’re familiar with the phrase “The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword.” It’s our organization’s open motto; one that is very near and dear to all of our hearts. This motto is also known outside of Alpha Xi Delta because it was first coined in 1839 by a writer named Edward George Bulwer-Lytton — but what exactly does it mean? 

To quote Bulwer-Lytton’s Richelieu, it is the basis “beneath the rule of men entirely great.” Now, we aren’t a male organization, but the meaning still applies to Alpha Xi Delta — our verbal statements and expressions are more impactful in working towards peace, courage, and all of the other values in which we believe. It is with our intellect we can achieve success, not with physical actions as represented by the sword.   

So, our amazing founders found inspiration through this phrase, hence why it is a part of our cherished fraternity. But they haven’t been the only ones to believe in the power of this phrase. Many other respected individuals have made reference to this concept in their writings. Remember Shakespeare’s Hamlet, that tragedy you opted out of reading in your sophomore year of high school? Well, one of the characters, Rosencrantz, says that “many wearing rapiers are afraid of goose quills,” which is the same essential message as our open motto. So the message of our open motto has been relevant to humanity for quite some time, and it’ll continue to be. Of course, society today is not based as much on sword fighting as it is politics, rhetoric, and persuasion — all things accomplished through words. But the idea still stands.   

Within a sorority, fraternity, classroom, or workplace, there is nothing more beneficial to success than communication. Our words are something that have lost popularity with the increase in technology — remember the infamous “G2G” or “ILYSM?" We forget the power of speaking to each other or of writing a quick “Have a wonderful day!” or “I know you’ve been working hard, but it’ll all pay off!” on a post-it to put on someone’s desk. We forget how much more efficient directly talking to someone can be compared to talking behind their back. Communication is key, and the pen really is mightier than the sword in this aspect.    

As an Alpha Xi Delta, you know our values and beliefs. You know our ritual, our sisterhood, our love. I’ve come to learn the true importance of these foundations to the organization, and our open motto is something I’ve really taken to heart. As a complete English nerd, I couldn’t be more proud to be part of an organization that takes pride in something that I do.   

I ask each and every Alpha Xi Delta to reflect upon our open motto and to find its meaning for themselves. What exactly does it mean to you as an Alpha Xi Delta? Email me at hlavendi@purdue.edu to share your thoughts — I’d love to hear them!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

932669
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

108577
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

52761
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments