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!