“The pen is mightier than the sword.”

In 1839, Edward Bulwer- Lytton authored the adage: “The pen is mightier than the sword.” It was written for his play Richelieu; or the Conspiracy. The quote has been used (since its introduction, and even prior, some say) in various forms and for many purposes—be it slogan, mottos or serious pieces of literature.

According to Wikipedia, General Douglas MacArthur once sardonically commented on the reality of war, "Whoever thinks the pen is mightier than the sword clearly has never encountered automatic weapons." I would be lying if I didn’t admit that part of me agrees with the general, after all, I am an ex-Marine. However, another part of me, a majority of me, interprets this adage to mean that written communication is preferable to violence.

This interpretation—communication preferable to violence—has driven a desire within me: the desire to write. This desire, like a car on a lonely desert highway, keeps me rolling forward, despite my inability to write, despite my overwhelming inexperience, despite my many re-writes. For there is much truth to the general's remarks, but I say let’s put words to paper before we pass the ammunition.