Is the pen still mightier than the sword?

The famous adage, ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’, has been around for centuries. First written by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in his 1839 play ‘Cardinal Richelieu’, it is a line acknowledging how words and communication can have more impact than physical force.

But nearly two-hundred years later, with swords being replaced by far more powerful weaponry, and then pen being replaced by the keyboard…do Edward’s words still ring true?

As a PR agency specialising in storytelling, we believe the answer is a resounding yes.

While a sword (or that which the sword represents) might help conquer a territory, a pen can conquer hearts and minds. Words have the power to inspire, persuade, and move people to action. They can shape opinions, build reputations, even spark revolutions.

Think about some of the most powerful moments in history. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I have a dream’ speech, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Nelson Mandela’s speeches against apartheid – all acts of verbal defiance that changed the course of human history.

But it’s not just about any words. It’s about choosing the right words, brought together in a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience. And that is where the art of storytelling comes in.

Storytelling: the sharpest tool in your arsenal

At Berkeley Communications, we believe that storytelling is the most powerful tool in the PR arsenal. It’s what makes a brand relatable, builds trust with an audience, and creates an emotional connection that lasts.

That’s why stories have become integral to so many brands. The world’s biggest tech companies, for example, the likes of Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla are doing far more than just selling their products and services; they’re selling an idea, a vision, a way of life.

In today’s cluttered media landscape, this notion of storytelling has become ever more important, allowing those who utilise it well to cut through the cacophony of noise we are surrounded by. And, as an agency, it is where we have directed our focus – helping our clients craft their own unique narratives that capture their audiences’ attention and achieve their business goals.

Immediate impact vs lasting influence

Another way of looking at the sword is not as a weapon, but as something representing immediate action and forceful command. For PR, this could be a flashy product launch, an attention-grabbing stunt, or a high-budget influencer campaign.

In this context, the sword certainly has its place. These are tactics that can undoubtably make a splash and generate buzz, the shock and awe that captures attention and demands to be seen.

But once the dust settles, it is again the pen creating longevity for a brand. It is again the brand’s stories that form genuine connections, build trust and credibility, and ultimately drive long-term results. Bringing both together can create some of the most effective PR strategies – using the immediacy of the sword to seize opportunities and the pen’s finesse to foster enduring relationships – but it is still the pen that carries the most weight.

So, is the pen still mightier than the sword?

Absolutely. But it’s not just about wielding the pen; it’s about wielding it with skill, strategy, and a deep understanding of the power of story.