Anything can be used as a tool, things like wrenches or hammers but other things like people, thoughts, knowledge and language. Writing is just another tool and like any other tool it us only there for use. How it is used is the real dilemma.
Writing is one heck of a tool. Depending on the skill and intentions of the person, it can change the outlook of millions, for better or for worse. Writing can be very persuasive; it can make people consider things they hadn't before.
Thomas Paine is an excellent example; he was the author of Common Sense. It had a huge impact on the people; it was one of the major factors that started the Revolutionary War.
Adolf Hitler also wrote his own story, Mien Kampf, or My Struggle. This particular volume made many believe of "the Jewish peril."
The written word is a wonderful thing and a dangerous thing. The fault is not with the writing in and of itself but with the people who choose to use it without considering the consequences.
When a writer or author takes up his pen (or keyboard) they must, absolutely must, take into consideration the kind of effect their writing may have on others, only attempting to write the truth as they understand it.
It is one thing to write in ignorance, not understanding completely but another when to write with malicious intent, to confuse the reader and twist their thoughts to selfish purposes.
Language and writing is just a tool, waiting to be shaped and formed and used in everyday life, to make an effect for our benefit. We should enjoy it, thrive in it, and watch ourselves and our words. “The pen is mightier than the sword.”
I liked your view as writing as a tool and then backed it up with books and some of their influences. It was a good way to use rhetoric responsibly.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your last quote and how you used a lot of historical contextualization which is very appropriate for a Great Works assignment! :)
ReplyDelete