Rizal Day Musings: The Power of the Pen
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| (Photo not mine. Credits to the owner.) |
A writer creates and his work, his creation, takes a life of its own if it wills to. What were once thoughts in your head are now released as words on paper, open for people to read, analyze, scrutinize. They may take action or they may not. But somehow, one way or another, a reader will be affected.
Therein lies the power of writing, it elicits a consequence, which can be good or bad, depending on the intent or interpretation.
Writing is an outlet, a creative expression, a powerful tool, instrument or weapon. Used in the right way, one can inspire, empower. Used in the wrong way, it can cause hurt, divisiveness, hate.
Writing is an outlet, a creative expression, a powerful tool, instrument or weapon. Used in the right way, one can inspire, empower. Used in the wrong way, it can cause hurt, divisiveness, hate.
Unfortunately, these days, we see more of the later, especially on social media. There has never been a time when we have been surrounded by so much negativity as now. I suppose this is the consequence of technology.
But it shouldn't be that way.
Our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal recognized the power of the pen and used this to ignite people's thoughts and actions, he wanted to use his writings to open people's minds. He wanted to use it to bring about reforms in Philippine-Spanish relations, he envisioned a peaceful way forward.
Our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal recognized the power of the pen and used this to ignite people's thoughts and actions, he wanted to use his writings to open people's minds. He wanted to use it to bring about reforms in Philippine-Spanish relations, he envisioned a peaceful way forward.
However, contrary to his actual intentions, his writings enflamed people's emotions and contributed in igniting a rebellion against Spain.
His words inspired a reaction different from what he had envisioned, they resulted in a series of events way beyond what he had imagined. His words became an anchor for people's hopes and aspirations, and a blueprint for a revolution.
This is the power of writing.
Jose Rizal never wanted an uprising, he even discouraged the Filipino revolutionaries led by Andres Bonifacio from taking up arms against Spain. He told them the timing was not ripe and that they would not win without ammunition. But despite his misgivings, the rebellion broke out and Rizal was rightfully or wrongfully credited for it.
Jose Rizal never wanted an uprising, he even discouraged the Filipino revolutionaries led by Andres Bonifacio from taking up arms against Spain. He told them the timing was not ripe and that they would not win without ammunition. But despite his misgivings, the rebellion broke out and Rizal was rightfully or wrongfully credited for it.
His death, like his writings, further sparked the Philippine Revolution. But his death, never silenced his words. They lingered, spread further and they continued to inspire, generation after generation.
What we write will outlive us.
As we celebrate Rizal Day today, the 30th of December 2019, let us be reminded of the power of the pen and the responsibility we all carry each time we publish a post, a tweet, a comment.
As we celebrate Rizal Day today, the 30th of December 2019, let us be reminded of the power of the pen and the responsibility we all carry each time we publish a post, a tweet, a comment.
Because what has been said can never be unsaid.
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1/ Write to inspire, to empower, to create positivity.
2/ Write to spread love, hope and happiness.
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1/ Write to inspire, to empower, to create positivity.
2/ Write to spread love, hope and happiness.
