Sticks and stones

I know not with what weapons World War 3 will be fought but World War 4 will be fought with sticks and stones

ALBERT EINSTEIN

Many of us who were born in the 1970s or earlier are likely to have been counselled that: “Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words can never hurt you.”

But the deep and sometimes devastating, lasting effects of harsh, derogatory and insulting comments are arguably infinitely more damaging on levels far more significant than the physical.

“Because that saying about sticks and stones is a pack of lies. Unkind words hurt more than anything else. You end up carrying them around in your head, wondering if they’re true. Bruises fade, but self-doubt follows you forever. ”― Kate Lattey

“Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words can never hurt you … unless you believe them. Then, they can destroy you. ”― Charles F Glassman

Few vehicles of communication known to man can compete with the spoken or written word regarding impact and effectiveness. The “power of the pen” has long been acknowledged as “mightier than the sword” on many levels. The influence wielded by powerful orators and gifted public speakers to persuade and convince has been legion in the history of families, organisations, nations and religious groupings.

If “sticks and stones” can be seen as the military weapons (swords) in warfare at its different levels, then all spoken, written and visual media communication are arguably the “words” of these conflicts. History seems to show that while the sword prevails at times, the word arguably gains the ascendancy in the final analysis.

Since the advent of social media and the almost instantaneous communication options to virtually unlimited parts of the world, the “power of the word” has become staggering. While there are clearly many advantages and very valuable applications, the abuse and unethical use of social media includes blatant lies, “fake news”, dubious advertising and cyber bullying of alarming proportions.

The damage done to many sensitive and impressionable teenagers at the receiving end of unkind and cruel verbal comments is considerable. Any school psychologist or social worker would readily attest to this significant challenge.

History shows that humankind, sadly, generally does not learn from the lessons of history, especially regarding conflicts and wars. “Sticks and stones” and “the sword” make regular comebacks in the pathway travelled by mankind, and the contention of Albert Einstein constitutes a chilling concern:

“I know not with what weapons World War 3 will be fought but World War 4 will be fought with sticks and stones.”

May wise words, informed counsel and understanding prevail in the happiness and survival interests of humanity.