Discussion Class : The Power of the Words (Closing 15th April)

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Discussion Class : The Power of the Words
Runs alongside Rune Magic (Part 1)
There is a power in words, whether it be from runes or from the modern day written language.

Discuss this in detail. Cover as many aspects as you wish. New thoughts, theories and research will gain extra points. You may post as many times as you wish in debate with other members on this subject.

There is a possible 100 points for this class.

Any sources used, please remember to cite them

But words are things, and a small drop of ink,
Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces
That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think."
~George Gordon Byron

I agree that there is a very significant power in words. Take note: we're all here because we were inspired by the written works of J.K. Rowling. We have read these stories and been entertained, laughed, cried, and these books have brought us together and helped bond us to each other as a unique group of "family" and close friends.

The beginning of my country was through a very important written document known as the Declaration of Independence. These words told the story of a nation's desire for a freedom they eventually won. ((Sorry if this is a sore topic for Brits xD)) Another example of the power of words in America was via the Emancipation Proclamation, which empowered people to fight to end slavery.

These and many other cases throughout history show the power of words.

I agree that words have a huge impact on someones life. For example, when you are young, words are aborbed by your brain like a sponge. What inspired me to write was the power of words, some credit must be given to J.K. Rowling which changed so much, not only in my life, but in others lives too. Almost an entire world was immobilised by these books, which, if you were to boil it down, we just some well chosen words.
And if you were a lawyer, the right words would define a person's future.
Isn't there a saying that goes: 'the pen is mightier than the sword.'? Which means that well chosen words can stop a conflict.

Your point about lawyers being able to use words to save a person's life is quite true. But we also have to remember that words can start a conflict or put a criminal back on the streets as well.

"Words are potent weapons for all causes, good or bad".--Manly Hall

Progaganda is a method of using words to sway the people's minds, such as can be seen in the case of Animal Farm. (which was an allegory of the Russian Revolution) Napoloean managed to manipulate the othre animals on the farm so much, he managed to revert them back to what they had originally been-oppressed by a ruling class.

In everyday life words also can have a negative impact on us. Especially for teens, we think we have to be supermodel-beautiful, stick thin, and everything that the majority of us are not. So we think negatively about ourselves, using words such as "I hate how my..." or "I don't like this about myself..." and it does nothing but give us a low self image. Words are a powerful thing, a double-edged sword, if you will. But, their positive aspect can come into play when we start thinking positively, by noticing how we did well on something, or if we look particularly nice today. Words, like all types of magic, should be used carefully, but can do good when used right.

It's true that words are both positive and negetive - that's why we must be extra careful in dealing with a more subtle type of magic.
It's also very true how some people put about that teens have to be beautiful, and that they should see their 'inner-beauty', but that's becoming increasingly difficult in the world that's coming - also with the fact that people can use insulting words to hurt someone else, as you pointed out.
But words are powerful, good or bad, there's no denying that!

I think one of the power obvious powers of words that we have not yet mentioned is the fact that they're spells. Where would we be without our charms, enchantments, and general spells to get us through our days? This is yet another example of words being taken for granted.

Very true! People take words (and their power) for granted these days, but as you said, magic wouldn't be the same without words. Nothing would be the same without words. No way to communicate, no way to understand things without a lot of effort... And names for things! If you didn't have names for things and you went down to the shops to buy some milk, it would be near impossible!
Besides, you'd easily feel the power of words if it were a hex or a curse!

Indeed, I'm sure quite a fw people would be forced to acknowledge the power of words via a curse or hex.

Words are also used in self-help courses. I mentioned above how it can improve ones self-esteem by noticing the good things about oneself, and not the things that differ you from the supermodels in terms of looks or weight. Thinking "I am beautiful" is a positive affirmation.

But we must remember, that thinking something will not make it happen-typically, anyway. You can't look in your empty purse and say "I have money" and expect galleons, sickles, and knuts to fall out of the sky and into your waiting pocket. Words are powerful, but they can't do everything.

Very true, although I wish it was possible, I could use the money! grin

And yet sometimes, words have no effect at all. Sure, they will sometimes persuade, for example, but sometimes a person can be so stubborn as to not even listen to the words. Words have to be accepted, too.
And words will only have power if connected the right way. If you just say, for example: "Mum I'd really like to have some money to buy sweets because I really want some sweets ", then you havn't even got a chance.
And then there's the topic the words are displaying. If it's a topic that interesses you, then you have more of a chance to be amazed by the words. But if it's about something that you need to know something about it already, then you won't be able to feel the strength of the words.

I agree, words need to be used in the right way, otherwise they won't be anywhere near as effective. I'm sure we've all buttered up our parents at one point or another, and noticed it's very different than simply asking.

And, for someone who has had to write her share of essays, the fact that words need to inspire you in order for you to be able to use them is very much true. I've written about topics that have just been assigned to me and that I have not chosen myself and the essays are not as good as the ones that I choose to write.

Another power of words is that they help to spread knowledge. I'm reading words right now about a Greek Astronomer named Ptolemy, and am learning a great deal from what is on the website. Knowledge is power, words have power, words have knowledge. So simple xD

So simply said! Discussion Class : The Power of the Words (Closing 15th April) 13

I know where you're coming from with having to write essays that turn out better if you found the subject interesting than if it was drop-dead boring! But we mustn't forget that words are used to introduce, to influence, to discuss, to flatter, to persuade, to annoy, to inform... Most actions are impossible without words, as I mentioned earlier. Words are essentiel, and that's the bottom line.

Words, where would we be if we did not have the words in our world the English language has so many words in it that it has been said that the english language has the most words in it. Words are the things we use every day and take for granted. Some people can be considered as having 'a way with words.' Such as poets and our beloved Jo.

Words are the things that can also make or break us. The words that people say to us do that, we can be happy forever if someone tells us they love us or we could be broken by the words said to us. Many people now have to 'watch what they say' other wise it will hurt people's feelings. Words are truly the most powerful thing we all posess. To voice our opinions using the words we know to say how we feel and to make or break someone else.

Ah, "watch what you say". An interesting comment, Polly, and one that is really quite multi-faceted. Watching what you say can be attributed to political correctness, some words are deemed too "harmful" to say, and therefore it is frowned upon if you say them. Some are truly awful, such as the n-word, but others it simply seems as though one person disliked the term and started something against it.

"Watching what you say" is also something directed to a child. They are taught "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all". Parents know how easily a child's feelings can be hurt by some words, and thus try to stop from their particular child causing that pain.

Perfectly true, words can even shape someone's future, but as I said, the words have to be strung together like beads on a string to their best effect. Words can become a meaningless jumble of letters. Words have evolved during our history, from the time of Jane Austen (who, by the way, is an excellent writer and provides an interesting read) with what we would call: Posh Language, to today's 'Slang' which would seem odd to the next generation. Words evolve with time, and we have to adapt.
And yet words are chosen by people, so if you are 'good with words' as polly pointed out, then you have a power.
Words are only what we make them.

I also agree with you that words to have a lot of meaning.... but actions have say a lot more than words. like they say 'Actions speak louder than words'.... you can say one thing but it deosnt mean that you mean everything that you say. For instance you could have a boyfriend that says that he loves you but it doesnt mean much unless he shows you taht he loves you by kissing and hugging you, being there for you during those hard times and also by being honest with you. Any guy can go up to you and say I love you but it doesnt mean that he does love you. He could just be saying that. Also there are those who say that they are going to change but when they are gievn the oppunity they dont. People are not going to say well at least he said that he was going to change.... No instead they are going to talk about how he said he was going to do one thing but do somehting else. I believe that actions speak louder tahn words

Also when preforming spells there are those that can be done nonverbal... You dont have to say the word to make them work all you got to do is do the wand movement.

Yes, but you're using the words in your head, are you not?

And it's true that actions can speak louder than words. But that's generally when words are being used to decieve, which is another power that can be attributed to them.

I think that you've hit the nail on the head with words can be used to decieve whereas with actions this is harder as it is right in front of you. With words, you can lie, cheat and decieve and imapact in someones whole life by one simple word.

I remember watching Dr Who (featuring David Tennant and Billie Piper) where the doctor brought the prime minister down with four small words

"Doesnt she look tired"

This circulated around and people lost faith in her abilities. She didnt look tired - a complete lie - yet the power of those words were immence.

Yes, this is fiction, though it can be known in reality. There have been many leaders in the world brought down by words, people killed because of rumours and lies. Words are power!

Words have the power to change things either for the better or the worst. There is no stronger thing than words.

"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among them are life, liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."--U.S. Declaration of Independence

Look at tht above statement from the decleration of independence. A whole country lives by the words that some people said years before. If that isnt proof of power within words then nothing is.

You're absolutely right! I remember that Dr Who episode and that's a very good example. And Just_Ginny/stephy said that lies are powerful. Only if they're credible! If you make up a lie that's not even possible, then no-one will belive you and those words will either be forgotten or will be remembered as lies. Either way they will bounce off a brick wall. Even in lying there's power. Power to make someone else belive something untrue. Power to be able to remember some person as a lier. But as I said, it has to be credible! There's a fine line in the connection of words, the choice of words, even the length of the statement! Short and concise, or long and detailed: It depends on the audience.

Not only outright lies are powerful but gossip is a powerful thing too. Just because you 'streach the truth' a little bit and tell a friend about your perspective of something (whether it's true or not), it may become a misunderstanding and cause some damage.

(and this is a common theme in some books and movies and even real life)

Words are powerful. Especially in books that can be sold and bought all over the place. Words transfer ideas. Many books of ideas, such as during the Renaissance, have spread beliefs and caused changes in government and society. Even books that are not a book of nonfiction can spread beliefs or somehow influence people. J.K. Rowling's series has influenced many children to read more. Her books have opened many minds to the enjoyment of reading words. There are even some books out there that make people think about the future and what could happen. In the Shadow Children series their is a population control law and it makes me think that maybe one day the amount of children we can give birth to will be limited.

Even though pictures are said to be worth a 1,000 words, some things are better or can only be expressed by words.

I believe words have a very big amount of power. You see we express ourselves with words. We communicate with words. We write in words. Basically, everything has a connection to words. They way we present them can be basically in any way possible. We can be good or bad, happy or sad, excited or bored, entertained or annoyed, and so many more expressions. I think we must be careful they way in which we say things, that's why they say we must think before we say something because there are people who might misunderstand what we are trying to say. Personally, I loveeee words. I'm a huge reader/writer, I'm starting to write but I love it. I express myself no matter what I'm feeling and there's so many words I can use, it's wonderful. Think about it, what would life be with no words?

Words can be powerful, also used to flatter, and also to make friends. For example if someone were new to a class, there's an introduction to theirself, to talk to (new) people... And gossip! Where would we (most girls) be without gossip? Talking about other people is a fundamental column in our present society...
And yet, words can be of no use if you can't communicate - I'm thinking of different languages. I, for one, can't understand when someone talks to me in german, but I understand French. To know more than one language is
considered as a step up from someone who doesn't in a job interview.

Quote :

Haha you definitely have a point there...most girls gossip about everything, boys, celebrities, movies, etc. so many topics! If we didn't have words we would be lost. Discussion Class : The Power of the Words (Closing 15th April) 436937

Discussion Class : The Power of the Words (Closing 15th April) 436937

Well, yeah but there are loads of questions that use words and concern words, like Who decided that words could have more than one meaning? and Why do some words occur in dfferent languages with a simalar meaning/ spelling?

"In verbal arguments between one person and another, most people find they always lose, convinced they must be wrong, while others consistently win. Their logic, their reasons seem so compelling, so powerful, they virtually force others to change their opinions, their beliefs and their behavior to comply with what's being asked. Words written can be even more powerful since the written word is often uncritically accepted as being true.

Power is generated by using the words in such a way that they trigger emotional responses in the person who hears or reads them. These are enormous powers, largely because they are invisible. Others can thus be persuaded, manipulated and controlled without their knowledge."

Sources:
CLICKY

Well done to everyone that took part, it was very fun to read some of your posts ^.^

Ravenclaw
Stephy 40
Ilyria 50
PrincessPotter 30
Blue Rabbit Babe 10
Herbaceoustraitorous 30

Hufflepuff
Just_Ginny 100
Dragonweaver 20

Gryffindor

Slytherin
x_cookie-monster_x 70
drkangelcat 40

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