The Power of Words

A famous author Yehuda Berg said, "Words are the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to humble, to hurt, to harm and to humiliate."

In 1968, a Doctor in the USA felt ill after eating in an Asian restaurant. He raised a concern that this might have happened because of a certain ingredient in his dish called Monosodium Glutamate commonly known as MSG. This incident dramatically changed the world’s perception of MSG. Since that time, MSG has always been seen as a bad guy. As a matter of fact it was never scientifically proven that MSG is even bad for health. This tells us the power of words plays a significant role in our day to day life and how we perceive things by interpreting selected words presented to us through false news.

Talking about false or biased news, it helps news agencies to cater their viewers. The most commonly discussed type of bias occurs when the media support or attack a particular political party, candidate or ideology. Speaking of politics, politicians use “Power of Words” to influence people. Some politicians tell you exactly what you want to hear. They use social media to share their ideas and to sell their political messages and ideas to voters.?Again, social media algorithms are made in such a way that it will let you hear what you want to hear. There is a lot of false information travelling around social media which affects a lot of people.

We have recently faced the situation of spreading false information over social media during a pandemic. It’s been two years since we are facing a pandemic. Many families have lost their loved ones. In such a situation, the words of compassion or sympathy can help them through their difficult times. Talking more about the pandemic, the divorce rate has increased during the pandemic. Difference of opinion plays a vital role here. Sometimes one ‘sorry’ can bring a couple together.?

Considering the 'powerful force' of the words we utter, we must discipline ourselves to speak and write in a way that conveys respect and gentleness. Before speaking, take a few moments to contemplate what you will say and how you will say it; while considering the impact they will have on the listener. Kind and sweet words are always music to the ears of the listeners.

"Remember! your words can plant gardens or burn whole forests down"

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