The Power of Words in a World of Action: The Man Who Chased the Hydrogen Dream

Growing up, I was raised in an environment where action mattered more than words. Doing was everything. In my world, words meant little unless backed by action. The belief was simple: “Talk is cheap.”

Across cultures, there is deep respect for those who get things done rather than just talk about them. The wisdom of generations reminds us that action is what truly matters. The French say, “Words are but wind; action is everything,” a reminder that talk alone changes nothing. In America, a popular saying warns, “After all is said and done, more is said than done,” capturing the frustration of empty promises. In Arabic culture, there is a poetic truth in the saying, “A promise is a cloud; fulfillment is rain,” highlighting that words without results are meaningless.

These were not just phrases; they were guiding principles. I saw people who worked hard, who built things with their hands, who solved problems by showing up, not by talking about what they planned to do. My instinct was to do the same—to focus on action and let results speak for themselves.

The Power of Ideas: A Different Kind of Leadership

But over time, as I matured and became more in tune with the reality of the world, I began to notice something different. While action is crucial, words—when used the right way, to the right people, at the right time—carry immense power. Ideas, even from those who are not physically building, can shape the future. The right words can inspire, shift perspectives, and mobilize people toward action.

This realization led me to appreciate figures like Jeremy Rifkin. Rifkin is not an engineer. He does not build hydrogen fuel cells, construct energy grids, or design wind turbines. Yet, his influence in the global energy transition is palpable.

In 2002, Rifkin published The Hydrogen Economy, a book that laid out a bold vision for the future of energy. At the time, hydrogen was largely overlooked as a serious alternative to fossil fuels. The world was still powered by oil, coal, and natural gas, and many saw hydrogen as an unrealistic option. But Rifkin framed hydrogen not just as a technical possibility, but as the foundation for a cleaner, decentralized, and more democratic energy system.

At first, many dismissed his ideas. But slowly, the message spread—to governments, industries, and think tanks. Today, hydrogen is no longer a fringe concept; it is central to global energy strategies. The U.S., Europe, China, and Japan are investing billions in hydrogen infrastructure, with policymakers drafting roadmaps to integrate hydrogen into industries, transportation, and power grids. The shift is happening, and it was not driven by engineering alone—it was driven by ideas, by the right words reaching the right people at the right time.

No-Action-Talk-Only vs. Thought Leadership

For much of my life, I believed that only doers make a difference. That people who talked without acting were just engaging in a stance of No-Action-Talk-Only. But now I know that thinkers—if they can communicate their ideas effectively to the right people—can be just as impactful.

Jeremy Rifkin is such an example. He never built a hydrogen plant. He never engineered a fuel cell. But his book planted the seeds of a vision that is now being realized. It taught me that not all words are empty. Some shape industries, create momentum, and lead to global transformations. Those who physically build hydrogen infrastructure are essential, but so are those who made sure the world understood why it needed to be built.

Three Lessons from Rifkin and the Power of Ideas

• Words backed by conviction can change industries. Rifkin’s The Hydrogen Economy started as words, but those words influenced policies and investment decisions worldwide.
• The right message, told to the right people, at the right time, can shift history. Many dismissed Rifkin’s vision in 2002. Now, governments and industries are making hydrogen a priority.
• Thinkers and doers both play vital roles in shaping the future. Some build the technology, others create the vision. Both are necessary.

Closing Thought

For years, I lived by the belief that actions speak louder than words. But I have learned that sometimes, the right words ignite the actions that change the world. Jeremy Rifkin is such an example. He did not build hydrogen infrastructure—but he made sure the world understood why it needed to be built.

As we move toward a cleaner energy future, vision and action need to go hand in hand. Without vision, action can be misguided. Without action, vision remains a dream. The challenge is knowing when to speak, when to act, and how to make both count.