This morning began like any other morning. I woke up and stretched and
went for a walk. While walking I could not get my mind off one thing, the power
of words. Yes, undoubtedly, this thought had always bothered me but I never
gave it much attention until today. After my walk I bought myself a cup of tea
and said “thank you” and the magic happened, almost instantly the chai wala smiled. I smiled back and bang! I understood it was just the two words
that created that magic.
The power of words goes back centuries. Going back to the epics, words created tremendous magic in the battle of Kurukshetra. Lord Krishna’s recital changed the course of the world forever. It even goes back to Old Testament and fall of Lucifer. It just took a few words for Lucifer to become Satan. Coming to Literature we have had great villains and great manipulators who only with the power of words turned the world Topsy turvy. “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”, just a line, an amalgamation of words that created the whole central theme of the tragic play, Macbeth. Shakespeare has given numerous examples on the power of words but none can beat Lady Macbeth’s manipulation. And ironically it is those very words that lead to Macbeth’s damnation. Three prophecies to make him and three to break him. All of which were just amalgamation of words.
Now coming to history. The World War II. Just a few words helped to create Nazi Germany. Just Heil Hitler created all the difference.
The example of words and its power to create and destroy are never ending, so I am not even going to get into that. I’ll try and convey something simpler. Something easier. Something realistic.
Have you ever wondered the first word that you ever speak how powerful that is? How much magic that creates? Like the first time you say “ma”, have you ever thought what that is except for a name which you give to that relationship?
Here is your answer. It is just a word that assures the person who carried you in her womb for 9 months that you can speak. Then it tells her that you know what to call her even before you know the name of what you are fed every day after you are born. Then it goes on to explain to her your needs. Just one word and she knows she has to be there. This is the magic that this one word creates.
Now have you ever given a thought to the most clichéd and most powerful amalgamation of words, “I love you”?
No you haven’t. I am sure you haven’t. So here is another explanation.
Whenever you say these three words to anyone you are very unintentionally making a bulk of promises to them. Irrespective of the kind of relationship you share. Anywhere, where you involve these three words you should be willing to fulfill the promises you have unknowingly made.
Now let’s talk about another very frequently used phrase. “I hate you”. Ever thought how much affect this creates?
Ever thought that these words are the beginning of 80% heinous crimes in the world? If you ever choose to say it to someone make sure you know what you are meaning and how harsh it actually is.
Jealousy. Lust. Envy. Power. Love. Trust. Emotions. Feelings. Wealth. Health. Peace.
These are just words right? Now very casually just sit back and think how much power each one holds. All of them. Think?
Surprised. Aren't you?
Now comes the fun part. Have you ever imagined if the whole world understood the power of words what would happen?
Like if Krishna’s recital was followed by Arjuna’s counter recital.
If Macbeth had gotten every prophecy right?
If the whole Nazi Germany understood the correct meaning of Hitler’s policies and together sent him to the concentration camp?
If you understood how much “I love you” meant and you never broke a heart?
If you understood what “I hate you” meant and never uttered it? Can you imagine what would happen if everyone knew this secret? If everyone knew the true power of it?
No, you can’t imagine. Because this is Utopian. This counter action does not take place. And again you know why?
Because words are the greatest manipulators. Once you have said them and you have hypnotized the other with its power they are completely under your control. Then why don’t we simply try and really “choose” our “words wisely”. We all have so much power in us, so much magic in us which we love to remain oblivious about. Why don’t we use it for correct things? Why don’t we create good magic through words?
Who said magic does not exist? It does. It lies in your words. And your power to use them wisely. The wiser you are the better wizard you make.
But again some will violate it and hence bad wizards are bound to be created.
But nevertheless, words are magic.
The power of words goes back centuries. Going back to the epics, words created tremendous magic in the battle of Kurukshetra. Lord Krishna’s recital changed the course of the world forever. It even goes back to Old Testament and fall of Lucifer. It just took a few words for Lucifer to become Satan. Coming to Literature we have had great villains and great manipulators who only with the power of words turned the world Topsy turvy. “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”, just a line, an amalgamation of words that created the whole central theme of the tragic play, Macbeth. Shakespeare has given numerous examples on the power of words but none can beat Lady Macbeth’s manipulation. And ironically it is those very words that lead to Macbeth’s damnation. Three prophecies to make him and three to break him. All of which were just amalgamation of words.
Now coming to history. The World War II. Just a few words helped to create Nazi Germany. Just Heil Hitler created all the difference.
The example of words and its power to create and destroy are never ending, so I am not even going to get into that. I’ll try and convey something simpler. Something easier. Something realistic.
Have you ever wondered the first word that you ever speak how powerful that is? How much magic that creates? Like the first time you say “ma”, have you ever thought what that is except for a name which you give to that relationship?
Here is your answer. It is just a word that assures the person who carried you in her womb for 9 months that you can speak. Then it tells her that you know what to call her even before you know the name of what you are fed every day after you are born. Then it goes on to explain to her your needs. Just one word and she knows she has to be there. This is the magic that this one word creates.
Now have you ever given a thought to the most clichéd and most powerful amalgamation of words, “I love you”?
No you haven’t. I am sure you haven’t. So here is another explanation.
Whenever you say these three words to anyone you are very unintentionally making a bulk of promises to them. Irrespective of the kind of relationship you share. Anywhere, where you involve these three words you should be willing to fulfill the promises you have unknowingly made.
Now let’s talk about another very frequently used phrase. “I hate you”. Ever thought how much affect this creates?
Ever thought that these words are the beginning of 80% heinous crimes in the world? If you ever choose to say it to someone make sure you know what you are meaning and how harsh it actually is.
Jealousy. Lust. Envy. Power. Love. Trust. Emotions. Feelings. Wealth. Health. Peace.
These are just words right? Now very casually just sit back and think how much power each one holds. All of them. Think?
Surprised. Aren't you?
Now comes the fun part. Have you ever imagined if the whole world understood the power of words what would happen?
Like if Krishna’s recital was followed by Arjuna’s counter recital.
If Macbeth had gotten every prophecy right?
If the whole Nazi Germany understood the correct meaning of Hitler’s policies and together sent him to the concentration camp?
If you understood how much “I love you” meant and you never broke a heart?
If you understood what “I hate you” meant and never uttered it? Can you imagine what would happen if everyone knew this secret? If everyone knew the true power of it?
No, you can’t imagine. Because this is Utopian. This counter action does not take place. And again you know why?
Because words are the greatest manipulators. Once you have said them and you have hypnotized the other with its power they are completely under your control. Then why don’t we simply try and really “choose” our “words wisely”. We all have so much power in us, so much magic in us which we love to remain oblivious about. Why don’t we use it for correct things? Why don’t we create good magic through words?
Who said magic does not exist? It does. It lies in your words. And your power to use them wisely. The wiser you are the better wizard you make.
But again some will violate it and hence bad wizards are bound to be created.
But nevertheless, words are magic.
