Rethinking Power: The Pen, the Sword, and Sharpness
Expanding on Pratchett’s point, history shows that influence is rarely absolute. For example, revolutionary pamphlets like Thomas Paine’s *Common Sense* (1776) incited change, but only in societies already primed for upheaval and not under immediate military threat. Pratchett’s remark slyly suggests that the pen’s effectiveness often hinges on the real-world context and the vulnerabilities of its adversary—in this case, a ‘short’ sword. [...]
Created on: 8/2/2025
