Origin
Edward George Bulwer Lytton (1803-1873), an English novelist, wrote this for the first time in 1839.
Explanation
This proverb means that you can solve problems or achieve your purpose better and more effectively through communication with words than by violence with weapons. A piece of writing can cause people to change their opinions (e.g., to fight a war) on a large scale whereas a sword can change a person’s opinion by force which often results in the person’s death. It is said to emphasize that thinking and writing have more influence on people and events than the use of force or violence. The power of a pen is mightier than the sword. The power that the written word carries is far more harmful and damaging than a sword. At best, the sword can only cause physical harm – that too by force. Whereas the written word is strong enough to influence many minds at a time – influence to the extent of even giving rise to revolutions and agitations against unjust/unfair governance. Several important events in history have been the result of the powerful writings of the leaders of those times. Although a sharp weapon like a sword does appear dangerous yet the damage it can inflict on the human body can be healed.
Example
Reason is our greatest weapon against such tyrants. The pen is mightier than the sword.
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