The Right Word

The right word can change the world. Why? Because words change hearts and minds. They open new vistas of thought, facet ideas, inflame debate, motivate change and empower dreams. The right word sheds light, wisdom and clarity, wielding immeasurable influence. It may also disguise corruption, redefine worth, conceal ugliness, manipulate thought or twist truth into labyrinths of error.
Mark Twain said, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between the lightening and the lightening bug.”
Although talking about creative writing, this quote rings true, since writers wield more power than they guess. Few realize the impact of their words, tossing them casually out into the world, ignorant of the ripples of discontent or satisfaction that they may cause.
Think before you write. Students should question teachers before crafting words of praise, especially when addressing “popular” subjects. Parents should pause before labeling a child with words, either good or bad. Business communicators should weigh the truthfulness of their words, instead of their prospective profitability.
The influence of our words, either written or spoken, will live as legacies long after we have forgotten them. Choose the right word, the true word, the word you can hang your heart on. For the words you choose change the world as you pass through it, leaving the imprint of ideas and ideals on the souls of others.