The Pen

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You already can visualize that the quote that comes with the pen is the already well-known one, "The Pen is Mightier than the Sword." Is that accurate? 

No where else does this quote hold importance than in our martial arts communities and disciplines because it is one that the ancients, especially the proverbial Samurai, who were believed to temper their combative skills with knowledge and understanding and the resulting enlightenment. Is that accurate? 

Note: actually, in ancient times it wasn’t a pen per say but either a quill or type of brush or some other form that one dipped in ink wells to write. 

Note: there was actually an art in making a good pen be it feathered quill or other type and to ensure proper flow of ink and eliminating splotching, etc., was a part of that art form. Then there is the ascetics of the pen as well adding to the artistic and functional efficiency of said pens. 

Note: So much so that the art of writing with ancient and similar tools has become an art and discipline referred to as, “Calligraphy.” 

Note: it may be assumed that the might of the pen is in the words written and you would be right, partly, because words are powerful and in relation to how well one writes is the form, format and font, etc., written taking us to the creation and use of the pen, i.e., the discipline is likened to how the Japanese Katana is made, it matters here too. 

Note: consider those who create the art that is the brushed/written character or ideograms called kanji, you just don’t grab any old brush and write, right? 

Note: when writing with such instruments, like the application of sword methods, how much pressure is applied; how we hold the instrument; the angles of application to paper, etc., all contribute to the end result like the maker of the sword; its imbued tempering and layering; its balance; its structure; its weight as to heaviness; its edge, etc., all contribute to the skills applied by the sword master. It is much the same to the art of writing.

Note: the art of writing is the formation of words into ideas, thoughts and beliefs that effect those who take up the paper, book or blog and read them for the mastery of the word influences and persuades and educates so that the reader understands, becomes enlightened. The pen is the tool that allows the words to flow to paper. 

Note: the ink as well must be such that it enhances the ink to paper by its color, consistency and durability as to ascetics on view of the reader. 

Note: one of the legendary swordsmen of ancient Japan was known for his artistic talents both in writing and it the presentation of art work in a Zen-like mind-no-mind way that has effected those who followed his life even up to today around the world. 

Note: I quote, “The creation of the pen has essentially facilitated the very basis of our civilization. It is through writing that we have been able to create, share, and learn. Pens have made it possible to retain and communicate knowledge and information and create works of art. The writings of Shakespeare and Milton wouldn’t exist if they didn’t have the tools to somehow immortalize them physically.” - The Journal Shop 

A time line of the pen (Fact Check Required):

• 2000 BC: EGYPTIAN REED PEN
• 600 AD: QUILL PEN
• 1822: STEEL-POINT PEN
• 1827: FOUNTAIN PEN
• 1888: BALLPOINT PEN

In Japan, the art of calligraphy has a number of tools are used to create a work of modern calligraphy. The four most basic tools were collectively called the Four Treasures of the Study (文房四宝 bunbō shihō). An inkstick (墨 sumi).The hardened mixture of vegetable or pine soot and glue in the shape of a stick.

For instance, in regard to the calligraphy pen, it is comprised of, “a cap; a barrel; a nib; a feed; a section; and a converter.” In my mind, the cap, barrel, feed, section and converter support the nib much like the “pummel, handle, guard, blade and edge, point, etc.” As you already know and can see, visualize, in your minds eye the Japanese sword goes even deeper such as the guard, tsuba, where its art work and construction and creation are taken to greater heights of art setting a tone for the entire sword, its maker and finally its end use owner, a personality that fits, directs and enhances the users experience and skills. This is true to well made calligraphy pens and effects the individual, the words written, the meaning of the words and the effects of the writers intent in writing. 

Take a look at the Calligraphy Brush Anatomy. Take note of the most vital part of the brush, the tip is the brother of the nib to the calligraphy pen. I like to think that the art of brush calligraphy; the art of the calligraphy pen; the art of writing; the discipline and enlightened writer all contribute much like swordsmanship to the overall intent, objective and philosophy of martial arts. 

The stages or levels of learning, practicing and applying one’s writing skills is like that of the martial arts, i.e., shu-ha-ri and shin-gi-tai. A natural progression that leads to mastery encompassing more than just putting pen to paper but a whole holistic philosophy using similar or same principles like, “theory of writing; physiokinetic’s of writing; technique(s) of writing; and philosophies of writing. 

The skills of writing with pen, quill or brush all involve the same mind, heart and spirit of the martial arts. It takes dedication, hard work, a great deal of study using a “systemic Flexible” methodology to reach a level of skill, eduction, ability and applicability of both understanding and application to master writing, the context and intent of the writing and the culture, belief and message of the writer. 

First question of the quote: "The pen is mightier than the sword is a metonymic adage, coined by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839, indicating that communication (particularly written language), or in some interpretations, administrative power or advocacy of an independent press, is a more effective tool than direct violence.” 

If we take this to task then our abilities in this lead us to the very necessity of applying avoidance, escape-n-evasion and especially “deescalation skills” to achieve self-protection without resorting to forms of lawful violence. 

Take another venue in that our ability to write words coupled with an ability to articulate such words into a message and that the message is for the teacher, the students and others we encounter then we can say emphatically words, especially written and recorded, are skills necessary to teach true efficient and comprehensive self-protection be it in words, articulation of words or the application of physical self-defense legal methodologies to end violence. 

As to the second question on how mighty the pen is speaks heavily to both articulation and communications (written and recorded and various media). It is the mighty mighty of the pen, ergo the words they produce and the messages conveyed that is the true strength of our abilities to protect and defend. 

Something to think about…

Note: each pen, brush or quill has its own pattern of holding the device; each also has specifics to how one sits, how high the table; how high the arm and hand; where and what position the writer takes to apply the pen at proper angles, etc., to achieve maximum, efficient, effective application or writing… does this sound familiar? 

Note: read the article on the “Enso”, a Zen Circle to gain more insight into the art of calligraphy or why the pen is mightier than the sword. 

For reference and sources and professionals go here: Bibliography (Click the link)