My dad never blew anything up, but he probably had friends who did. He and my mom have always preached that the pen is mightier than a Molotov cocktail.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker contrasts physical violence with the power of writing or peaceful expression.
- In plain terms
- Words and ideas are more powerful than weapons or violence.
- What can you take from it?
- Peaceful expression is more powerful than violence.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is writing more powerful than action?
- How do you teach non-violence?
Another view
The quote relies on a common idiom rather than unique insight.
More from Joseph Gordon Levitt
At the heart of the movie, to me, is there's these two characters that can have one horrible, traumatic experience but react to it in opposite ways and it show…
Permalink to quote #6 I don't blame the people for the fact that so many movies are bad. I think there's a corrupt, perverted, lazy and sloppy attitude that's pervasive in the movie…
Permalink to quote #8 Actors didn't use to be celebrities. A hundred years ago, they put the theaters next to the brothels. Actors were poor. Celebrities used to be kings and queens…
Permalink to quote #5
Related quotes
People have expected less of movies and have been willing to settle for less. Some have even been willing to settle for Kramer vs. Kramer and other pictures th…
Pauline KaelPauline Kael quote #37 My son must be honest and respect elders. That's all that I expect of him. 'Frankly, I really hated myself when I saw Gauri going through all that labour pain.…
Shahrukh KhanShahrukh Khan quote #59 There are many people who feel that it is useless and futile for us to continue talking peace and non-violence - against a government whose only reply is savag…
Nelson MandelaNelson Mandela quote #1