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About this quote

What does it mean?
Words are neutral tools that gain immense power for good or evil when combined skillfully by someone who knows how.
In plain terms
Words are harmless alone but powerful when used by someone who knows how to put them together.
What can you take from it?
Words gain power through skilled combination.

Where it applies

  • public speaking
  • writing
  • debate

Putting it to work

  • choose words carefully
  • study rhetoric

Questions to consider

  • How can words be used for good?
  • Who holds the most power with words?

Another view

Power also depends on context and audience, not just word choice.

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