Richelieu Quotes
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Source: Richelieu
Author: Edward Bulwer-Lytton
The pen is mightier than the sword.
Context
This line is from the play Richelieu by Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1839).
In 1839, people flocked to see the Cardinals. Not the St. Louis Cardinals, but productions of Richelieu, a play about real-life advisor to Louis XIII, Cardinal Richelieu. As a priest, striking enemies down with a sword was frowned upon, so Richelieu had different advice: the state can be saved by words, not violence.
Where you've heard it
You heard this after the Charlie Hebdo massacre in 2015, and anytime a person brings a Sharpie to a fencing match.
The Joker also proved that the pen is truly mightier than the sword in Tim Burton's Batman.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
This is a good quote to use when fighting—with sharp words!—for freedom of the press.