Photo by Damian Scarlassa
Words influence behavior. They shape people’s perceptions, thus driving behavioral changes yadi yada. There can be a long discussion as to why this concept exists. But when words are merely utterances, do they weigh more than actions?
Time and time again, people are reminded that actions speak louder than words. In order to inspire change, people must act in a way that relays this change they wish to see in the world. Discussions, merely exchanging words and opinions, won’t bring consequential results unless there is action. And to a certain extent, these sentiments hold truth. Ample change won’t be observed without physical change.
But they fail to realize that simply because change isn’t evident doesn’t mean it’s non-existent.
Take reading, for instance. People have been dubious about trusting the essence of self-help books or the possible help motivational and uplifting poetry can provide. How can these aid people’s needs when they are words reflected on paper? They are often deemed useless simply because people don’t instantaneously act on them or there is no immediate change in people’s lives after reading them. Because changes from these literary materials are gradual and typically deeply seated, they’re often taken for granted.
Authors don’t write instruction manuals that require immediate action. Instead, they plant wisdom and inspiration into people’s minds, encouraging them to nurture these into significant cognitive changes. Literary materials written and derived from authors’ feelings and pure intentions are irrevocably one of the most potent sources of change.
How?
For instance, author Brion K. Hanks wrote emotional and moving poetry meant to inspire and instill a newer perception of life in people. When writing these, Mr. Hanks doesn’t expect instant results. He doesn’t intend for people to look at the world differently the moment they put his works down. Instead, Brion K. Hanks writes these pieces believing that little by little, people will understand his point of view and apply them in their own lives. He takes a part of his own life and puts it to paper, hoping that whoever experiences them will be inspired to change.
People are linked by a sentimental relationship connecting them at the core of humanity. And when mediums and materials tap unto this sentiment, products are closely life-altering. Brion K. Hanks’ poems offer this experience. They provide a gateway for people to write from and express a humane vulnerability shared from one person to another.
However, people have always been result-driven. They’ve always wanted to see proof before believing, to see something change before they’ll believe a new procedure works. And while this nature might have helped cut costs or give quality items, it might have also blinded people from some issues.
Words aren’t given enough credit for the power they hold. Showing, not telling, has always been valued, and although this statement is commonly used in the literary setting, it still has societal implications.
And perhaps, this is the reason why a lot of physical damage is done. Instead of exhaustively discussing matters, people resort to action. Instead of talking it out to reach a fair, beneficial solution, people have become so impatient and stuck into seeing physical changes that they jump right into action despite causing too much damage.
Words can be more powerful than actions. Actions may bring immediate changes, but this isn’t enough assurance for long-term alterations. Words can instill new beliefs and perceptions that can account for permanent and sustainable behavioral changes.
When people say words can make a difference, this is usually followed by a readily available list of situations to back their claims up. From motivational speakers and TED Talks to people’s usage of positive affirmations, many discussions have successfully sparked some sense in people. This is precisely why novels and stories are a big thing or why self-help books are surging into popularity.
Sure, people can immediately alter their behaviors, and seeing what this difference brings will be satisfying. But to stop and acknowledge the change they’re doing, verbalizing the whys to their behaviors, will help put meaning to life and make it make more sense.
Words influence people. They don’t only make people think and reflect, but in a bigger picture, words change how they live their lives. Words can take over people’s minds, planting seeds for people to nurture and gradually birth sustainable change.
Think about it, momentous events won’t happen without ideas, and no smart action would occur without enough planning or discussion. Laws are written and discussed to ensure everyone’s safety. No conflict will be adequately resolved with action, a moment of fighting and grappling. Instead, it’s best if people talk it out and use words to convey what hurt them and what they want to achieve. Hence, it isn’t always action speaks louder than words, but rather, the correct usage of words produces louder actions.
Reymond Reviews 