Pen and sword

[Michael Denner]

Janneke!

Of course, the Russian poslovitsa you quote is only remotely similar in
meaning to the English. The English saying means that eloquence and
reason will accomplish what brute force cannot (the pen as a synecdoche
for all verbal activity). At least as I understand it, and looking
through a few dozen Google examples, the Russian is more a warning and
very narrow in meaning - written words and contracts are indelible and
nothing can undo them, so be careful what you write or sign.

Best,
mad
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Dr. Michael A. Denner
Editor, Tolstoy Studies Journal
Director, University Honors Program

Contact Information:
Russian Studies Program
Stetson University
Campus Box 8361
DeLand, FL 32720-3756
386.822.7381 (department)
386.822.7265 (direct line)
386.822.7380 (fax)
http://www.stetson.edu/~mdenner

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