Pen and sword

[Edward M Dumanis]

I second it.
The Russian proverb has nothing to do with weapon.
Its meaning is that what is written will stay forever.
A similar but more general proverb is related to anything said:
"Slovo - ne vorobej, vyletit - ne pojmaesh'."

Sincerely,

Edward Dumanis <dumanis at buffalo.edu>

On Fri, 26 Aug 2005, Michael Denner wrote:

> 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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