The pen is mightier than the sword. What does it mean?
Trying to convince people with ideas and words is more effective than trying to force people to do what you want.
Where does it come from?
It was created by the English author, Edward Bulwer-Lytton, in 1839, for his play Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy.
The play was about Cardinal Richelieu. His line’s in Act II, scene II, was more fully:
True, This! — Beneath the rule of men entirely great The pen is mightier than the sword. Behold The arch-enchanters wand! — itself is nothing! — But taking sorcery from the master-hand To paralyse the Cæsars, and to strike The loud earth breathless! — Take away the sword — States can be saved without it!