Reading: The power of language to change the world

An article I read this week reminded me of a profound truth—that words are powerful. They can be used in so many ways—to build up, to put down, to explain, to affirm, to deny, to compel and to suggest. Crucially, they can also be used to change the world. Yes, change the world.

Famously, Winston Churchill assured Britons that "we shall fight on the beaches"; John F. Kennedy challenged Americans to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade; Martin Luther King had a dream; William Wilberforce called on the British Parliament to abolish slavery; Socrates apologised; and, Jesus of Nazareth introduced a code of conduct that billions have adopted since.

Like these men, we have the power to use words and language to inspire and to effect change—if we are passionate and if we speak out. So, what's on your mind?