“The tongue has the power of life and death”: so says Proverbs 18:21. I love words for this very reason – that they have power:
They can instigate revolutions, instil hope, topple presidents, conjure passion and kill softly.
Words fascinate me because they can be as true today for one situation as they were a thousand years ago in another country, another continent, far, far away.
It seems that for as long as there is humanity, there are words. And as long as there are words, there is power in them.
I’d like to share with you some of the most striking and penetrating words I’ve come across in the course of the last fourweeks.
I travelled to the US on a mentorship programme for women in leadership and in the course of my learning I came across many quotations that have the power to change the way we see ourselves and each other, the way we love, work and play; the way we think.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.”
When I first read this quotation, I was sure it was conceived by Oprah Winfrey.
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It sounded kind of inspirational and, well you know, Oprahish! Imagine my surprise when I discovered it came from Henry David Thoreau, a 19th century American Transcendentalist author.
Often when this quotation is repeated, the last sentence is left out and people begin to feel inspired by the dreams of a lavish lifestyle they have been imagining.
But this kind of inspiration can be found “dollar for two” from any self-styled motivational speaker. It is the last line which catapults Thoreau out of this genre and into the elite league of thinkers and philosophers rather than just speakers.
Thoreau’s philosophy of civil disobedience later influenced the political thoughts and actions of such figures as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King (Jr).
One of my favourite quotes comes from Maria Shriver and she says: “Well-behaved women never make history.”
Although I heard this one some years ago, I felt it appropriate to bring it up now, at a time when Shriver is going through a very public domestic scandal.
I am pretty sure that when she said those words years ago, she never imagined that they would be applicable to her own domestic helper, who is now making history because of her illicit relationship with Schriver’s husband, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
A woman of many accomplishments, Maria Shriver is as famous for her award- winning exploits as an author and journalist as she is for being a member of the Kennedy family and for being the wife and soon-to-be ex-wife of Schwarzenegger.
I liked her words because they recognise that a world-changer is often going to be disapproved of, and they tacitly give permission for that woman to proceed regardless.
Geraldine Laybourne says: “The only profession that needs balance is being a yoga instructor.”
These words were spoken in response to yet another question about women finding balance.
In the eternal quest to fulfil her multiple roles as mother, primary nurturer, business leader, faithful friend and role model, the modern woman faces many conflicts and this quotation just encourages women to relax and do what they can when they can without getting too intense about it.
Laybourne is the founder and former chairman of Oxygen media and a key figure in the development of Nickelodeon.
She is a highly respected business leader and a pioneer in the world of cable television.
Sir Winson Churchill said: “History will be kind to me, because I intend to write it.”
Well-known for his supreme self-confidence, Churchill had a reputation for being difficult and stubborn. This quotation could easily become a positioning statement for a personal brand.
I find it magical because it is unapologetic in its declaration of leadership and desire for control.
Women leaders are often accused of wanting to play themselves and their achievements down and I believe much could be learnt from smart words like these.
“Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.” Although I believe the focus on liberty has potential to become counter-productive, I like the simplicity of this quotation from Kahlil Gibran, who was a Lebanese American poet and writer, best known for his works of inspirational fiction such as The Prophet.
“I saw what my life could be and found the strength to make it happen.” I don’t know who said these words, but I love the quiet strength in them and the picture of gentle but absolute internal resolve born of a compelling vision.
No compilation of quotations in our time would be complete without a contribution from the Queen of Talk, Oprah Winfrey.
“You lead life,” she says. “It doesn’t lead you!” Oprah’s story is well-documented, and she more than anyone else is a primary example of how one can lead a life, choosing to live by choice rather than chance.
What are some of your favourite quotes and why?
Thembe Sachikonye writes in her personal capacity. Send your feedback to [email protected]. Follow on twitter at www.twitter.com/localdrummer
