The Power of the Pen

How powerful are words? Powerful enough to spark — and sustain — a revolution.

These were written by Thomas Paine in December 1776:

These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.

General George Washington ordered the essay from Paine’s “The American Crisis” read aloud to his troops on Christmas Eve as they prepared to cross the Delaware. The words inspired the soldiers to fight — and win — the Battle of Trenton.  The victory inspired more soldiers to enlist.

The rest, as they say, is history.