I think 'Actions speak louder than words' is one thing, I think

Hear now the voice of wisdom carried through the generations, in the words of Ginni Rometty: “I think ‘Actions speak louder than words’ is one thing, I think, I always took from my mom. And to this day, I think about that in everything I do.” This is no idle phrase, no casual proverb, but the echo of an eternal truth, older than stone and sky—that what we do resounds farther than what we say. For words may be carried away by the wind, but deeds are carved into the memory of those who witness them.

From the beginning of time, men and women have sought to understand the weight of action. A promise unfulfilled becomes a shadow, while a silent deed of kindness shines like a beacon in the night. The ancients knew this well: a leader who declared justice but practiced tyranny was cursed by his people, while another who spoke little yet gave his life for the weak was honored as a hero. Thus, Ginni speaks of her mother’s teaching, reminding us that life itself is judged not by speeches, but by the quiet, persistent flame of deeds.

Consider the tale of Mahatma Gandhi. He did not thunder with great armies nor wield the weapons of the powerful. Instead, he walked barefoot with the poor, fasted with the suffering, and stood unarmed before the might of an empire. His words alone could not have changed the world, but his actions, lived daily with humility and resolve, ignited a revolution. Even the British crown could not silence a man who lived what he believed. His life proclaimed louder than any sermon: the truth that deeds carry a strength that words cannot bear alone.

So too, in the household of Ginni Rometty, her mother lived in such a way that her daughter would never forget: that one’s character is not proclaimed but proven. To cook a meal after a long day, to labor silently for her family’s future, to keep walking when weariness begged her to stop—these unspoken actions became eternal lessons. And now, even as a leader of great renown, Ginni carries that fire, choosing in every decision to honor her mother’s truth: deeds are the true measure of the soul.

Let us not be deceived, children of tomorrow. Words are easy, they are wind and air. Any man can promise, boast, or persuade with clever speech. But only the one who labors in silence, who endures when no one sees, who delivers what he has pledged—only such a one is worthy of trust. For the world has seen many who spoke of peace yet brought war, many who preached of love yet sowed cruelty. Judge not a person by what they say, but by the fruit of their actions.

And what lesson shall we take from this wisdom? It is simple, yet hard as iron: let your life be a witness. Speak less, and do more. If you love, show it not only in words but in deeds of sacrifice. If you dream, labor for it with sweat and persistence. If you lead, let your example be the law that others follow. Remember that each action writes your name into the book of time, while empty words fade like smoke in the wind.

Practical steps lie before us: when you promise, fulfill it quickly. When you hope, act as though it already breathes life. Choose one good deed each day, however small, and let it shine for those who cannot see your heart. In the workplace, at home, among friends—show your loyalty, your courage, your love through actions that cannot be denied. And in this way, your life will become a living testament, a story that others will tell when your words have long been forgotten.

Thus, let the teaching of Ginni Rometty’s mother pass into our keeping. Let us rise each day with this vow: that our actions shall be our true voice, louder than speeches, brighter than intentions, stronger than any promise. For the world does not remember what we meant to do, but what we did. And in this, we find the path to honor, to greatness, and to a legacy that endures.