There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other

Hearken, O children of history and wisdom, and attend to the words of Muhammad Ali Jinnah: “There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a great competition and rivalry between the two. There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women.” In these words lies a meditation upon power, influence, and the enduring strength that transcends violence and intellect. From the dawn of civilization, men and women have sought dominion through force or persuasion, yet Jinnah elevates a third, subtler, and more profound force: the transformative power of women, whose influence shapes nations, hearts, and the very course of history.

Consider the nature of the sword and the pen. The sword represents coercion, might, and the capacity to impose one’s will through fear or strength. The pen represents knowledge, persuasion, and the capacity to influence thought and culture through words and ideas. Throughout history, empires have risen and fallen by these twin forces, often locked in rivalry, as violence and intellect struggle for supremacy. Jinnah reminds us that while these powers are formidable, they are not absolute; a higher power often resides in the quiet, unseen, and enduring influence of women.

History offers luminous examples of this third power. Consider Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, whose wisdom, diplomacy, and charisma commanded empires without the brute force of armies, and whose alliances shaped the destiny of nations. Or consider Empress Wu Zetian of China, who wielded intellect, strategy, and political acumen to consolidate authority in a patriarchal era. These women demonstrate that influence rooted in insight, empathy, and vision may surpass even the mightiest armies and the most persuasive words.

Jinnah’s reflection also illuminates the transformative power of women within families and communities. From nurturing children to guiding spouses, from shaping social norms to inspiring moral courage, women wield influence that permeates every level of human life. The pen and sword may alter events temporarily, but the guidance, wisdom, and resilience instilled by women endure through generations, shaping character, values, and the destiny of societies in ways that often remain unseen yet profoundly effective.

Even in modern history, the impact of women’s power is clear. Consider Rosa Parks, whose quiet defiance in refusing to yield her seat became a catalyst for civil rights in America. Her moral courage and principled stand transformed society far more enduringly than armies or legislation alone might have done. Jinnah’s assertion resonates here: the power of women lies not only in status or position, but in the strength of principle, resilience, and action that shifts the world in profound ways.

From this teaching flows practical wisdom. Recognize, honor, and amplify the influence of women in every sphere of life. Understand that true power is not solely the exercise of force or intellect, but the cultivation of empathy, insight, and enduring influence. Whether in the household, workplace, or society, women’s contributions carry the potential to shape destiny, guide moral compass, and inspire greatness across generations.

Let the generations remember this eternal truth: the power of women transcends the sword and the pen. Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s words remind us that the most enduring and transformative influence often comes not from brute force or eloquent argument alone, but from the wisdom, guidance, and resilience of women. Their presence shapes lives, societies, and the course of history with subtlety and strength unmatched by any other power.

Therefore, O seeker of understanding, honor the women in your life and recognize their capacity to transform, guide, and inspire. Support, listen, and learn from their wisdom, and carry forward the legacy of their influence. In doing so, you align yourself with the deepest currents of human progress, acknowledging that the true measure of power lies not in domination or persuasion alone, but in the enduring and transformative strength of women.