Do Actions Speak Louder Than Words?
A friend from Georgia called me recently. During the course of our conversation, I mentioned that he was one of my closest friends.
“Words are meaningless,” he responded.
“Words matter,” I tried to argue.
“Only if there are actions behind the words,” he said. “I call you every day to tell you that I love you, but I’m also showing you that I mean it.”
Touché.
This conversation happened to bring up a curious concept that I’ve been pondering ever since: just how much do words really matter? Or are they meaningless without the action behind them to back them up?
As a writer, I tend to place a lot of emphasis on words, always believing that they conveyed more because you’re making a conscious decision to verbalize how you think, feel.
But are these words enough?
There’s the saying that “actions speak louder than words.” In writing, the rule of thumb tends to lean towards “show, don’t tell.” Verbs depict the action, adjectives describe the setting, but in the end, are these still just words on a page, used to tell a story, a small piece of expression?
Is the meaning still there, still as strong? Or are words merely hollow thoughts without the actions behind them, used to emphasize the meaning and make it more real?
Do actions really speak louder than words?
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There is a big divide between the written word and the spoken word. For me, I’ve always looked for actions to back up something that a person says. Otherwise, the words are hollow.
Depends on the purpose your words are meant to have. Are your words simply meant to be beautiful, a piece of art? Then, perhaps words are enough. But are your words meant to convey something important to someone? Are they meant to have a purpose in the world, other than to be beautiful? Are you trying to demonstrate something or prove a point through words? In that case, you have to back it up with action.
I think actions do typically speak louder than spoken words, but writing in my opinion is a different animal. Writing an email to a friend telling them you miss them isn’t as significant as writing and mailing a letter, and of course neither are as significant as actually traveling and visiting them.
When it comes to telling a story and expression, I think writing carries a whole new depth. A story or even a poem can contain a complex mini-universe of thoughts, themes, concepts, and emotions. At the end of a story, poem, or written work of art, you have something so much greater than just a sum of the all the words; you have an idea or a concept.
To make an analogy using a Buddhist example, (Taking a Buddhist philosophy course) a chariot is made up of all kinds of parts: wheels, basket, axle, etc. If the parts are in a pile on the floor, you wouldn’t call it a chariot. The parts assembled in a specific sequence makes the chariot, even though they are still just a collection of parts. There is no physical difference between the parts and some greater thing called a “chariot,” the chariot is a concept of your own.
Hope that wasn’t too much of a rant!
Andrew: Thanks for the comment. I agree that there is a difference between the written word vs. the spoken word. However, do you think that the same concept of backing your words up with actions can apply to both? Take blogging, for example, as a form of writing — do you think that these words alone can convey your meaning and have an impact? Or do you look for other ways, other actions, for that to carry over? Would be interested in hearing your further thoughts; thanks again for the comment!
Akhila: I really like how you make the distinction between art and other uses because that might be important, though I can’t help but wonder if that’s not a larger question (is art meant to be art for art’s sake or does the work of art itself hold a deeper meaning?). I promise not to go there yet, though it makes you wonder about the things you give meaning.
The same, I think, is what I’m pondering with words. Is saying (or writing) something and meaning it enough? Or does that point have to be proven, as you say? I love how you ask “are they meant to have a purpose in the world, other than to be beautiful” because perhaps it does depend on their purpose. Maybe sometimes words really aren’t enough. You’ve given me quite a lot to think about and I truly appreciate that, thanks!
Preston: If that’s a rant, then feel free to rant anytime! Thanks for the comment! I love how you deconstruct the idea of a story and I love your analogy. I think with storytelling, words really are enough — I think you can breathe life into your words through setting and plot and characterization. And you’re exactly right — what you have is more than just a story, but ideas, fictional experiences, a concept, as you say. You make something greater by assembling all those parts.
What I wonder, however, is how that might work with other forms of communication. Does writing an email to that friend offer less meaning than writing a letter and mailing it? Or could one argue that because you took the time to think about them, tell them that you miss them, and sit down to write a letter — no matter the outlet — still convey the same meaning? I think this goes in line with the idea of “it’s the thought that counts.” Is it really the thought that counts?
Thanks to everyone for such insightful comments, as I’ve been given a lot to think about and consider. Looking forward to continuing this dialogue.
I do think actions speak louder than words. People say one things and do another. Look at politicians or some athletes who have been in the news lately. Or a person cheating on their spouse but telling that spouse they love them. Always trust actions over words.
Raising Awareness = Change. I believe that words can have a huge impact and influence on other people. Yes, face-to-face communication is more genuine, and actions do speak louder than words – you have to practice what you preach and back up what you say. But we cannot deny the impact written word can have on a person. Our words can inspire, enlighten, and entertain people – I wouldn’t write at all if I didn’t think I could make SOME impact with my words.
So yes – the old creed rings true, ‘Actions speak louder than words’ – but words are extremely powerful and influential.
Kristina: You bring up a really good point (and some prime examples) of how actions really do speak louder than words. I wonder if there’s not a bigger issue there as well — one where you trust what a person says. Can words ever be trusted then?
Matt: I really appreciate your response as well. As I said above, personally I place a lot of emphasis on words, but now I’m beginning to wonder if there’s a balance that has to be reached. Are words meaningless without actions and, likewise, are actions meaningless without words?
Thanks for the great comments and insights!