Theodore Roosevelt used to talk about speaking softly and carrying a big stick. I prefer the truth in an ancient Chinese proverb which says: "If you talk with a soft voice you do not need a thick stick."

The warring man or nation, symbolized by the man or nation with a big stick, does not lack antagonists. One can be sure that if there is one big stick, other big sticks will soon appear. But the soft word does not challenge another to fight.

When William Penn established Pennsylvania his Quaker beliefs would not permit him to even contemplate the necessity of warfare with the Indians; and there were no wars between his followers and the Indians. His soft words brought soft words. Blessed is the peacemaker. Blessed is he who uses the soft word.