I have to disagree with Alex Muller's argument that words are more dangerous than weapons. Words when used as propaganda or to invoke some type of reprehensible action could --- in the worst of circumstances --- persuade someone to take action against something or someone. But imagine the impact of Pope Urban II's words with regards to the outcome of the Crusades without the sword.

The demand for, "total and complete surrender," would not have carried the same weight and certainly not have destroyed as much as an atomic bomb.

I agree that words can cause harm, especially when they form irrational, uneducated or hateful ideas. But I do not think that words have done more damage to the human race than weapons.

Our lack of education, our loss of ability to critically interpret what is going on around ourselves and our knack for forgetting the past are the most destructive weapons we have ever created.

Words are harmless in comparison.