The power of spoken thought

Abstract

Introduction: For a long time the only method of writing was by cutting letters in tables of stone, a very slow and exceedingly difficult task. Then later on the writing material was parchment and papyrus, but it was not until during the Middle ages that paper was manufactured; so during all this time the principal method of preserving knowledge and teaching it to the people was by word of mouth. In fact there was one time during the Dark ages when the very use of letters as well as of books was nearly forgotten. Had it not been for the sermons and lectures that were delivered by the learned men of that time much useful knowledge would have been lost and the progress of civilization would have been retarded in like proportion. It is to the power of spoken thoughts to a great extent that we owe our knowledge of the early history of the world. But it is of the present that I wish to speak, of the present influence of spoken thoughts. In the first place we find that spoken thoughts are more forcible, leave a more lasting impression, than any other way of expressing thought.