My Solomon's Journey

Admiration for the Power of the Word

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When I was about 12 years old, I overheard my older cousin discussing the art of speaking with his friends. They spoke of how people rose to power through their ability to speak and convince others to follow them. Their words fascinated me. I already knew, through the history and legends of my country, how figures like Lenin and Stalin had mobilized millions with their rhetoric, leading revolutions and taking power across nations. Their use of words, combined with physical force and weapons, reshaped history.

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When I was 10, I read about Alexander the Great, who, despite his youth, led the Greeks to dominate the ancient world. As a little boy, I admired such figures—leaders who used ideas to inspire justice and bring benefits to hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people. Our communist propaganda often highlighted stories of young boys and girls who sacrificed their lives to liberate others from oppressive regimes like Tsarist Russia or Nazi Germany. We were taught that we were building a brighter future, a paradise on earth, through socialism and communism—principles that promised prosperity, justice, and equality for all.

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What struck me most was the realization that behind these great movements were words—articulated ideas with the power to inspire and drive nations. That conversation with my cousin made me aware that some individuals became the voices of these ideas. They not only formulated concepts but also led through personal example, embodying the principles they preached.

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At the time, I knew nothing of Jesus Christ, who, without military force or weapons, articulated ideas that have inspired billions for nearly 2,000 years. That knowledge had not yet been revealed to me. Still, I was intrigued by the power of reasoning through words. It left a mark on me, though I didn’t know where to find more information or how to explore it further.

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At that age, I was just a boy, more preoccupied with play than with pondering profound ideas. Activities like soccer, hockey, skiing, and bicycle riding consumed my days. Entertainment and outdoor adventures held far greater appeal than reading or meditating on the power of words. Little did I know that seeds of curiosity had been planted, waiting to grow when the time was right.

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