Words Come Before Actions.

Words Before Actions

There is a saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” It implies that no matter how much you talk, it is useless if you do not act. However, there is a trap in this saying. The point is that knowledge is necessary for action. And that knowledge is acquired through “words.”

Words are a great means of acquiring knowledge.

The wisest way to acquire knowledge is by explaining. Explanation is essentially words. If you explain what you learned today to someone else, you can correct the parts you missed. By accumulating knowledge through words and then acting, you can reduce trial and error compared to acting without speaking.

Richard Feynman said, “If you can’t explain it, you don’t understand it well enough.” The ability to retrieve, organize, and articulate knowledge means you truly understand it. In other words, to speak, you must understand the content accurately. The prerequisite knowledge for action is always verified and acquired through words.

Words are the key to collaboration.

The famous elevator pitch in startups is based on “words.” If you can’t convey your message persuasively in the short time an elevator moves, it will be even harder to convince your team members. Moreover, if you can’t explain it briefly, there’s a high chance you don’t understand the business well.

We live in an era where you can’t act alone. It’s a time when you need to solve complex problems with colleagues, and the process of discussing and organizing issues starts and ends with words. If you are good with words, you can solve difficult problems through collaboration.

Words are a means of verification.

You can verify with words before acting. For example, just talking about a startup idea before launching a business can give you an idea of its feasibility. By sharing with others rather than pondering alone, you can reconsider the parts you missed.

Ultimately, the root of human action lies in communication. Humanity has advanced society through collaboration, and language has always been at the center. The fastest way to mediate language is through “words.”

Words have created significant points in human history. During the American Revolutionary War, a boy who heard the British army’s plans informed each household that the British would invade the next day. As a result, the residents were able to evacuate quickly.

Presidential speeches, elections, and debates are conducted with words. Even dictators rule with “words.” Many turning points in human history have begun and ended with words.

There is no reason to underestimate words. Rather, they are an important means of driving action.