However, the significance of certain words spoken throughout history has had resounding repercussions on world events, and with key instances the reverberations are still powerful in their effect even to this day.
When we read great speeches, or at the time when speeches were heard by an audience, it was the collection of words, phrases, and overall effect of nuance and meaning that moved people. The intrinsic power of language stirred hearts. The settling of the significance of even the silences or planned pauses within a speech created a bond of mutual spirit. Words, which have been spoken throughout history in critical moments, have been absorbed, analyzed, and appreciated.
People have changed history through their deeds, thoughts, and words. One of the more intriguing stories I am reminded of in this month of December has to do with Henry II of England.
Henry II reigned over a kingdom in the 12th century that was filled with pageantry, chivalry, complete with tournaments, feasts, and minstrels singing about deeds of valor. Sounds good, right? Well, that type of lifestyle was only for the upper-class Englishmen. Most people, the peasants (serfs) and workers (artisans) had a difficult time with daily living. They, in the small growing towns, were thought of as "less than" by the higher order of individuals who had the power of the king behind them. The only meaningful unification between these two disparate classes was found in the Catholic Church.
In spite of it being a time of plague, warfare, and violence, brilliant cathedrals were built across the towns of England. These magnificent creations symbolized the communities' faith; a faith in the world to come-the life on earth was relatively unimportant.
At the very least, if a peasant was a member in his local Church it secured him a place in society. If he committed a sin and it was serious, the threat to his eternal soul could be meted out by the Church in the form of excommunication. He would be cut off from services here on earth and thus lose his status. The lowly serf would then be ostracized even further and would be condemned to a life of isolation. Regardless, the Church had power and wanted to maintain such control. According to this belief, even a King could be excommunicated for his misdeeds.
Henry II was a good king for the most part. His weakness was his anger and the arguments with his family members and his best friend, Thomas Becket. At first, Henry and Thomas had a strong, affectionate friendship filled with humor and fun. Thomas was not of royal blood but Henry admired his wisdom. So much so that when, politically, Henry needed a 'right-hand-man', he appointed Thomas as his Chancellor. Becket was talented. With Becket's backing and support, Henry II began to reform the judicial system and great strides were made as a result of their friendship. The role of the king grew stronger.
On the occasion of the Archbishop of Canterbury's death, things became dicey when Henry II had to appoint a new Archbishop of Canterbury. Because the Catholic Church and the king were seen in the divine scheme as being the ones responsible for keeping the order, the two entities were termed, the "two swords of God." The major conflict came when there was a question of which sword was the greater on earth...the Church or the King?
With this as a backdrop, and many historical nuances not included here, Henry thought it politically wise to put his beloved "friend" in one of the most prestigious and powerful positions: Archbishop of Canterbury. Thomas reluctantly acquiesced and obeyed his king's request.
Thomas, the noble man he was, honest and loyal to the one he devotedly served, knew he'd have to decide on the side of the Church now when there were disputes, and not with the King, yes, not even with his best friend. Thomas had spoken the words and taken a vow of fidelity to God, thus he was compelled to be loyal to the Church.
When a case of law arose concerning possible criminal acts on the part of priests, a possible power play was at hand and the king wanted to punish the priests. Becket resisted his king and instead chose "God's" side and not side of the king. Henry's heart was broken. Loyalty could only serve one master. Henry was devastated, not only because he didn't have the political ace in his back pocket any longer, but he sincerely believed Thomas loved him and would be true to their abiding friendship and side with the power of the King.
It was not to be.
After a night of partying, a distraught Henry and his buddies (the knights that were his protection) were up late drinking too much. Henry in his emotional state spoke the fatal and tragic words: "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?" His knights took the meaning of his words literally and rushed to the Canterbury Cathedral and murdered Thomas Becket in December of 1170.
Not only did Henry II lose his grip in his continued quest for power but the split between the Catholic Church and State (the Crown) would become even more entrenched. To this day we have remnants of this divisive contention in its varied forms across the world.
Yes, Henry II ended up publicly deploring the killing and did penance. His words were the catalyst, no matter if they were misinterpreted, that set in motion a series of consequential actions, tragic actions.
I personally believe Henry said those words from a place of pain and hurt for what he saw as a betrayal. I think he regretted putting those words 'out there.' However, he couldn't take them back.
Out of this dark place is where words can become as powerful as daggers. Daggers spilled the blood of a man most loyal, words, like weapons, have the powerful potential to shred and cut the ties that bind...ties that were once sacred. If not careful about respecting the meaning and power of words, the fall out can only be forever enshrined in regret.