Genghis Khan’s Bridges

Here are today’s Wonderful Words:

The only permanent structures Genghis Khan erected were bridges.

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, Jack Weatherford, page xxii

Background

This book is the definitive history of Genghis Khan, the Mongol empire, and the root of many customs and technologies we take for granted today. 

Who would’ve thought an example of wonderful writing would come from a history book?

Growing up in the United States—where the education system understandably places a heavy focus on US history—I didn’t know anything about Genghis Khan. But after hearing this book recommended multiple times on The Tim Ferriss Show, I ordered a copy. 

My biggest takeaway: the Mongols were violent conquerors but progressive leaders. They allowed religious freedom, promoted equality, and increased culture and education. Never would’ve guessed that… 

What makes it wonderful?

This isn’t another example of eloquent writing like we usually dissect in Wonderful Words. The beauty in this sentence is in the thought it provokes. 

It’s found in the introduction of the book—before you’ve learned anything about Genghis Khan—and I found myself wondering, “what kind of conqueror only builds bridges?”

When I think of conquerors, I think of civilization builders erecting structures, monuments, and societies. As it turns out, the Mongol conquerors weren’t builders. They were mostly rulers. And as long as their subjects didn’t challenge Mongol rule, they were left alone. The Mongols were nomads. They didn’t have any reason to build permanent structures.

But the one thing nomads need—especially when ruling over vast swaths of territory—are bridges. Genghis Khan needed to move two things: armies and goods. Bridges helped him move them faster. 

The sentence was wonderful because it made me curious, which made me want to keep reading. But it was also wonderful because it had a double meaning.

Of course Genghis Khan built physical bridges. He needed to cross rivers and streams. But he built figurative bridges too.

He built bridges between cultures, countries, and economies. He built bridges across continents. He built bridges to unite the world.

And that’s why it’s wonderful. Nine simple words to provoke thought and provide multiple meanings.

Let's get technical

I had to go hunting for this explanation. I typed a question into Google: What is the word for something that is literally and figuratively true?

Turns out it’s called syllepsis. 

It isn’t often that something is both literal and figurative, but that’s what makes it so special. Literal bridges connect land. Figurative bridges connect people. Genghis Khan built both. 

If you want to grab your reader’s attention, start with a syllepsis. They’ll pause to ponder then push ahead with purpose, just like I did when reading about Genghis Khan.

Happy writing, 

Joe

P.S. Ghengis Khan also taught me something about personal finance. Check it out here.