The Pen is Mightier than the Sword

I am trying to come to grips with the saying “the pen is mightier than the sword.”  I am not there yet.
Certainly in countries that are well off and at peace it is, but where chaos rules it seems “might is right.”
I look at the basic needs of people, “food, shelter and security.”  When those are met anything over and above that seems to be a bonus.  Affluent and peaceful communities can afford to indulge in the arts and philosophy and meeting the needs of those less fortunate.  Less well-off societies live more hand to mouth and are looking to have just their basic needs met.
It is why democracy is a farce although it is the best system we have.  We allowed democratic elections in Palestine but did not get the result we wanted.  The people chose Hamas.  That is not what the west expected.  In hindsight it is easy to see why Hamas was chosen by the people.  They provided hospitals and aid to the populace.  In other words they met basic needs.  Given a choice most people will pick practicality over ideology.
I look at our health and safety laws.  Although many believe them to be over the top, I certainly prefer what we have to the multitude of deaths experienced in other countries because profits come ahead of people.
I also look at the NDIS.  It is great that people with disabilities are looked after.
It seems to me we have these things because we can afford them. Given different circumstances we would forgo many things to ensure our basic needs were met.
So at present where I am at is, the pen in mightier than the sword in some places, while in other places, might rules.