Words have been the only constant throughout history; the only thing that has linked men and women of different eras and cultures. The greatest and most inspiring people have all used words to plant the seeds of something new; on the other hand, it is not a well-kept secret. Dictators and undeserving leaders know the power of words. Markus Zusak sought to share with the world how powerful a word can be. One word could spark friendship while many words could turn into hatred. While words may impact messages to different people differently, each is inevitably linked to the next. A word that has power receives its power from the influence it garners from the people who choose to hear it; words can hurt or heal the audience and the result is reflected in influence. First, the power lies within each of us. Markus Zusak says that power resides in everyone, but only in a few who know how to wield it. The power of the world lies in words. For example, one label cost many people their lives. As a "communist" or "Jew" in Nazi Germany you were not allowed to live a comfortable life. For Liessel in particular, the word “communist” occupied many significant moments in his life. In particular, the word was the cause of his father's absence in his life. One person criticized the word “communist” as more than just a political position, but a cause to strike fear into the homes of many. He heard a speech at the book burning event about how the Nazis defeated another enemy, the Communists: “His mother starving, his father missing. Communist. His brother died. “And now we say goodbye to this rubbish, this poison.”” (Zusak 111). One word took her father and mother away from her. One word stole her child… in the middle of the paper… tish, etc., but rather in the strength and unity of her own nationality” (Hitler 384-385). Hitler states bluntly that the Germans have been mistreated and are "clearly" the most illustrious race, but they have the mistakes of lesser people to thank for the loss of the First World War. This book was the beginning of his influence, with the printing press still growing, and helped spread his word. Hitler, a great orator, gave speeches, ran politically, connected with people, used economics as an argument for his ideas, spread propaganda, and used the blame of harsh punishment to achieve appeasement. Death recounts some statistics: “In 1933, 90% of Germans showed unwavering support for Adolf Hitler. That leaves the 10% who didn't do it” (Zusak 63). Hitler had taken control and no one had been able to stop him, he had used a simple tool to take over the world.