Perhaps if all the peoples of the world understand what war really means, we would eliminate it.
Walter CronkiteRead
In journalism, we recognize a kind of hierarchy of fame among the famous. We measure it in two ways: by the length of an obituary and by how far in advance it is prepared. Presidents, former presidents, and certain heads of state are at the top of the chain.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on how society values fame and the metrics used to measure it, particularly in journalism.
Walter Cronkite's quote explores the idea that fame is not just about recognition but comes with a hierarchy that is particularly evident in journalism. The length of an obituary and the timing of its preparation serve as indicators of a person's societal importance, with political figures and heads of state often occupying the highest rungs of this fame ladder. This statement critiques the often superficial ways fame is assessed and highlights a certain moral and ethical responsibility in how we remember and honor influential figures.
Themes
FameJournalismObituarySocietyHierarchy
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on media ethics, I quoted Cronkite to illustrate how journalism shapes public perception of fame.
More from Walter Cronkite
All quotes βThe death of Churchill at 90 was one of those watershed moments in which the obituary rises to a special calling beyond the sharing of remembered times. It gave an older generation a rare opportunity to explain something of itself to its children.
Walter CronkiteRead
I suppose popularity is measured by ratings. If a broadcaster is known as the leader because of ratings, then that's where people most want to be seen and heard, so there's no question that there's an advantage.
Walter CronkiteRead
Objective journalism and an opinion column are about as similar as the Bible and Playboy magazine.
Walter CronkiteRead
I feel no compulsion to be a pundit. As a matter of fact, I really don't have that much to say about most things. Working with hard news satisfies me completely.
Walter CronkiteRead
I think that our comfort is in our history.
Walter CronkiteRead
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