Hire people smarter than you are and encourage them to bloom.
Ben BradleeRead
Nothing's riding on this, except the First Amendment to the Constitution, freedom of the press and maybe the future of the country. Not that any of that matters, but if you guys f-k up again, I'm gonna get mad.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of the freedom of the press and its role in democracy.
In this quote, Ben Bradlee highlights the critical nature of the First Amendment, specifically the freedom of the press, suggesting that the stakes are high for journalists and the media in their responsibility to inform the public. He expresses a frustration that, while the consequences may seem trivial to some, they are vital for the health of democracy and the future of the nation.
Themes
FreedomPressDemocracyFirst AmendmentJournalism
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about media accountability, one might quote Ben Bradlee to emphasize the role of the press in democracy.
More from Ben Bradlee
All quotes →The really tough thing would have been to decide to take Woodward and Bernstein off the story. They were carrying the coal for us - in that their stories were right.
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As long as a journalist tells the truth, in conscience and fairness, it is not his job to worry about consequences. The truth is never as dangerous as a lie in the long run. I truly believe the truth sets men free.
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It changes your life, the pursuit of truth.
Ben BradleeRead
Sure, some journalists use anonymous sources just because they’re lazy, and I think editors ought to insist on more precise identification even if they remain anonymous.
Ben BradleeRead
Sometimes I am convinced there is nothing wrong with this country that couldn't be cured by the magical implantation of ethical standards on us all - leaders and followers. Until that becomes doable, the Center for Public Integrity is just about the best thing we have going for us.
Ben BradleeRead
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