QuoteProject
There is a terrific disadvantage in not having the abrasive quality of the press applied to you daily. Even though we never like it, and even though we wish they didn't write it, and even though we disapprove, there isn't any doubt that we could not do the job at all in a free society without a very, very active press.
John F. Kennedy
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The press plays a crucial role in a free society by providing necessary scrutiny, even when it's uncomfortable.

John F. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of a critical press in a democratic society. He acknowledges that while criticism from the press may be unwelcome and uncomfortable, it is essential for accountability and transparency, suggesting that without such scrutiny, the functioning of a free society would be compromised.

Themes

PressSocietyAccountabilityFreedomDemocracy

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about media's role in a democracy, this quote can emphasize the necessity of a critical press.

More from John F. Kennedy

The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
John F. KennedyRead
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
John F. KennedyRead
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
John F. KennedyRead
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
John F. KennedyRead
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
John F. KennedyRead
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
John F. KennedyRead

Similar quotes

The afterlife looks different to every soul," he said, "depending on whatthey believe. For that guy, Egypt must've made a strong impression when he was young , maybe." "And if someone doesn't believe in any afterlife?" i asked. Walt gave me a sad look. "Then that's what they experience.
Rick RiordanRead
We are the products of editing, rather than of authorship.
George WaldRead
When I became convinced that the universe is natural, that all the ghosts and gods are myths, there entered into my brain, into my soul, into every drop of my blood the sense, the feeling, the joy of freedom. The walls of my prison crumbled and fell. The dungeon was flooded with light and all the bolts and bars and manacles became dust.
Robert Green IngersollRead
Savages we call them because their manners differ from ours.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Don't compete with me: firstly, I have more experience, and secondly, I have chosen the weapons.
Edsger DijkstraRead
I began graduate school in the late 1980s, and my goal was to understand how morality varied across cultures and nations. I did some research comparing moral judgment in India and the U.S.A.
Jonathan HaidtRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by John F. Kennedy | QuoteProject