Hire people smarter than you are and encourage them to bloom.
Ben BradleeRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A journalist's responsibility is to report the truth, regardless of potential fallout, as honesty ultimately liberates individuals.
Ben Bradlee emphasizes the paramount importance of truthfulness in journalism. He argues that while there might be immediate consequences for revealing the truth, in the long term, honesty fosters freedom and is far less detrimental than deception. A journalist should prioritize authenticity and fairness over the fear of repercussions, supporting the idea that truth strengthens society.
Themes
TruthJournalismFreedomHonestyConsequences
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about media ethics, one could quote this to highlight the importance of truth in journalism.
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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It changes your life, the pursuit of truth.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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