It only serves to show what sort of person a man must be who can't even get testimonials. No, no; if a man brings references, it proves nothing; but if he can't, it proves a great deal.
Joseph PulitzerRead
The Post-Dispatch will serve no party but the people; be no organ of Republicanism, but the organ of truth; will follow no causes bit its conclusions; will not support the Administration, but criticize it; will oppose all frauds and shams wherever or whatever they are; will advocate principles and ideas rather than prejudices and partisanship.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes a commitment to honest journalism that serves the interests of the public rather than partisan agendas.
Joseph Pulitzer's quote reflects the essential role of journalism in society as a watchdog that prioritizes truth over political affiliation. He argues for a press that is dedicated to exposing falsehoods and advocating for ideas that benefit the people, rather than succumbing to the pressures of partisanship or supporting any administration blindly. This principled approach seeks to ensure that journalism remains a tool for enlightenment and accountability, rather than a means of manipulation or propaganda.
Themes
JournalismTruthPublic InterestPartisanshipAccountability
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of independent journalism.
More from Joseph Pulitzer
All quotes →What a newspaper needs in its news, in its headlines, and on its editorial page is terseness, humor, descriptive power, satire, originality, good literary style, clever condensation, and accuracy, accuracy, accuracy!
Joseph PulitzerRead
Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light.
Joseph PulitzerRead
If you will give the matter a moment's thought, you'll see that memory is the highest faculty of the human mind.
Joseph PulitzerRead
An able, disinterested, public-spirited press, with trained intelligence to know the right and courage to do it, can preserve that public virtue without which popular government is a sham and a mockery
Joseph PulitzerRead
The American people want something terse, forcible, picturesque, striking - something that will arrest their attention, enlist their sympathy, arouse their indignation, stimulate their imagination, convince their reason, awaken their conscience.
Joseph PulitzerRead
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Journalism without a moral position is impossible. Every journalist is a moralist. It's absolutely unavoidable.
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