It is as hard for the good to suspect evil, as it is for the bad to suspect good.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
We have our own system, ... and journalists in our system are not put in prison for embarrassing the government by revealing things the government might not wish to have revealed. The important thing is that our system, under which journalists can write without fear or favor, should continue.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of a free press in a democratic society.
Chris Patten’s quote highlights the critical role that a free and independent press plays in holding government accountable and ensuring transparency. It underscores the idea that journalists must be able to operate without fear of reprisal, as their ability to reveal uncomfortable truths is essential for a healthy democracy. The preservation of such a system is portrayed as vital for the public’s right to know and the overall function of society.
Themes
JournalismFree PressGovernmentTransparencyDemocracy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of democracy, a politician might quote this to emphasize the role of the media.
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