C. P. Scott Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Comment is free, but facts are sacred."

This quote emphasizes the importance of truth and accuracy in journalism. The "comment" refers to opinions, interpretations, or editorials, while "facts" signify verifiable information. The sentiment suggests that while personal views may be subjective and open to interpretation, facts must always be sacred, meaning they should be reported accurately, impartially, and without bias in journalism. This idea underscores the role of responsible journalism as a foundation for informed public discourse and decision-making.

"The duty of the journalist is to express his opinion after he has informed himself of the facts."

This quote by C.P. Scott underscores the importance of factual journalism, emphasizing that a journalist's role is not just to share opinions but first and foremost to gather accurate information about the subject at hand. In essence, it highlights the fundamental principle in journalism: providing an informed perspective, ensuring that journalists are well-versed in the facts before expressing their views on a given topic. This approach fosters credibility and trust in the journalist's work, as readers can rely on the information being presented as reliable and accurate.

"Truth is the first casualty when war is waged on words."

This quote underscores the danger that truth encounters in times of verbal conflict or disputes, particularly during wars, where winning arguments may become more important than seeking the truth. It suggests that in such situations, the pursuit of accuracy, honesty, and factual information can take a back seat, leading to distortion, manipulation, or suppression of facts. The quote serves as a reminder about the importance of responsible communication and ethical journalism in maintaining the integrity of public discourse.

"If the newspapers do not care for truth, who in this land will set the example and lead?"

This quote underscores the crucial role that media plays in a democratic society. By suggesting that if newspapers (and by extension, all media) disregard truth, there is no one left to champion honesty and integrity, C. P. Scott implies that journalists have an immense responsibility to uphold truthfulness and maintain trust with their audience. This quote emphasizes the importance of credible and ethical reporting in ensuring a well-informed public and the health of democracy itself.

"The business of the journalist is to destroy ignorance, and to arouse thought; it is to bring every day before his readers' minds things which they have not thought of."

This quote emphasizes that the role of a journalist is not merely to convey information but rather to stimulate intellectual growth by challenging readers' perceptions and encouraging them to think critically about new ideas, events, or issues. In essence, it suggests that journalists should be agents of knowledge and thought provocation, helping people move beyond their current understanding towards greater insight and awareness.