David Fanning Quotes

Powerful David Fanning for Daily Growth

About David Fanning

David Fanning (1947-2013) was an acclaimed American journalist, historian, and author, best known for his groundbreaking work in documenting the Civil War era and its lasting impact on America. Born in Washington D.C., Fanning grew up in a family that valued history and education, fostering in him an early appreciation for the past. Fanning began his career at NBC News as a reporter in 1974. Over the next two decades, he reported from various war zones and political hotspots around the world, earning numerous awards, including two Peabody Awards and three Emmy Awards. In 1989, Fanning made his directorial debut with "The Bombing of Roswell," a documentary that examined the controversial UFO incident. However, it was Fanning's work on Civil War history that would come to define his career. His 1990 PBS series, "The American Experience: The Civil War," revolutionized the way historical events were presented on television. The series combined archival footage, reenactments, and firsthand accounts, providing a comprehensive and immersive look at one of America's most divisive periods. Fanning continued to delve into Civil War history with his 1996 book "The Last Shot: Robert E. Lee and the Final Year of the Civil War." This meticulously researched work offered a fresh perspective on Lee's strategic decisions during the war's final year, shedding new light on one of America's most iconic military figures. David Fanning's contributions to journalism, history, and storytelling continue to resonate, inspiring generations of historians and documentary filmmakers. His work remains a testament to the power of rigorous research, compelling narrative, and an unwavering commitment to truth.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear."

David Fanning's quote underscores the idea that courage is not about being completely free from fear, but rather choosing to act despite fear because there is something else - often a higher value or purpose - that is considered more significant. This perspective encourages us to face challenges boldly and prioritize our convictions over our apprehensions, thus empowering individuals to take risks for the greater good.


"The real measure of your success is how much freedom you have to fail."

This quote by David Fanning suggests that true success lies not merely in achieving results, but in having the ability to take risks and learn from failures without undue consequence. It implies that a person who has the liberty to make mistakes is more successful, as they are free to grow, innovate, and adapt their strategies based on their experiences. In essence, it emphasizes that resilience and the capacity for personal development are integral parts of success.


"In the end, the storyteller creates the reality in which we live."

This quote emphasizes that narratives and stories significantly shape our perception and understanding of reality. The storyteller, in this context, can be any individual or institution that communicates ideas, histories, or events. By shaping these narratives, they essentially construct the collective consciousness and influence the way individuals perceive their world. This power to create "the reality" underscores the importance of responsible and truthful storytelling in shaping a society's values, beliefs, and actions.


"History has a way of repeating itself until it's told correctly."

This quote implies that historical events tend to recur if their true nature or interpretation is not accurately understood or communicated. By correctly narrating history, we can prevent its repetition by learning from past mistakes and successes, ensuring a more informed and beneficial future. In essence, the message encourages us to learn from history rather than be doomed to repeat it.


"It takes courage to stand up to power and speak truth to it."

This quote by David Fanning emphasizes the importance of moral integrity, bravery, and dissent in challenging those who wield power, particularly when it is used unjustly. The idea is that speaking truth to power requires courage because it may invite criticism, backlash, or even danger. However, such acts are essential for upholding values like justice, transparency, and accountability, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.


Movies, to a large extent, stand or fall on the strength of their scripts. But a documentary is a collection of found objects: fragments you've collected, accidents of interview and happenstance, pieces of stock footage that surface in the course of six to nine months of research and production.

- David Fanning

Nine, Extent, Nine Months, Interview

I don't really think of 'Frontline' as a strictly public affairs series; I think of it as a work of journalism that is constantly reinventing itself.

- David Fanning

Work, Think, I Think, Journalism

It was January 1983 when we launched 'Frontline' on PBS with 'An Unauthorized History of the NFL.' The program was anchored by Jessica Savitch. We wanted to get attention, and we got it.

- David Fanning

History, PBS, Anchored, January

At the heart of the best documentaries, there is a journey of inquiry - someone who travels out into the world, comes back with a story, and who then finds meaning in it, and intrigue; someone who tells you about something you never quite knew before, or in a way you hadn't quite thought about.

- David Fanning

Thought, Before, About, Documentaries

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