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Harold Evans Quotes

Powerful Harold Evans for Daily Growth

About Harold Evans

Harold Evans (born Harold Schaffer; April 28, 1928) is an award-winning British journalist, editor, and author known for his groundbreaking work in journalism and advocacy for social justice. Born in London to a working-class family, Evans showed an early interest in literature and politics, which would later shape his career. In the 1950s, Evans moved to Fleet Street, the heart of the British newspaper industry, where he began his journalistic career. He worked for various newspapers, including The Sunday Times, where he gained notoriety as an investigative reporter. In 1967, Evans was appointed editor of The Sunday Times, a position he held until 1981. During his tenure as editor, Evans led the paper in groundbreaking investigations and campaigns, including the 'Maggie Thatcher must go' campaign against British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and the 'Countryside for Sale' investigation into the sale of Britain's countryside to foreign interests. These campaigns helped shape British politics and society. Evans is also known for his advocacy work on social issues. He championed the cause of victims of thalidomide, a drug given to pregnant women in the 1960s that resulted in thousands of birth defects. His efforts led to significant changes in pharmaceutical regulations worldwide. After leaving The Sunday Times, Evans moved to America and worked for Time Inc., where he edited Newsweek magazine. He is the author of several books, including 'The American Century,' a comprehensive history of the 20th century in the United States, and 'They Made America,' a book about American inventors. Throughout his career, Evans has received numerous awards for his journalism, including the George Polk Award, the National Magazine Award, and three British Press Awards. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004 for services to journalism. Evans continues to write and advocate on social issues, using his platform to promote justice and human rights.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The first rough draft of history is often written by the victors."

This quote by Harold Evans suggests that the initial narrative or account of events, particularly significant ones like wars or conflicts, is often controlled or skewed by the party that emerges victorious. The victor's perspective, experiences, and interpretations become the dominant version of history, possibly obscuring or marginalizing the perspectives of the defeated or opposing side. This can lead to an incomplete or biased understanding of historical events.

"Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault. It must speak, but it must also listen."

This quote highlights two essential aspects of journalism: its responsibility to communicate (its "greatest virtue") and its obligation to listen to diverse voices (its "greatest fault"). In essence, Evans suggests that effective journalism is a dynamic process that involves both speaking out truthfully and actively listening to the perspectives of various stakeholders. This dual nature makes journalism indispensable in our society, as it serves not only as an informant but also as a platform for dialogue and understanding among people with different viewpoints.

"News, in the end, is a simple business: it's all about reading people's lips."

The quote suggests that journalism fundamentally relies on the ability to understand and interpret human communication, or "reading people's lips," to gather news accurately. It emphasizes the importance of listening, observing, and interpreting information directly from sources, which is essential for honest and reliable reporting. This approach fosters transparency and accountability in journalism, allowing the public to make informed decisions based on accurate information.

"The job of journalism is to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted."

This quote by Harold Evans encapsulates the essence and purpose of journalism, which is to hold those in power accountable (the "comfortable") by shedding light on any wrongdoings or injustices they may perpetrate, and to provide a voice for the marginalized, oppressed, or disadvantaged ("the afflicted"), by amplifying their stories and fighting for their rights. In essence, good journalism strives to create change by challenging the status quo and advocating for fairness and justice in society.

"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."

The quote underscores the importance of facts and evidence in shaping our understanding of reality. It suggests that regardless of personal opinions, desires, or feelings, facts remain constant and indisputable. This implies that rational decision-making and truth-seeking should be guided by these facts and evidence rather than subjective preferences.

Attempting to get at truth means rejecting stereotypes and cliches.

- Harold Evans

Truth, Attempting, Means, Cliches

In journalism it is simpler to sound off than it is to find out. It is more elegant to pontificate than it is to sweat.

- Harold Evans

Sound, More, Find, Journalism

When I first came to the United States in 1956 I fell in love with things - mainly the vitality and the freedoms.

- Harold Evans

Love, United, United States, Vitality

Actions are always more complex and nuanced than they seem. We have to be willing to wrestle with paradox in pursuing understanding.

- Harold Evans

More, Always, Pursuing, Paradox

The camera cannot lie, but it can be an accessory to untruth.

- Harold Evans

Lie, Camera, Cannot, Accessory

Throughout America's young history there has been a necessary tension between the individual and the group.

- Harold Evans

Individual, Been, Necessary, Tension

I think America has a brilliant future.

- Harold Evans

Future, Think, I Think, Brilliant

For 50 years my father worked for the railroad.

- Harold Evans

Father, Years, Worked, Railroad

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