John Hockenberry Quotes

Powerful John Hockenberry for Daily Growth

About John Hockenberry

John Hockenberry (September 7, 1953 – November 4, 2019) was an American journalist, author, and broadcaster, known for his distinctive voice and incisive commentary on social, cultural, and political issues. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Hockenberry was paralyzed from the neck down in a car accident at the age of 21, which became a defining event in his life and career. After graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in journalism, Hockenberry worked for several newspapers, including The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. In 1986, he joined PBS's MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour as a correspondent, becoming one of the first wheelchair-using journalists to work at a national network news program. In 1990, Hockenberry published his memoir, "Murphy's Law: How I Survived Six Years in a Wheelchair," which detailed his experiences after the accident and his struggle to come to terms with his new life. The book was praised for its honesty and introspection, earning him widespread acclaim. In 1995, Hockenberry created and hosted the Peabody Award-winning radio program "The Hour of The Wolf," which aired on PRI's Public Radio International. He also wrote and hosted the documentary series "Disability: A Journey of Empowerment" for PBS in 1998, and served as host of the public affairs show "Matrix" on Current TV from 2005 to 2013. Throughout his career, Hockenberry was known for his insightful reporting and thought-provoking commentary on a wide range of topics, including disability rights, technology, and global politics. He was a frequent contributor to The New York Times Magazine, Harper's, and Wired, among other publications. Hockenberry passed away in 2019 at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer for disabled journalists and an influential voice on social and cultural issues. Some of his most notable works include "Murphy's Law," "The Hour of The Wolf," and "Disability: A Journey of Empowerment."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Disability is often just another way of defining a person's potential."

This quote by John Hockenberry suggests that society often limits people based on their perceived disabilities, rather than recognizing their full potential. He implies that a disability should not define one's abilities or capabilities, but rather serve as an opportunity to explore new ways of achieving success and fulfillment in life. Instead of focusing on what someone cannot do due to a disability, it is essential to focus on what they can achieve and the unique qualities they bring to the table.


"Adaptation isn't about becoming like other people; it's about finding your own way to do what needs to be done."

This quote by John Hockenberry emphasizes the importance of individuality in adapting to circumstances. It suggests that adaptation doesn't involve conforming to others or their methods, but rather discovering one's unique path to achieve what is necessary. It encourages us to be original, resourceful, and resilient while navigating life's challenges, reminding us that every person has a distinct way of coping with and overcoming difficulties.


"We don't want to fix you, we just want to understand you."

This quote by John Hockenberry suggests a desire for empathy, understanding, and connection rather than an attempt to "fix" or alter someone else. It implies that the speaker values the individuality and uniqueness of the person they are addressing, and seeks to understand their experiences, perspectives, and feelings in order to foster a deeper relationship based on mutual respect and acceptance. This sentiment encourages open-mindedness and active listening, promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society.


"I think that people who are disabled have to work twice as hard to be normal."

This quote suggests that societal expectations of "normalcy" place an additional burden on individuals with disabilities, requiring them to exert twice the effort to meet these standards compared to their able-bodied counterparts. It implies a systemic issue where society's norms are biased towards able-bodied individuals and disregards the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities in everyday life. The quote serves as a call to reconsider our understanding of "normal" and strive for greater inclusivity and equality.


"Everyone has a story inside them and the ability to tell it is one of the great human freedoms."

This quote by John Hockenberry underscores the inherent power and individuality that resides in each person, as everyone possesses their unique narrative or "story." The act of sharing this story is a testament to human freedom, expressing ourselves authentically and connecting with others on an emotional level. It implies that storytelling is not just an art form but also a fundamental aspect of our humanity, allowing us to understand and empathize with one another.


An object imbued with intent - it has power, it's treasure, we're drawn to it. An object devoid of intent - it's random, it's imitative, it repels us. It's like a piece of junk mail to be thrown away.

- John Hockenberry

Mail, Away, Like, Object

Design is the courage and brilliance to cover an original and make it different.

- John Hockenberry

Design, Original, Cover, Brilliance

I think everybody in news understands that the audience that watches for more than an hour is not your target audience - because those people are on life support.

- John Hockenberry

Think, News, Watches, Understands

I think every journalist understands when they are the beneficiary of hot information that, yes, they have a scoop, but they're also being used. Part of your responsibility as a journalist is to tell the story of why that information is coming to you, consistent with the ground rules of your sourcing.

- John Hockenberry

I Think, Part, Scoop, Understands

In general, I think very few people have a sustained interest in news.

- John Hockenberry

Think, News, General, Sustained

The media doesn't need a conscience; people need consciences.

- John Hockenberry

People, Media, Need, Conscience

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