Judith Miller Quotes

Powerful Judith Miller for Daily Growth

About Judith Miller

**Judith Miller** (born May 25, 1948) is an American journalist, author, and former senior advisor on terrorism to the Department of State under President George W. Bush. Born in Chicago, Illinois, she graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism in 1970. Miller started her journalistic career at the St. Paul Pioneer Press and later moved to The New York Times, where she worked for nearly three decades. Her reporting on weapons of mass destruction led to her being a key figure in the 2003 Iraq War controversy. She was criticized for relying too heavily on unnamed sources, but also praised for her tenacity in pursuing truth. In 2005, Miller was sentenced to prison for contempt of court for refusing to testify before a grand jury about the identity of her sources in the Valerie Plame Wilson leak investigation. After 85 days, she was released due to executive clemency by President Bush. This incident was chronicled in her book "The Story: A Reporter's Journey" (2005). Post-imprisonment, Miller continued her work as a journalist and commentator, focusing on national security issues. She is the author of several books, including "God Has Ninety-Nine Names" (1993), a look at Islamic fundamentalism, and "The Triple Helix: Gene Editing, Moral Panics, and Science's Role in Civilization" (2017), which explores the ethical implications of gene editing. Throughout her career, Miller has been recognized for her work with numerous awards, including a Pulitzer Prize in 1988 for International Reporting. Despite controversies, she remains a significant figure in journalism and a influential voice on national security matters.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Fear can lead to paralysis when you're a reporter, but so can confidence."

This quote by Judith Miller emphasizes the delicate balance between fear and confidence in journalism. Fear can potentially immobilize or hinder a journalist, causing them to hesitate or avoid challenging situations that require courage and integrity. On the other hand, excessive confidence can lead to carelessness and disregard for accuracy, undermining the trustworthiness of the news being reported. A successful journalist must find a balance between these two extremes, maintaining enough self-assurance to pursue the truth while remaining mindful of potential pitfalls and biases.


"Journalism is not just about getting the story first; it's about telling it truthfully."

This quote by Judith Miller highlights the dual essence of journalism, emphasizing not only the importance of being first to report a story but also the paramount significance of reporting that story accurately. The essence of journalism lies in delivering accurate information, which forms the foundation for an informed society. It signifies that while speed is important, it should never compromise the truthfulness and authenticity of the news.


"The role of the press is not to enable the public to make informed decisions, but to inform the public so they can make informed decisions for themselves."

This quote emphasizes the importance of journalism in providing accurate, unbiased information to the public, empowering individuals with knowledge and facilitating their ability to make well-informed decisions independently. By being transparent and truthful, journalists act as a guardian of democracy, allowing citizens to engage actively and intelligently in society.


"Facts are stubborn things, and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter or disguise the truth."

This quote emphasizes the enduring nature of facts, suggesting that regardless of one's personal desires, beliefs, or feelings, the truth remains unchanged. It underscores the importance of objectivity and accuracy in understanding and interpreting the world around us. In essence, it encourages us to base our actions, decisions, and perceptions on solid evidence rather than subjective opinions.


"The journalist's job is to give a voice to those who have been silenced."

This quote by Judith Miller encapsulates the essence of journalism as an advocate for the voiceless, a pillar in upholding freedom of speech, and ensuring accountability within society. Journalists function as mediators between communities and institutions, amplifying narratives that might otherwise go unheard. By reporting on the underrepresented, they help to maintain a democratic balance by facilitating informed decision-making and fostering transparency.


I think when you get interested in antiques, the most frustrating thing is that books don't have enough photos. When you go to a flea market or garage sale, you see lots of things you've never seen before and you have no idea what the price is going to be or should be.

- Judith Miller

Idea, I Think, Before, Flea

When I did my first price guide in 1979, publications weren't interested in mentioning it. Now I get phone calls weekly if not daily from publications and television shows who want to know what's hot, how to get started in antiques, and the best way to buy antiques.

- Judith Miller

Best, Buy, Best Way, Publications

I buy 1920s iridescent Scottish glass. I love the way the sun hits it every morning. You touch something and you know. To me, people should buy something they love. Buy something you'd want to come downstairs and stroke.

- Judith Miller

Love, Glass, 1920s, Scottish

Although eBay is a fantastic tool for collectors who want to buy or sell, you really have to have knowledge of items before you embark.

- Judith Miller

Want, Before, Buy, Embark

Dealers always like to sell chairs in sets of four, six, or eight. And they charge a premium for supplying the whole set. Individual chairs, though, go for much lower prices, and if you carry around a reference photo of the chairs you want, you may be able to build up a cut-price collection, chair by chair.

- Judith Miller

Eight, Around, Whole, Chairs

The great thing about costume jewelry is that there's something for everyone - there are very humorous pieces and very extravagant and outrageous pieces.

- Judith Miller

Jewelry, Everyone, Very, Humorous

You become an expert by working hard. We've got fantastic museums, collections and antique shows. You can go and just start looking. That's the great thing about knowledge. If you collect Doulton figures, you know about the rare ones.

- Judith Miller

Expert, About, Figures, Collections

The modern designers are quite showy, and a lot of the young people really like it. Costume jewelry has always been about being noticed and not discreet.

- Judith Miller

Jewelry, Always, Designers, Costume

Junk stands and antique markets are the perfect place to pick up clues about the history of a country, region or town.

- Judith Miller

Country, Perfect, Town, Region

When you're visiting an antiques fair, turn left once you've passed through the entrance. Everyone else will turn right, which means you can get to the bargains before them.

- Judith Miller

Through, Which, Means, Antiques

If you're at an antiques fair, and have been unable to beat the dealer down earlier in the day, pay a return visit at the end. They may be more inclined to accept your offer, rather than having to pack the piece up and take it home.

- Judith Miller

Been, Rather, Inclined, Antiques

I started buying bits of broken porcelain. I furnished our first flat with pieces of 'junk.' Some of that 'junk' is now worth an awful lot of money. What I was calling 'junk' in the '60s people wouldn't call 'junk' now.

- Judith Miller

Broken, Some, Awful Lot, Junk

The 19th-century Continental porcelain plaques that are worth the most money are the pretty ones.

- Judith Miller

Pretty, Most, Continental, 19th-Century

I think there's a bargain in every garage sale - not as much as there used to be, but they're still there.

- Judith Miller

Think, Sale, Still, Bargain

I used to say, 'Are you kidding?' about some prices for collectibles. I don't anymore because anything that screams its era is collectible.

- Judith Miller

Say, Some, About, Prices

Collection is an addiction.

- Judith Miller

Collection, Addiction

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