ByQuotes

Meg Greenfield Quotes

Powerful Meg Greenfield for Daily Growth

About Meg Greenfield

Meg Greenfield (1926-1999) was an influential American journalist and columnist, known for her insightful commentary on politics, society, and culture in Washington D.C. Born on September 30, 1926, in New York City as Barbara Mintz, she was the daughter of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. Greenfield graduated from Radcliffe College in 1947, where she developed a keen interest in politics and journalism. After working at various newspapers, including The Boston Post and The Christian Science Monitor, Greenfield joined The Washington Post in 1960. At The Washington Post, Greenfield quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the most respected voices in American journalism. She wrote a widely read daily column, "Washington Observed," from 1974 until her retirement in 1995. Her columns were known for their sharp wit, incisive analysis, and insightful commentary on the political scene in Washington D.C., earning her the nickname "First Amendment First Lady." Throughout her career, Greenfield was a strong advocate for civil rights, women's rights, and freedom of the press. She played a significant role in covering the Watergate scandal and the impeachment proceedings against President Nixon. Greenfield's influential works include "The Washington Post Style Book and Guide to Usage" (1985), which she co-authored with William R. Taylor, and her autobiography, "Meg: A Biography of Meg Greenfield" (1997). Greenfield was posthumously awarded the National Press Foundation's First Amendment Award in 2000. Her legacy continues to inspire journalists and readers alike with her commitment to truth, fairness, and a deep understanding of American politics and culture.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Democracy is a conversation."

Meg Greenfield's quote "Democracy is a conversation" emphasizes that democracy, as a form of government where citizens have the power to participate in decision-making, relies on open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect among its people. The conversation refers to continuous and active engagement between citizens, elected officials, and various groups within society, through which they can express their views, share ideas, and influence decisions that affect them all. Thus, the quote underscores the importance of meaningful discourse in a democratic system, ensuring its vitality, responsiveness, and sustainability.

"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little."

This quote by Meg Greenfield emphasizes that societal advancement should be measured not only by increasing wealth among already affluent individuals, but also by ensuring that the less fortunate have access to a basic level of resources necessary for their survival and well-being. In other words, true progress is achieved when we strive towards creating an equitable society where everyone has sufficient means to live comfortably.

"The first rule of holes: When you're in one, stop digging."

This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing when a situation is no longer beneficial or advantageous and taking appropriate action to rectify it. It suggests that persisting in actions or arguments that only deepen a problem or predicament ("digging") is counterproductive, and one should instead stop those actions and find an alternative solution or perspective. Essentially, the quote encourages self-awareness, discernment, and prudence in managing personal or collective situations.

"There are some things so foolish only a journalist can believe them."

This quote suggests that journalists may sometimes be swayed by stories or ideas that seem implausible or nonsensical to others, due to their commitment to uncovering information and their understanding of the complexities and nuances of various issues. It implies a certain degree of skepticism towards sensational or dubious claims, particularly in journalism, where the pursuit of truth should take precedence over the desire for attention-grabbing headlines or stories.

"A government that is afraid to take political risks is doomed to take military ones."

The quote suggests that a government which hesitates to make bold, progressive political decisions, runs the risk of resorting to military action or confrontation. Essentially, it implies that avoiding difficult political choices can lead to potentially dangerous situations in international relations, as these may be addressed through force instead of diplomacy and dialogue. A proactive approach to political decision-making is considered essential for maintaining peace and stability in any given society.

If a politician murders his mother, the first response of the press or of his opponents will likely be not that it was a terrible thing to do, but rather that in a statement made six years before he had gone on record as being opposed to matricide.

- Meg Greenfield

Politics, Rather, Before, Terrible Thing

Everybody's for democracy in principle. It's only in practice that the thing gives rise to stiff objections.

- Meg Greenfield

Everybody, Principle, Stiff, Objections

There is such a thing as tempting the gods. Talking too much, too soon and with too much self-satisfaction has always seemed to me a sure way to court disaster. The forces of retribution are always listening. They never sleep.

- Meg Greenfield

Talking, Soon, Gods, Disaster

Ninety percent of politics is deciding whom to blame.

- Meg Greenfield

Politics, Ninety, Whom, Deciding

In Washington it is an honor to be disgraced. you have to have been somebody to fall.

- Meg Greenfield

Fall, Washington, Been, Honor

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.