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R. W. Apple, Jr. Quotes

Powerful R. W. Apple, Jr. for Daily Growth

About R. W. Apple, Jr.

Robert Wheeler Apple Jr., commonly known as R.W. Apple Jr., was an esteemed American journalist, best recognized for his work at The New York Times. Born on July 18, 1936, in Washington D.C., Apple grew up in a family of journalists and educators, which significantly influenced his career choice. His father, Robert Wheeler Apple Sr., was a foreign correspondent for Time magazine. After graduating from Amherst College with a degree in English literature, Apple began his journalistic journey in 1958 at The Washington Post. He then joined The New York Times in 1964, where he would spend the rest of his career. His tenure at The Times spanned over four decades and included roles as White House correspondent, European correspondent, and a foreign news editor. Apple's work is marked by his keen insight into politics and international affairs. He covered numerous significant events, including the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and the fall of the Berlin Wall. His reporting on the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago earned him a Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting in 1969. One of Apple's most famous quotes encapsulates his approach to journalism: "If it's not on the record, I don't print it." This commitment to factual accuracy and ethical reporting set him apart in the field. He also penned a column called "In the Region" for The New York Times, providing insightful commentary on European politics. R.W. Apple Jr. retired from The New York Times in 2006 and passed away on October 18, 2007. His work continues to influence journalism today, as he is remembered as a dedicated journalist who prioritized truth and accuracy above all else.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The news is not about 'objectivity,' it's about reality."

This quote emphasizes that journalism should strive to reflect the truth or reality as accurately as possible, rather than pursuing an ideal of absolute objectivity. It suggests that while journalists must remain impartial in their reporting, they also have a responsibility to present facts that are grounded in reality, and not be swayed by personal biases or subjective interpretations. In essence, R.W. Apple Jr. is arguing that the goal of news should be to inform the public accurately about the world around them.

"In the end, journalism is a simple contract: We will report reality to you as best we can."

This quote by R.W. Apple, Jr. highlights the fundamental role and purpose of journalism. It emphasizes that journalism serves as a bridge between the complexities of "reality" and the public's understanding. Journalists are expected to collect, interpret, and deliver information truthfully, striving for objectivity in their reporting. This contract is not just about delivering facts but also ensuring they are presented accurately, fairly, and transparently. The essence lies in maintaining trust with the audience by providing reliable, unbiased, and comprehensible accounts of events as they unfold.

"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."

This quote by R.W. Apple, Jr. emphasizes the importance of facts in shaping reality, regardless of personal desires, feelings, or beliefs. It underscores that the truth cannot be changed or influenced by our subjective views; it stands firm and unyielding, guiding us towards an objective understanding of the world.

"History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme."

The quote implies that while history doesn't exactly replicate events, there are patterns, similarities, or parallels between past and present events. This suggests we can learn from historical precedents to anticipate or understand current situations, drawing upon wisdom from the past to navigate our present and future. Essentially, it encourages learning from history while acknowledging that every situation is unique and unpredictable in its exact details.

"The first duty of a journalist is to afford comfort, the (secondary) duty is to produce unease; which is why we journalists love being uncomfortable."

This quote by R. W. Apple, Jr. suggests that journalism's primary role is to provide assurance and familiarity to its audience, ensuring they remain informed about their world. However, a secondary responsibility of journalists is to provoke discomfort or unease when necessary, which often occurs when reporting on challenging, complex, or controversial issues. Essentially, Apple Jr. emphasizes that journalism thrives on being uncomfortable because it pushes boundaries and encourages readers to question, learn, and grow in their understanding of the world around them.

The sense of national catastrophe is inevitably heightened in a television age, when the whole country participates in it.

- R. W. Apple, Jr.

Country, Catastrophe, Inevitably

Maimed but still magnificent... Europe's mightiest medieval cathedral.

- R. W. Apple, Jr.

Still, Medieval, Mightiest, Europe

Success in war underpins the claims to greatness of many presidents.

- R. W. Apple, Jr.

Success, Greatness, Claims

The product of extraordinary wealth allied to a taste for the sumptuous.

- R. W. Apple, Jr.

Wealth, Extraordinary, Sumptuous

Mr. Reagan spent World War II, the global conflict fought and won by his generation, making training films in Hollywood.

- R. W. Apple, Jr.

Generation, Making, Films, Conflict

Some of our best journalists take themselves even more seriously than the politicians they write about.

- R. W. Apple, Jr.

More, Some, About, Journalists

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