Roy Thomson Quotes

Powerful Roy Thomson for Daily Growth

About Roy Thomson

Roy Thomson (1894-1976) was a Scottish-born Canadian newspaper publisher, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who left an indelible mark on Canadian media and culture. Born in Inverness, Scotland, Thomson immigrated to Canada with his family at the age of 12, settling in New Brunswick. After working odd jobs, he purchased a small newspaper, The Daily Times (later renamed The Telegraph-Journal), in Saint John, New Brunswick, in 1935. Thomson's publishing empire expanded rapidly through strategic acquisitions and mergers. He bought his first Toronto paper, The Toronto Daily Star, in 1940, later acquiring The Globe and Mail in 1942. By the end of World War II, he controlled a significant portion of Canada's newspaper market. His philosophy was to maintain editorial independence while ensuring financial success, a balance that he largely achieved throughout his career. One of Thomson's most significant contributions to Canadian media came in 1952 when he established the Canadian Press news agency, which consolidated local and regional news agencies across the country. This move significantly improved the flow of information within Canada. Thomson was a quiet and private individual who shied away from the limelight. Despite this, his impact on Canadian culture is evident. He supported various philanthropic causes, establishing the Thomson Foundation, which provided scholarships to students in need. His legacy continues today through Thompson Reuters, a global media and information company that was spun off from his publishing empire. Thomson's life and work reflect his belief that "the business of newspapers is to inform, not to entertain." This principle guided him as he built one of the most successful newspaper empires in Canadian history.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The money we make today is taking care of tomorrow."

This quote by Roy Thomson underscores the importance of financial prudence and long-term planning. It suggests that today's earnings should not just be spent or invested impulsively but rather conserved for future use, creating a sense of financial security and stability for tomorrow. This outlook encourages saving, investing wisely, and responsible spending habits, ensuring a secure financial future.


"A newspaper is a very small world."

The quote by Roy Thomson, "A newspaper is a very small world," suggests that a newspaper mirrors a miniature version of society, reflecting its diversity, conflicts, victories, and challenges. It encapsulates various perspectives, ideas, and stories from different corners of the world, yet within its pages, it presents a compact and focused view of the larger universe. In essence, a newspaper serves as a microcosm, offering readers a glimpse into a smaller, more manageable version of the vast global community.


"Every businessman is born an optimist, and he stays that way until the bear market comes along and teaches him that there are bears in the woods."

This quote suggests that businesspeople are inherently optimistic, viewing opportunities rather than obstacles. However, they're often reminded of potential risks or challenges, symbolized by "bears in the woods," when faced with market downturns or economic uncertainties, which they may not have encountered during periods of growth and prosperity. Essentially, it implies that the reality of financial markets can be harsh, teaching even the most optimistic businesspeople to be cautious and prepared for potential adversities.


"The only way to make any money is to start with a great deal of it."

The quote by Roy Thomson implies that significant financial gain primarily comes from having substantial initial wealth, rather than through earning or investing in modest means. Essentially, this statement suggests that accumulating wealth requires a considerable starting point.


"In the newspaper business, I've never believed in being the first, but I've always wanted to be the best."

Roy Thomson's quote emphasizes a strategic approach to competition in the media industry. He values timeliness but prioritizes quality over speed. Rather than aiming to break news first, he strives for excellence in reporting, understanding that providing accurate, well-researched, and impactful content resonates more with readers than being the first to report a story. This approach can be applied to any competitive field where quality trumps quantity.


As for editorial content, that's the stuff you separate the ads with.

- Roy Thomson

Content, Separate, Editorial, Ads

I buy newspapers to make money to buy more newspapers to make more money.

- Roy Thomson

Money, More, Buy, Newspapers

Like having your own licence to print money.

- Roy Thomson

Money, Print, Having, Licence

Think until it hurts.

- Roy Thomson

Think, Until, Hurts

You carry your country with you, it's part of your baggage.

- Roy Thomson

Country, Carry, Part, Baggage

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