Skip to content

The newspaper journalists like to believe the worst; they…

“The newspaper journalists like to believe the worst; they can sell more papers that way, as one of them told me himself; for even upstanding and respectable people dearly love to read ill of others.” quote by Margaret Atwood
Download Open image
“The newspaper journalists like to believe the worst; they can sell more papers that way, as one of them told me himself; for even upstanding and respectable people dearly love to read ill of others.”

Margaret Atwood

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Journalists often sensationalize negativity to sell more, exploiting readers’ appetite for scandal.

In simple terms: Media thrives on scandal.

Key Takeaway

Critically evaluate sensational news.

Themes

media journalism sensationalism ethics

Mood

critical thought‑provoking

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • news consumption
  • media literacy
  • editorial decisions

Key Concepts

clickbait culture public trust information overload

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we gravitate toward negative stories?
  • How can we demand higher journalistic standards?
A Different Perspective

Not all journalists are unethical; some aim for truth.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Margaret Atwood

Explore all 2,072 Margaret Atwood quotes

More Believe quotes

Browse all 47,704 Believe quotes