Computers Quote by Evelyn Waugh
““Why, once Jakes went out to cover a revolution in one of the Balkan capitals. He overslept in his carriage, woke up at the wrong station, didn't know any different, got out, went straight to a hotel, and cabled off a thousand-word story about barricades in the streets, flaming churches, machine guns answering the rattle of his typewriter as he wrote. Well they were pretty surprised at his office, getting a story like that from the wrong country, but they trusted Jakes and splashed it in six national newspapers. That day every special in Europe got orders to rush to the new revolution. Everything seemed quiet enough, but it was as much their jobs were worth to say so, with Jakes filing a thousand words of blood and thunder a day. So they chimed in too. Government stocks dropped, financial panic, state of emergency declared, army mobilized, famine, mutiny — and in less than a week there was an honest to god revolution under way, just as jakes had said. There's the power of the press for you.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Decline and Fall, Evelyn Waugh, 1928
A misdirected journalist’s accidental story sparked a cascade of reactions that created the very event it reported, illustrating media’s capacity to shape reality.
In simple terms: A mistaken report can cause real events to happen.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the influence of reporting.
Themes
media influence
responsibility
truth
power
journalism
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- newsrooms
- political crises
- social media
- public opinion
Key Concepts
agenda setting
media effects
information cascade
Questions to Reflect On
- How does media responsibility affect public perception?
- What safeguards prevent accidental misinformation?
A Different Perspective
The press can also mislead or cause panic if unchecked.
