Confidence Quote by Harry Chandler
““Take away the newspaper—and this country of ours would become a scene of chaos. Without daily assurance of the exact facts—so far as we are able to know and publish them—the public imagination would run riot. Ten days without the daily newspaper and the strong pressure of worry and fear would throw the people of this country into mob hysteria—feeding upon rumors, alarms, terrified by bugbears and illusions. We have become the watchmen of the night and of a troubled day. . . .””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address, Los Angeles Times, early 20th century
The quote warns that without reliable daily news, public fear and rumors would cause chaos and hysteria.
In simple terms: Without daily news, fear spreads and chaos ensues.
Key Takeaway
Ensure reliable information flow to prevent panic.
Themes
media responsibility
public trust
information
rumor
social stability
Mood
anxious
concerned
reflective
Type
cautionary
observational
When to use this quote
- elections
- public health crises
- emergencies
- political unrest
Key Concepts
journalism
media ethics
public perception
fear dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does reliable news affect societal stability?
- What are the risks of a news vacuum?
A Different Perspective
If media is censored, people may seek alternative, potentially unreliable sources.
