--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is a misfortune that necessity has…" description: "\"It is a misfortune that necessity has induced men to accord greater license to this formidable engine, in order to obtain liberty, than can be borne wi..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/85d/james-f-cooper-7716_accord_it-is-a-misfortune-that-necessity-has-in_38569.jpg" --- # It is a misfortune that necessity has induced men to… ![“It is a misfortune that necessity has induced men to accord greater license to this formidable engine, in order to obtain liberty, than can be borne with less important objects in view; for the press, like fire, is an excellent servant, but a terrible master.” quote by James F. Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/85d/james-f-cooper-7716_accord_it-is-a-misfortune-that-necessity-has-in_38569.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/85d/james-f-cooper-7716_accord_it-is-a-misfortune-that-necessity-has-in_38569.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/85d/james-f-cooper-7716_accord_it-is-a-misfortune-that-necessity-has-in_38569.jpg) > “It is a misfortune that necessity has induced men to accord greater license to this formidable engine, in order to obtain liberty, than can be borne with less important objects in view; for the press, like fire, is an excellent servant, but a terrible master.” [James F. Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-f-cooper/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The press, while a powerful tool for achieving freedom, becomes dangerous when over‑relied upon, much like fire can serve or destroy depending on its master. **In simple terms:** Press is a double‑edged sword. Key Takeaway Control the medium, not be enslaved by it. Themes power freedom responsibility technology media Mood cautious reflective critical Type aphor observation When to use this quote - political activism - journalistic investigation - public protest - social media campaigns Key Concepts influence balance risk Practical Applications - media literacy training - ethical publishing guidelines Questions to Reflect On - How can societies harness the press without becoming dependent? - What safeguards prevent the press from becoming a tyrant? A Different Perspective Some argue that a free press is essential for democracy, regardless of potential misuse. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Fire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fire/) [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [Liberty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/liberty/) [Media](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/media/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Misfortune](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/misfortune/) [Misfortunes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/misfortunes/) [Necessity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/necessity/) [Order](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/order/) [Servant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/servant/) ## Related quotes > [It has been said that all Government is an evil. 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