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Appraisal Quote by John Gunther

“What interested me was not news, but appraisal. What I sought was to grasp the flavor of a man, his texture, his impact, what he stood for, what he believed in, what made him what he was and what color he gave to the fabric of his time.” quote by John Gunther
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“What interested me was not news, but appraisal. What I sought was to grasp the flavor of a man, his texture, his impact, what he stood for, what he believed in, what made him what he was and what color he gave to the fabric of his time.”

John Gunther

About This Quote

Source Book: The New Yorker Profiles, John Gunther, 1938

The author values deep personal insight over superficial facts, seeking to understand a person's essence and influence on their era.

In simple terms: Understanding a person’s true character matters more than headlines.

Key Takeaway

Look beyond headlines to grasp true character.

Themes

character insight history culture identity

Mood

reflective analytical thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • journalism
  • historical research
  • personal interviews
  • biographical writing

Key Concepts

psychology biography contextual analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • What aspects of a person’s life reveal their true impact?
  • How can we balance factual reporting with personal insight?
A Different Perspective

Superficial facts can mislead without deeper context.

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