"A cynical, mercenary, demagogic press will in time produce a people as base as itself"

This quote by Joseph Pulitzer is an alerting about the power of the press. He is suggesting that if journalism is cynical, mercenary, and demagogic, it will have an unfavorable impact on the people. He believes that if the press is not held to a higher requirement, it will result in a society that is simply as corrupt and unethical as journalism itself. He is alerting that journalism has the power to shape public opinion and affect individuals's habits, and if it is not used properly, it can cause a society that is ethically bankrupt. He is recommending that the press should be held to a higher standard and needs to be utilized to promote favorable values and concepts, instead of to manipulate and exploit people.