"For years Don Imus was just - boy, he was merciless in his criticism of me. Maybe it was justified, but that didn't mean it didn't hurt"

This quote by Dan Rather talks to the power of criticism and how it can affect us, even if it is warranted. Don Imus was known for his sharp and frequently harsh criticism of people, and Dan Rather was no exception. Regardless of the truth that Imus' criticism may have been justified, it still harm Rather. This quote speaks with the power of words and how they can have a lasting effect on somebody, even if the criticism is valid. It likewise talks to the importance of bearing in mind how we speak with and about others, as our words can have a lasting effect. Rather's quote functions as a tip to be conscious of how we talk to and about others, as our words can have a lasting impact.