"I can remember how rude I could be at times to journalists and people phoning up for advice"

In the quote by Benjamin Cohen, "I can remember how rude I could be sometimes to journalists and people phoning up for advice", the speaker is reviewing previous behavior with a degree of self-awareness and honesty. The declaration suggests a duration of retrospection, where Cohen acknowledges an absence of courtesy or compassion towards others in specific situations. This admission is significant as it implies a development in his individual or expert conduct. The mention of being impolite "sometimes" suggests that such behavior was not constant but occurred under particular scenarios, likely related to tension, pressure, or maybe a misconception of the needs or expectations in his interactions with reporters and advice-seekers.

The truth that Cohen explicitly names "journalists and people telephoning up for recommendations" might point to his experiences in a high-pressure or prominent function where these interactions were frequent. Responding to journalists typically needs a fragile balance of honesty, diplomacy, and control over the narrative, while calls for guidance might include handling expectations and supplying support or know-how. Rudeness in these contexts may stem from feeling overwhelmed, undervalued, or frustrated by relentless questions and needs on one's time or resources.

Additionally, by making such an admission publicly, Cohen is possibly seeking to own up to his past behavior in an effort to show individual development or to set the record directly. Acknowledging one's own drawbacks is typically the initial step towards rectifying them and can be viewed as a move toward enhanced social relationships and professional credibility. It's possible that the quote shows a broader theme of learning and change, signaling that Cohen has recognized the importance of respectful and useful communication in promoting favorable interactions and effective discourse.

In general, this quote records a minute of self-questioning and acknowledgment from Cohen, which is a critical aspect in personal advancement and can work as an informative lesson on the effect of our interactions with others.