"Journalism is a kind of profession, or craft, or racket, for people who never wanted to grow up and go out into the real world"

Harry Reasoner’s remark about journalism offers both a wry criticism and an implicit celebration of the profession. He frames journalism as a domain populated by individuals resistant to the conventions of adult responsibility and the expectations associated with entering the so-called “real world.” Implicit in his words is the notion that journalism is a unique landscape, distinct from traditional forms of employment that demand routine conformity, long-term predictability, or the kind of stability often found in fields such as business, law, or engineering.

Reasoner’s use of the phrase “never wanted to grow up” suggests a certain spirit of perpetual curiosity, even playfulness, among journalists. The journalist’s world is one of ever-changing assignments, sudden deadlines, and the constant pursuit of fresh stories. Unlike many professions that may reward caution and steadiness, journalism valorizes inquisitiveness, adaptability, and sometimes even irreverence. The work can offer excitement and immediacy; every day might bring new adventures, new mysteries to unravel, and chances to explore subjects far removed from one’s own experience.

Referring to journalism as a “profession, or craft, or racket,” he acknowledges its ambiguity, journalism does not always follow the clear-cut paths of other vocations. For some, it’s a serious calling with an ethical imperative, for others, a skilled trade requiring mastery of technique and persistence. And for some, it might be perceived cynically, as a “racket”, a world where ambition, luck, and happenstance can matter as much as training or sincerity.

Ultimately, Reasoner’s words highlight the persistent tension within journalism: the balance between idealism and pragmatism, between the desire to bear witness to the world and the comfort, or even thrill, of staying outside the confines of what is typically demanded by “growing up.” In his eyes, journalism is a compelling refuge for those who are drawn to the unpredictable, the unorthodox, and the endlessly new.