"Newspaper editors are men who separate the wheat from the chaff, and then print the chaff"
- Adlai E. Stevenson
About this Quote
This quote by Adlai E. Stevenson is an amusing way of stating that paper editors are not always the most trusted sources of information. He is indicating that editors frequently take the most sensational stories and print them, no matter their precision or truthfulness. This is in contrast to the wheat, which is the more trusted and precise details. By separating the wheat from the chaff, editors are able to figure out which stories deserve printing and which are not.
The quote is likewise a commentary on the power of the media and how it can shape popular opinion. By printing the chaff, editors are able to affect the general public's understanding of specific topics and occasions. This can be hazardous, as it can lead to the spread of false information and false narratives.
In general, this quote is a reminder that we must be critical of the information we take in from the media. We should always aim to seek out reputable sources and validate the precision of the info we receive. By doing so, we can ensure that we are not being deceived by the chaff.
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