"We tell the public which way the cat is jumping. The public will take care of the cat"

This quote by Arthur Hays Sulzberger is a metaphor for the power of the media. He is recommending that the media has the power to affect popular opinion and shape public discourse. By telling the general public which method the feline is jumping, the media can direct the general public's attention and opinion. The public, in turn, will look after the feline, indicating that they will act upon the information they have actually been given. This quote highlights the power of the media to shape popular opinion and discourse, and to affect the direction of society. It likewise suggests that the general public is willing to act upon the info they are offered, which the media has the power to direct the general public's attention and opinion.