James Reston quotes

James Reston was a prominent American journalist and editor, best known for his long career at The New York Times. His insightful political reporting and commentary influenced public opinion and American journalism for decades. He earned two Pulitzer Prizes and played a pivotal role in shaping modern news coverage. Here are 10 of his quotes:

In foreign policy you have to wait twenty-five years to see how it comes out.

James Reston

This is the devilish thing about foreign affairs: they are foreign and will not always conform to our whim.

James Reston

The rising power of the United States in world affairs ... requires, not a more compliant press, but a relentless barrage of facts and criticism.... Our job in this age, as I see it, is not to serve as cheerleaders for our side in the present world struggle but to help the largest possible number of people to see the realities of the changing and convulsive world in which American policy must operate.

James Reston

People are always dying in the Times who don't seem to die in other papers, and they die at greater length and maybe even with a little more grace.

James Reston

He inherited some good instincts from his Quaker forebears but by diligent hard work, he overcame them.

James Reston

The ship of state is the only known vessel that leaks from the top.

James Reston

If it's far away, it's news, but if it's close at home, it's sociology.

James Reston

Americans have always been able to handle austerity and even adversity. Prosperity is what is doing us in.

James Reston

In any war, the first casualty is common sense, and the second is free and open discussion.

James Reston