I am far from denying that newspapers in democratic countries lead citizens to do very ill-considered things in common; but without newspapers there would be hardly any common action at all. So they mend many more ills than they cause.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Despite their flaws, newspapers are essential for organizing collective action in democracies.
- In plain terms
- Newspapers cause some bad actions but are needed for any common action.
- What can you take from it?
- Flawed communication is better than none for democracy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What role should media play?
- Can we have action without communication?
Another view
It assumes all newspapers are equally effective or truthful.
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