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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker humorously acknowledges past family members who were criminals, noting one even worked in the newspaper business.
In plain terms
My relatives in the past did some bad things, and one was a journalist.
What can you take from it?
Past mistakes are part of family history.

Where it applies

  • family reunions
  • personal anecdotes
  • historical reflection

Putting it to work

  • sharing family stories
  • reflecting on history

Questions to consider

  • How do we view our ancestors?
  • What stories do families keep?

Another view

The joke relies on the ambiguity of what the newspaper business implies.

More from Jimmy Carter

  1. We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.

    Permalink to quote #52
  2. Wherever life takes us, there are always moments of wonder.

    Permalink to quote #54
  3. Unless both sides win, no agreement can be permanent.

    Permalink to quote #51

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