104 quotes by Edward R. Murrow (1908-1965), American (Journalist)

Popular Quotes

Edward R. Murrow

To be persuasive we must be believable. To be believable, we must be truthful.

This quotation has been taken as sound advice not only for a propaganda agency but also of nations, national leaders, politicians in general, newspapers, and other media.

Edward R. Murrow

A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.

Edward R. Murrow

We're not descended from fearful men - not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate, and to defend causes that were, for the moment, unpopular.

Edward R. Murrow

The politician in my country seeks votes, affection and respect, in that order.

Edward R. Murrow

We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine, and remember that we are not descended from fearful men – not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate, and to defend causes that were, for the moment, unpopular.

Edward R. Murrow

The term negotiation implies compromise; painful concessions on the part of both parties.

Edward R. Murrow

This reporter approaches the matter with rather fresh memories of friends in Austria, Germany and Italy who either died or went into exile because they refused to admit the right of their government to determine what they should say, read, write or think…. Movies should be judged by what appears on the screen, newspapers by what appears in print and radio by what comes out of the loudspeaker. The personal beliefs of the individuals involved would not seem to be a legitimate field of inquiry. When bankers, or oil or railroad men are hauled before a congressional committee, it is not customary to question them about their beliefs.

The editorial was in response to Congressional hearings held by J. Parnell Thomas of the House Un-American Activities Committee whereby Hollywood producers and directors were questioned about their political beliefs.

Edward R. Murrow

We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.

Edward R. Murrow

The first colored man to enter outer space will, in the eyes of the world, be the first man to have done so. I see no reason why our efforts in outer space should reflect with such fidelity the discrimination that exists on this minor planet.

Edward R. Murrow

We must differentiate between loyalty to one’s country and blind loyalty to the policy that a particular administration happens to be carrying out.

All Quotes

About the Author

Edward R. Murrow

Born: April 25, 1908
Died: April 27, 1965
Nationality: American
Profession: Journalist, Radio Broadcaster

Biography

Edward Roscoe Murrow, born Egbert Roscoe Murrow, was an American broadcast journalist and war correspondent. He first gained prominence during World War II with a series of live radio broadcasts from Europe for the news division of CBS. During the war he recruited and worked closely with a team of war correspondents who came to be known as the Murrow Boys.

Related Authors

Mignon McLaughlin, Hunter S. Thompson, Ambrose Bierce, Andy Rooney, Ann Landers, Erma Bombeck, William F. Buckley Jr., Fran Lebowitz

EDWARD R. MURROW

(Edward Roscoe Murrow)