William Randolph Hearst

Media mogul, yellow journalism

Modern influential 135 sayings

Sayings by William Randolph Hearst

I would rather have a hundred thousand enemies than a hundred thousand friends, if the friends were going to spoil me.

early 1900s — A statement on the value of challenge over comfort.
Humorous Unverifiable

We are a nation of many opinions, but one common purpose.

early 1900s — A unifying statement, likely from a political or national address.
Humorous Unverifiable

I believe in the American people.

early 1900s — A statement of faith in the populace.
Humorous Unverifiable

Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.

early 1900s — Motivational advice.
Humorous Unverifiable

I want to be known as a newspaper man, not a politician.

early 1900s — Despite his political ambitions, he often emphasized his primary profession.
Humorous Unverifiable

The man who stops advertising to save money is like the man who stops the clock to save time.

early 1900s — An analogy emphasizing the importance of continued investment in advertising.
Humorous Unverifiable

It is not the business of a newspaper to tell the public what to think, but to tell it what to think about.

early 1900s — Defining the role of journalism in shaping public discourse.
Humorous Unverifiable

There is no such thing as bad publicity.

early 1900s — A common saying in media, often associated with his approach.
Humorous Unverifiable

I don't think there is anything more important than the success of the American experiment.

early 1900s — A patriotic statement.
Humorous Unverifiable

The newspaper is a great power, and like all great powers, it should be used for good.

early 1900s — A statement on the responsibility of the press.
Humorous Unverifiable

Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.

early 1900s — A cynical observation, often attributed to H.L. Mencken, but sometimes associated with Hearst's jour…
Humorous Unverifiable

I am not a rich man. I am a poor man with a lot of money.

early 1900s — A statement on his personal values versus his wealth.
Humorous Unverifiable

The press is the only institution that can successfully fight the government.

early 1900s — A declaration of the press's role as a watchdog.
Humorous Unverifiable

The printing press is the greatest engine of human improvement.

early 1900s — A testament to the power of the printed word.
Humorous Unverifiable

I am an American.

early 1900s — A simple statement of national identity.
Humorous Unverifiable

The bigger the lie, the more people will believe it.

early 1900s — A cynical observation on propaganda, often attributed to others but fitting his media tactics.
Humorous Unverifiable

We are not here to make money, but to make a noise.

early 1900s — Highlighting the impact-driven nature of his journalism over pure profit.
Humorous Unverifiable

The true journalist is a missionary.

early 1900s — Elevating the role of journalism to a higher purpose.
Humorous Unverifiable

I never started a fight. I just finished them.

early 1900s — A statement on his confrontational but reactive approach.
Humorous Unverifiable

The purpose of a newspaper is to raise hell.

early 1900s — A more aggressive take on the role of the press.
Humorous Unverifiable