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

About James Reston

James “Scotty” Barrett Restonwas an American journalist whose career spanned the mid-1930s to the early 1990s. He was associated for many years with The New York Times.

More about the author

More quotes from James Reston

Stick with the optimists. It’s going to be tough enough even if they’re right.

James Reston

American journalist and newspaper editor (1909-1995)

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

James Reston

American journalist and newspaper editor (1909-1995)

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

James Reston

American journalist and newspaper editor (1909-1995)

Wealth is conspicuous, but poverty hides.

James Reston

American journalist and newspaper editor (1909-1995)

All politics are based on the indifference of the majority.

James Reston

American journalist and newspaper editor (1909-1995)

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

James Reston

American journalist and newspaper editor (1909-1995)

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

James Reston

American journalist and newspaper editor (1909-1995)

A government is the only vessel that leaks from the top.

James Reston

American journalist and newspaper editor (1909-1995)

Europe has a press that stresses opinions; America a press, radio, and television that emphasize news.

James Reston

American journalist and newspaper editor (1909-1995)

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

James Reston

American journalist and newspaper editor (1909-1995)

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

James Reston

American journalist and newspaper editor (1909-1995)

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

James Reston

American journalist and newspaper editor (1909-1995)