If I'd written all the truth I knew for the past ten years, about 600 people - including me - would be rotting in prison cells from Rio to Seattle today. Absolute truth is a very rare and dangerous commodity in the context of professional journalism.
In "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72," Hunter S. Thompson reflects on the complexities of truth in journalism. He suggests that if he had documented all the truths he encountered over the last decade, many individuals, including himself, would face incarceration. This highlights the potential repercussions of revealing absolute truth, especially in the politically charged atmosphere of the time.
Thompson's statement underscores the notion that truth can be perilous and often entails significant risks. In the realm of professional journalism, which frequently grapples with various agendas and biases, the pursuit of truth becomes a challenging endeavor. His commentary serves as a reminder of the delicate balance journalists must maintain while confronting uncomfortable realities.
