To a philosopher all news, as it is called, is gossip, and they who edit and read it are old women over their tea

To a philosopher all news, as it is called, is gossip, and they who edit and read it are old women over their tea

Henry David Thoreau, the renowned American philosopher, naturalist, and essayist, was known for his unique perspective on society and the world around him. Thoreau was a firm believer in living a simple and deliberate life, free from the distractions and superficialities of modern society. In his essay "Life Without Principle," Thoreau famously stated, "To a philosopher all news, as it is called, is gossip, and they who edit and read it are old women over their tea."

Thoreau's statement reflects his disdain for the sensationalism and triviality of the news media. In his view, the constant barrage of news and information serves only to distract and divert people from more meaningful pursuits. Thoreau believed that true wisdom and insight could only be gained through introspection and contemplation, rather than through the consumption of news and gossip.

Thoreau's comparison of news readers to "old women over their tea" is a reflection of his belief that the news media caters to the lowest common denominator, appealing to people's base instincts and desire for entertainment rather than enlightenment. Thoreau saw the news media as a tool of manipulation and control, used by those in power to shape public opinion and distract the masses from more important issues.

Thoreau's critique of the news media is particularly relevant in today's digital age, where information is constantly bombarding us from all sides. The rise of social media and 24-hour news cycles has only exacerbated the problem, making it even more difficult to separate fact from fiction and meaningful news from trivial gossip.