JH

John Hersey

60quotes

John Hersey


Full Name and Common Aliases


John Richard Hersey was a renowned American journalist, novelist, and professor. He is often referred to as the "Dean of American Journalists."

Birth and Death Dates


Hersey was born on September 17, 1914, in Tientsin (now Tianjin), China, where his father worked as a Presbyterian missionary. He passed away on March 21, 1993.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Hersey held dual nationality, American and Chinese. His primary profession was that of a journalist, although he is also celebrated for his work as a novelist and educator.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in China during the early 20th century had a profound impact on Hersey's life and writing. He spent much of his childhood in Tientsin, where he developed an interest in languages and cultures. After completing high school in the United States, Hersey attended Yale University, graduating with honors in English literature.

Major Accomplishments


Hersey is most notably recognized for his work during World War II. As a correspondent for _Life_ magazine, he reported on key events such as the Allied invasion of Normandy (D-Day) and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. His coverage of these pivotal moments helped shape public perception and understanding of global conflicts.

Notable Works or Actions


Some of Hersey's most notable works include:

"Hiroshima" (1946): A poignant account of the devastating effects of the atomic bomb on the people of Hiroshima.
 "A Bell for Adano" (1944): A novel based on his experiences in Italy during World War II, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1945.

Impact and Legacy


Hersey's writing had a profound impact on post-war literature and journalism. His reports from the front lines offered an unflinching look at the realities of war, raising awareness about its human cost.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


John Hersey is widely quoted for his thought-provoking essays and novels that captured the essence of war's devastating effects on individuals. His commitment to truth-telling in journalism has inspired generations of writers and reporters.

Quotes by John Hersey

It seems logical that he who supports total war in principle cannot complain of a war against civilians. The crux of the matter is whether total war in its present form is justifiable, even when it serves a just purpose.
"
It seems logical that he who supports total war in principle cannot complain of a war against civilians. The crux of the matter is whether total war in its present form is justifiable, even when it serves a just purpose.
JH
The class of people to which Nakamura-san belonged came, therefore, to be called by a more neutral name, “hibakusha” – literally, “explosion-affected persons.
"
The class of people to which Nakamura-san belonged came, therefore, to be called by a more neutral name, “hibakusha” – literally, “explosion-affected persons.
JH
Such clouds of dust had risen that there was a sort of twilight around.
"
Such clouds of dust had risen that there was a sort of twilight around.
JH
ABOUT a week after the bomb dropped, a vague, incomprehensible rumor reached Hiroshima – that the city had been destroyed by the energy released when atoms were somehow split in two.
"
ABOUT a week after the bomb dropped, a vague, incomprehensible rumor reached Hiroshima – that the city had been destroyed by the energy released when atoms were somehow split in two.
JH
The frequency of the warnings and the continued abstinence of Mr. B with respect to Hiroshima had made its citizens jittery; a rumor was going around that the Americans were saving something special for the city.
"
The frequency of the warnings and the continued abstinence of Mr. B with respect to Hiroshima had made its citizens jittery; a rumor was going around that the Americans were saving something special for the city.
JH
The third stage was the reaction that came when the body struggled to compensate for its ills – when, for instance, the white count not only returned to normal but increased to much higher than normal levels.
"
The third stage was the reaction that came when the body struggled to compensate for its ills – when, for instance, the white count not only returned to normal but increased to much higher than normal levels.
JH
A YEAR after the bomb was dropped, Miss Sasaki was a cripple; Mrs. Nakamura was destitute; Father Kleinsorge was back in the hospital; Dr. Sasaki was not capable of the work he once could do; Dr. Fujii had lost the thirty-room hospital it took him many years to acquire, and had no prospects of rebuilding it; Mr. Tanimoto’s church had been ruined and he no longer had his exceptional vitality. The lives of these six people, who were among the luckiest in Hiroshima, would never be the same.
"
A YEAR after the bomb was dropped, Miss Sasaki was a cripple; Mrs. Nakamura was destitute; Father Kleinsorge was back in the hospital; Dr. Sasaki was not capable of the work he once could do; Dr. Fujii had lost the thirty-room hospital it took him many years to acquire, and had no prospects of rebuilding it; Mr. Tanimoto’s church had been ruined and he no longer had his exceptional vitality. The lives of these six people, who were among the luckiest in Hiroshima, would never be the same.
JH
Over everything – up through the wreckage of the city, in gutters, along the riverbanks, tangled among tiles and tin roofing, climbing on charred tree trunks – was a blanket of fresh, vivid, lush, optimistic green; the verdancy rose even from the foundations of ruined houses. Weeds already hid the ashes, and wild flowers were in bloom among the city’s bones. The bomb had not only left the underground organs of the plants intact; it had stimulated them.
"
Over everything – up through the wreckage of the city, in gutters, along the riverbanks, tangled among tiles and tin roofing, climbing on charred tree trunks – was a blanket of fresh, vivid, lush, optimistic green; the verdancy rose even from the foundations of ruined houses. Weeds already hid the ashes, and wild flowers were in bloom among the city’s bones. The bomb had not only left the underground organs of the plants intact; it had stimulated them.
JH
Thus a translation of a translation brought us together, but I can see now that we were still very far apart, farther apart indeed than languages, even though we had laughed together, for our laugher was cruel, as laughter often is. I was laughing at the awkwardness of a Chinese mind, the translator’s; Su-ling at the awkwardness of a Western mind, mine.
"
Thus a translation of a translation brought us together, but I can see now that we were still very far apart, farther apart indeed than languages, even though we had laughed together, for our laugher was cruel, as laughter often is. I was laughing at the awkwardness of a Chinese mind, the translator’s; Su-ling at the awkwardness of a Western mind, mine.
JH
It was so black under the books and debris that the borderline between awareness and unconsciousness was fine; she apparently crossed it several times, for the pain seemed to come and go.
"
It was so black under the books and debris that the borderline between awareness and unconsciousness was fine; she apparently crossed it several times, for the pain seemed to come and go.
JH
Showing 1 to 10 of 60 results