This quote is quite a biting commentary on the field of journalism. It suggests that journalists often write about subjects they have no real understanding or knowledge of, yet they are skilled enough in the art of language and expression to make it appear otherwise. Essentially, it is a criticism of superficiality over substance in journalism.
In the context of today’s world, this quote can be seen as a critique of the proliferation of ‘fake news’ and misinformation. With the advent of social media and the internet, anyone can become a ‘journalist’ and share their ‘ideas’, regardless of their validity or depth of understanding. This has led to an overflow of information, much of which lacks depth or is outright false, yet is presented in a way that is convincing and appealing.
In terms of personal development, the quote could serve as a reminder to strive for authenticity and depth in our own communications. Rather than simply parroting what we hear or read, we should aim to truly understand and critically evaluate information before we share it. This could be applied to various aspects of life, from social media use to professional communication. It encourages us to be critical consumers and producers of information, valuing quality and truth over quantity and appearance.