A newspaper in your hands

The newspaper in your hands represents journalism, a profession with roots stretching back to antiquity. Derived from the Greek word 'peri,' meaning 'around,' journalism's essence lies in reporting what happens in the surrounding world. Its earliest forms can be traced to ancient narratives, such as Xenophon's portrayal of Socrates, Pliny the Younger's descriptions of the Vesuvius eruption, or the Gospel of Luke's factual accounts.

“

You have an object in your hands. We call it a newspaper, and it is made by journalists. I deduce that you value journalism.

One can imagine the first journalist as a cave dweller who ventured out into the darkness to observe the world, returning to share findings with the tribe. Similarly, the first philosopher might have been a woman who interpreted these accounts, drawing wisdom and passing it on. Before the advent of written numbers, humanity relied on words, making the chronicle, a narrative form dependent on description, analysis, and judgment, the quintessential journalistic genre.

Spain's 20th century saw esteemed thinkers like José Ortega y Gasset and Eugeni d’Ors practicing journalism. Ortega y Gasset, a metaphysics professor, famously stated, "I was born on a printing press," highlighting his deep connection to the medium. D’Ors, a prolific writer, consistently contributed to various newspapers. Many great Spanish writers, including Azorín, Pla, and Umbral, honed their craft through journalistic practice.

“

The first journalist must have been a caveman; likewise, the first philosopher was a woman.

The author reflects on their own connection to journalism, having grown up near the printing presses of *La Vanguardia* and having written for the press for fifty years. Journalism, in this view, is an exercise fueled by a sense of wonder and the ability to recount events promptly, clearly, and truthfully, a practice mirroring that of our ancient ancestors sharing information in the cave.

“

Journalism is an exercise that assumes its practitioner is amazed by things and has the ability, and grace, to tell them without delay, clearly, and truthfully.