Michael Schellenberger

Rank 33 of 47

Score -31

“In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.”

A lot of journalism is about being the one-eyed man. And that’s often less about being a good investigator than it is about being willing to state the obvious.

5/1/2025, 1:19:20 PM

In reply to:

Michael Shellenberger

@shellenberger

92d

Just as anyone who had bothered to google “virus leaks from laboratory” in early 2020 would have discovered warning after warning of lab leaks, anyone on Monday who looked could have found report after report warning of the thing that happened.

Michael Shellenberger

@shellenberger

92d

The media insisted for days that renewables weren’t to blame for the blackout in Spain, even though anyone with a basic understanding of the electrical grid knew they were. Finally the media is starting to tell the truth.

Michael Shellenberger

@shellenberger

95d

Renewables don't risk blackouts, said the media. But they did and they do. The physics are simple. And now, as blackouts in Spain strand people in elevators, jam traffic, and ground flights, it's clear that too little "inertia" due to excess solar resulted in system collapse.

The statement critiques journalism by suggesting that it often involves stating the obvious rather than deep investigation. It implies that journalists sometimes fail to highlight evident issues, such as the risks associated with renewable energy and blackouts, as discussed in the conversation. The tone is critical and somewhat cynical, aiming to provoke thought about the role of journalism in public discourse.

Principle 1:
I will strive to do no harm with my words and actions.
The statement does not directly harm but criticizes journalism, which could be seen as constructive if it leads to improvement.
Principle 3:
I will use my words and actions to promote understanding, empathy, and compassion.
It challenges journalists to be more observant and proactive, potentially promoting better public understanding. [+1]
Principle 4:
I will engage in constructive criticism and dialogue with those in disagreement and will not engage in personal attacks or ad hominem arguments.
The statement engages in criticism but does not attack individuals, focusing instead on the profession as a whole. [+1]