You will always have partial points of view, and you'll always have the story behind the story that hasn't come out yet. And any form of journalism you're involved with is going to be up against a biased viewpoint and partial knowledge.

The quote by Margaret Atwood reflects on the inherent challenges of journalism and the pursuit of truth. Atwood emphasizes that partial points of view are inevitable, and that there is often a story behind the story that has yet to emerge. This observation underscores the limitations journalists face in capturing the full complexity of events, as information is rarely complete or unbiased at any given moment.

Atwood highlights that all forms of journalism contend with biased viewpoints and partial knowledge, whether from sources, audiences, or even the journalists themselves. This acknowledgment encourages critical thinking and humility in reporting, reminding practitioners that objectivity is difficult to achieve fully and that every narrative is influenced by perspective and context.

The origin of this statement comes from Atwood’s extensive experience as a writer and social commentator, where she has frequently explored the interplay between truth, storytelling, and societal perception. Her insights are informed by a keen awareness of how information is shaped, interpreted, and disseminated in both media and literature.

In essence, the quote emphasizes that journalistic integrity requires recognizing the limitations of knowledge and perspective. Atwood encourages both journalists and audiences to remain vigilant, questioning assumptions, seeking multiple viewpoints, and understanding that every story is part of a larger, often incomplete, narrative.