Words that flow like a river

“What makes a river so restful to people is that it doesn't have any doubt - it is sure to get where it is going, and it doesn't want to go anywhere else.” – Hal Boyle

While he wrote mostly of nature in his final years, Boyle (born in Missouri in 1911) is best known for his work as a war correspondent and writer at conflicts and troubled spots around the world, and for his Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper column, which appeared nearly 8,000 times during his career. 

Boyle’s column became a staple in over 700 newspapers, and he was one of those “must read” writers for those of us interested in becoming journalists.  For a great “sample” of his work, check out the book The Best of Boyle.  And, to see and hear Boyle, check out the 1945 film dramatization of Ernie Pyle's book, The Story of G.I. Joe, where Boyle portrayed himself. 

Shortly before his death in 1974 and thoroughly disgusted and ashamed of how people treated each other and the earth, he noted, “We need not worry so much about what man descends from - it's what he descends to that shames the human race.”

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