Russell Baker

Russell Baker (1925–2019) was an American journalist, longtime columnist for The New York Times, and author who won the 1979 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. He was known for wry, conversational essays and memoirs such as Growing Up, reflected in quips like "The meek inherit the earth, but not its mineral rights."

Quotes by Russell Baker

Quotes: 1

The meek inherit the earth, but not its mineral rights. — Russell Baker

Power, Privilege, and the Inheritance of the Earth

Ultimately, Baker uses humor to highlight the complexities of meekness in a world governed by competition and ownership. The idealist’s vision of the meek inheriting the earth must be squared with societal structures that reward assertiveness and wealth. His quote urges reflection: perhaps true inheritance lies not only in material gain, but in the continual striving for equity and justice within the systems we create. [...]

Created on: 5/30/2025