" The art of newspaper paragraphing is to stroke a platitude until it purrs like an epigram. "
- Don Marquis

The art of newspaper writing involves transforming mundane statements into something more intriguing and captivating through skillful editing and presentation. This process can make simple ideas appear profound or clever, much like grooming a cat until it appears sleek and elegant.

At its core, this quote by Don Marquis highlights the power of language manipulation in journalism. It suggests that writers often take common or straightforward statements and refine them to sound more sophisticated or witty. This technique serves to engage readers who may be seeking intellectual stimulation or entertainment. However, it also raises questions about the integrity of reporting and whether such embellishment might obscure the truth or oversimplify complex issues for public consumption.

Don Marquis was an American writer known for his wit and satirical humor. He gained fame during the early 20th century through his newspaper columns and poetry, often featuring a character named Archy, a free-spirited cockroach who wrote prose without using capital letters or punctuation. Marquis's work frequently critiqued society and journalism, reflecting on their complexities and hypocrisies with sharp insight and humor.