Author: Bernadetta Darska. Source: Onet. Date: 30 May 2013.

The publication bearing Kapuściński’s name is a series of lectures delivered during journalism workshops, subsequently collected into a book that was distributed free of charge to journalists, students, and lecturers from Latin America. This popularising character seems extraordinarily important. Kapuściński explains not so much the technical craft secrets of the profession as its ideological entanglements. The result is a title that is essential reading, above all in the context of those wishing to work in the media, but also for all those for whom certain standards are not alien, who care about the quality of the message, for whom the media is not just informing in an attractive way but above all explaining the contemporary world.

An additional asset of the book is the interviews with the author of The Emperor included in it, in which the reporter likewise focuses on the journalist’s work, the journalistic art, and journalistic passion. The title This Is Not a Job for Cynics rings out very forcefully. Kapuściński is convinced that cynicism cannot be a characteristic feature of this activity. The necessity of constant communication with people, the need for empathy and a friendly attitude towards one’s interlocutor eliminates, in his view, this kind of attitude. A very important message of Kapuściński’s account is indeed the conviction about the collective effort that shapes the product of the journalist’s work. It is not the work of the author alone, but also of those who consented to talk with him, who let him into their lives, who allowed him to portray their world. This relational quality is repeatedly emphasised, and co-existence and co-working with another person is marked as a necessary and obvious thing.

The book This Is Not a Job for Cynics can be read in parallel with A Portrait of the Reporter. In both cases we are dealing with an attempt to define the specifics of the journalistic trade and to show that what counts is not the attitude of a craftsman but passion, the desire for constant enrichment of knowledge, awareness of the dynamics of events occurring in the present day, and the sense that being a witness to history obliges one to responsibility and ethically grounded sensitivity. Kapuściński often refers to young people. He is aware of the dangers lurking for those just beginning to work, but at the same time reminds them that experience must not be associated with routine. The journalist’s profession demands constant development. Kapuściński reminds us several times that in order to write one honest page, one must first read a hundred.

This book can successfully be treated as a kind of compulsory reading for those who study journalism and dream of working in the media — certainly many of its statements will prove useful and prompt reflection. At the same time this publication seems important for several other reasons. Kapuściński excellently describes the changes taking place before our eyes. Many of his diagnoses are relevant today as well. In the book we will also find much interesting thought about globalisation, the connections between journalism and literature, and the necessity of being an archivist. Kapuściński does not hide that the profession he practises knows no days off, is bound up with working 24 hours a day. Only in this way can one keep a finger on the pulse — being aware that important things sometimes happen by chance and in passing. If we are not therefore watchful, most of what matters will easily elude us.

Source: http://kultura.onet.pl/ksiazki/receznje-literackie/recenzja-to-nie-jest-zawod-dla-cynikow-ryszard-kap,1,5529245,artykul.html

source: kapuscinski.info