The pen and the brave of Kapuscinski

By Nicol Ramos

Ryszard Kapuściński it was a journalist, photographer and poet. He was born in Poland, in March 4 of 1932. He passed away in January 23 of 2007. He dies after a heart operation in Varsovia. But, his works, are going to past to the history.

Since the first time that I read an article written by Kapuściński, he became in a kind of a mentor. I was complete fascinated for his books. However, the most important for me, it is his ethical sense. And the way how he encouraged to the others journalists to be better professionals. His advices always help me. For example: smile to the interviewees, because the first fifty second are really important. No mother what they says, you have to have a good attitude and let him speak. It may sound obvious and bizarre. But there are plenty’s journalist that get obfuscated when his interviewees talk about their crimes or say something improper.  Start a confrontation is very stupid if you want to get information.

His principal ideas and advices about how being a good journalist it was see otherness with respect.  Insert in his culture. Read a lot. Learn about others areas, like the social sciences or economy. See the life as a constant learning. Or that is what I understand about it.

Kapuściński travel all around the world documenting the most important milestones. He wrote a lot of articles and books. These are one of the famous works: The Emperor, The Soccer War and Shah of Shahs. He has a unique narrative style. All his books caused discussion and controversy. He was considered like one of the most credible journalist of his times.