March, 1879

I knew I could succeed. I have become the best Police reporter in New York, though I really don’t like to brag. But this is not what I wish to be doing. I am reporting crimes, but I can do nothing to reform them. I tell everyone how horrible New York can be, but I cannot tell them what they can do to make it better. I find myself exploring the slums more often, and familiarizing myself with the conditions, though Heaven knows I should be familiar enough by now. But perspective changes when you are not living in the slums, and only examining those who do live in them. I do not know why I do this. I only know that I do.

Jacob Riis