Sunday, August 11, 2019
Biography of Walter Lippmann:
Walter Lippmann (1889–1974) was an American intellectual, writer, journalist, and political commentator, known for his influential contributions to political theory and journalism. Born on September 23, 1889, in New York City, Lippmann became one of the leading public intellectuals of the 20th century.
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| Biography of Walter Lippmann |
Early Life and Education of Walter Lippmann:
Walter Lippmann attended Harvard University, where he studied under the philosopher George Santayana and graduated magna cum laude in 1910. During his time at Harvard, he became involved in journalism, working for the university newspaper, The Harvard Crimson.
Walter Lippmann's Journalism Career:
After completing his studies, Lippmann worked as a reporter for various newspapers, gaining recognition for his analytical and insightful writing. In 1913, he joined The New Republic, a progressive magazine, as its editor. His association with The New Republic provided him a platform to express his political views and engage with key intellectual and political figures of the time.
Lippmann's journalism career spanned several decades, and he wrote for prominent publications such as the New York World and the New York Herald Tribune. His columns were widely read, and he became known for his ability to analyze and interpret complex political issues.
Public Opinion and The Phantom Public:
In 1922, Lippmann published one of his most influential works, "Public Opinion." In this book, he introduced the concept of "the manufacture of consent," arguing that public opinion is often shaped by a small, elite group rather than arising organically from the public. He expressed skepticism about the public's ability to make informed decisions and suggested a more indirect form of governance guided by experts.
In 1925, Lippmann wrote "The Phantom Public," where he expanded on his ideas about public opinion. He contended that the public was largely an "amorphous" and ill-informed entity and questioned the feasibility of a true democratic society.
Walter Lippmann's Later Career:
Walter Lippmann continued to be a prominent figure in American intellectual and political circles. During World War II, he served as an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. After the war, he played a role in shaping public opinion on foreign policy issues, particularly in the context of the Cold War.
Lippmann's later works include "The Cold War: A Study in U.S. Foreign Policy" (1947) and "The Public Philosophy" (1955). He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to journalism and political thought.
Legacy:
Walter Lippmann's ideas about public opinion, the role of the media, and the complexities of democratic governance have had a lasting impact. His work laid the groundwork for the study of media and communication theory and influenced subsequent generations of scholars, journalists, and political thinkers.
Walter Lippmann died on December 14, 1974, in New York City. His legacy endures through his writings and the enduring relevance of his ideas in the fields of political science, journalism, and public opinion research.