Walter Lippmann: American Skeptic, American Pastor

Walter Lippmann was a well-known and respected political journalist of the twentieth century, known for his Today and Tomorrow columns and his books such as A Preface to Morals and U.S. Foreign Policy. He coined or popularized several keywords of the century, including stereotype, the Cold War, and the Great Society. This biography highlights the constructive power of doubt and Lippmann's struggle to be free from yet loyal to a way of life, recognize the dangers of a civil religion, and strive for a just and enduring world order.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Walter Lippmann, widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected political journalists of the 20th century, garnered a global readership of over ten million through his columns, Today and Tomorrow. He authored numerous books, including the best-selling A Preface to Morals (1929) and U.S. Foreign Policy (1943). His seminal work, Public Opinion (1922), remains a classic text in American political philosophy and media studies. Lippmann coined or popularized key terms such as stereotype, the Cold War, and the Great Society, which resonated with audiences worldwide. Sought after by U.S. presidents and leaders across the globe, Lippmann remained a steadfast advocate of liberalism, offering both praise and criticism. However, what few people knew was that he harbored a profound sense of skepticism about the world, particularly in the post-Christian era. Throughout his life, Lippmann transitioned from being a celebrated secularist to a renowned Western Christian intellectual, yet he never fully committed to any religious system, including his Jewish heritage.

In his book, Walter Lippmann: American Skeptic, American Pastor, author James Traub explores the role of religions in Lippmann's life and thought, focusing on his affirmation and rejection of Christian nationalisms from both the left and right. This biography provides fresh insights into the philosophical origins of modern American liberalism, highlighting its blind spots in areas such as sex, race, and class. Moreover, it underscores the constructive power of doubt, as Lippmann believed that the good life in a good society was lived in irreconcilable tension.

Lippmann's skepticism was rooted in his belief that the modern world was characterized by a loss of common faith and morality. He saw the rise of nationalism as a response to this crisis, but he criticized both left-wing and right-wing forms of nationalism for promoting a sense of superiority and exclusivity. Instead, Lippmann advocated for a cosmopolitanism that recognized the interconnectedness of nations and the importance of international cooperation.

Despite his skepticism, Lippmann remained a proponent of democracy and human rights. He believed that the only way to ensure the well-being of individuals and societies was through the establishment of a robust democratic system that allowed for the expression of diverse opinions and the protection of individual liberties. Lippmann's writings on politics and diplomacy were marked by his commitment to reason, objectivity, and the pursuit of truth. He believed that the media had a crucial role to play in shaping public opinion and that journalists should strive to provide accurate and unbiased coverage of events.

In conclusion, Walter Lippmann's life and thought offer valuable insights into the complexities of modern politics and diplomacy. His skepticism, combined with his commitment to democracy and human rights, shaped his vision of a cosmopolitan world that recognized the interconnectedness of nations and the importance of international cooperation. Despite his transition from secularist to Christian intellectual, Lippmann's writings on politics and diplomacy remain relevant today, reminding us of the importance of reason, objectivity, and the pursuit of truth in shaping public opinion.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 137 x 204 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192895165