Lippmann, Walter (1889-1974), was an American journalist who won worldwide fame as a political writer and philosopher. He became known for his clear, thoughtful writing.
In his writings, Lippmann expressed the view that civilized society could exist only if people govern their conduct by reason instead of impulse. He urged politicians to base their decisions on statesmanship rather than politics. Lippmann’s opinions influenced political leaders throughout the world. Several United States presidents asked him for advice on various issues.
From 1931 to 1967, Lippmann wrote a column called “Today and Tomorrow” for the New York Herald Tribune. It eventually was printed in more than 200 newspapers. Lippmann won the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for international reporting and a special Pulitzer citation in 1958 for his commentary on national and international affairs.
Lippmann began his career in 1911 with Everybody’s Magazine. In 1914, he helped found The New Republic magazine. Lippmann joined the staff of the New York World newspaper in 1921. He served as editor of the World from 1929 until the paper ceased publication in 1931.
Lippmann was born on Sept. 23, 1889, in New York City, New York, and graduated from Harvard University in 1910. After the United States entered World War I in 1917, he served in various government positions for about two years. He helped President Woodrow Wilson prepare the Fourteen Points that Wilson hoped would form the basis of a peace settlement (see Fourteen Points ).
Lippmann wrote more than 20 books. They include A Preface to Politics (1913), Public Opinion (1922), and The Public Philosophy (1955). He died on Dec. 14, 1974.
