Lippmann is rarely mentioned in the 21st Century as a great political and philosophical writer. That would have been a shock to those reading his prolific columns 75 years ago. In this, his final book, he discusses the need for an informed citizenry and the limitations of democracy as it was practiced in the 1950's. His observations on the dangers of Jacobinism and Leninism on each polar end of the spectrum and in the importance of an active, knowledgeable society resonate as much today as they did 70 years ago. A good read.
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A Timeless insight at the psyche of politics
I feel that this book is as relevant now as it was when it was written over fifty years ago. Lippmann does a good job at looking at where American people fit into their democracy (which is more of a republic). One of the most compelling quotes in this book is: "The best education for democracy will be the one which trains, disciplines, and teaches the least." Pg. 63 Really think about what this quote is saying, then think about people ready to kill one and other about whether Democratic is right, Republican is right, Moderate is right or even if Wookie is right. Many times in this society people shoot their mouths off about elements they have no lucid or tangible ground beneath their feet to stand on, but have plenty of room to put their feet in their mouth. I was required to read this book in a graduate class, and I found it very interesting and thought provoking. Is this book everything one needs to know on politics, government, sociology and the human condition? No, but it is a great place to start. Only abstract and higher-level taxonomy thinkers need to apply.
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- Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2012
- Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2006
I feel that this book is as relevant now as it was when it was written over fifty years ago. Lippmann does a good job at looking at where American people fit into their democracy (which is more of a republic).
A Timeless insight at the psyche of politics
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2006
One of the most compelling quotes in this book is: "The best education for democracy will be the one which trains, disciplines, and teaches the least." Pg. 63
Really think about what this quote is saying, then think about people ready to kill one and other about whether Democratic is right, Republican is right, Moderate is right or even if Wookie is right. Many times in this society people shoot their mouths off about elements they have no lucid or tangible ground beneath their feet to stand on, but have plenty of room to put their feet in their mouth.
I was required to read this book in a graduate class, and I found it very interesting and thought provoking. Is this book everything one needs to know on politics, government, sociology and the human condition? No, but it is a great place to start.
Only abstract and higher-level taxonomy thinkers need to apply.
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