A Preface to Politics

"A Preface to Politics" by Walter Lippmann" is a collection of essays that examines the nature and significance of politics, written in the early 20th century. Through a thoughtful exploration, it delves into the reasons behind political indifference and critiques the conventional approaches to governance that ignore the dynamic nature of human needs and social forces. The author seeks to shift the focus from stagnant political routines to a more creative and human-centered approach in politics, calling for a re-examination of political values. The opening of the text sets the stage by emphasizing the growing apathy toward politics in Lippmann's time. He asserts that indifference is the most significant criticism of contemporary politics, as many do not see elections or the legislative process as impactful to their lives. The introduction critiques the cynical view that politics is merely a moral battleground, pointing out that the true issues lie in the mechanical nature of governance and its disconnect from human needs. Lippmann argues for a new political perspective that recognizes the creative potential of governance and the necessity for political frameworks to evolve with society's changing demands. He signals that his work is a preliminary exploration of these ideas, laying the groundwork for a refreshed understanding of political engagement. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Walter Lippmann was an American writer, reporter, and political commentator. With a career spanning 60 years, he is famous for being among the first to introduce the concept of the Cold War, coining the term "stereotype" in the modern psychological meaning, as well as critiquing media and democracy in his newspaper column and several books, most notably his 1922 Public Opinion.