Walter Lippmann: The Power of Public Opinion and Its Consequences

„Where mass opinion dominates the government, there is a morbid derangement of the true functions of power. The derangement brings about the enfeeblement, verging on paralysis, of the capacity to govern. This breakdown in the constitutional order is the cause of the precipitate and catastrophic decline of Western society. It may, if it cannot be arrested and reversed, bring about the fall of the West.“

Walter LippmannWalter Lippmann warns against dominant public opinion causing government breakdown and the decline of Western society.
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Walter Lippmann was an American journalist and political commentator, known for his work on public opinion and political communication.

A critical analysis of the effects of public opinion on government capacity and Western society.


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Walter Lippmann quote about public opinion, government, and the decline of Western society

Walter Lippmann (1889–1974) was a prominent American journalist, media critic, and political commentator. He coined significant concepts in media and communication studies, particularly regarding the role of mass media in democracy. His book "Public Opinion" (1922) remains a classic in media criticism and political philosophy.

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