Absurd Quote by Walter Lippmann
“I generalized rashly: That is what kills political writing, this absurd pretence that you are delivering a great utterance. You never do. You are just a puzzled man making notes about what you think. You are not building the Pantheon, then why act like a graven image? You are drawing sketches in the sand which the sea will wash away.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Function of the Press” by Walter Lippmann, 1922
Political writing suffers when writers pretend to deliver grand statements instead of honest, grounded analysis.
In simple terms: Pretending to be profound harms political writing.
Key Takeaway
Write honestly, avoid pretension.
Themes
political discourse
writing integrity
communication
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
journalistic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- public policy
- academic essays
- personal blogs
Key Concepts
authenticity
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a political text compelling?
- How to balance honesty with persuasion?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on authenticity can stifle creative expression.
