Walter Lippmann, one of the liberal realists of the 20 th century was a man who excelled by coming up with controversial subjects which were appealing to his readers. The book Drift and Mastery which was published in 1914 is an excellent example of such work. It mirrors the political ideations which were existent in the early 20 th century. Lipmann`s depiction of the political arena in this book led him to be labeled a Neo-Platonist and elitist thinker. The perceptive criticism of the elements of democracy have been presented clearly in all of his works, in addition to measures that can be taken to resolve some of the existing problems of governance. Moreover, Lippmann uses this book to elucidate his thoughts pertaining to the fundamentality of incorporating a scientific approach in when studying politics. His perception is that the advent of scientific invention has managed to discount the old political thought. According to Lipmann, scientific assessment is a component that is capable of instituting the best form of governance.
The title “Drift and Mastery” has been used to indicate the changing political scene whereby scientific invention has succeeded in exerting a drift from an old to new era of politics. Afterwards the new changes are mastered and adhered to. Lippmann constantly advocates for scientific scrutiny of novel and ancient tactics ( Lippmann, 1914 ). He, therefore, terms the new inventions as pragmatic such that the new changes compete without being prejudiced to old tactics. While focusing on the aspect of mastery, Lippmann believes that objective measures have an upper hand and should, therefore, be focused on when disseminating information to individuals since they cannot be informed about everything. They have to be made aware of the important details which affect them. As a result he encourages social scientists to come up with objects of analysis that are capable of providing adequate insight to a tremendously challenging environment. This is likely to offer individuals a clear outlook of the hidden world.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Lippmann appears to have a positive attitude regarding anybody or anything that sought to promote the wellbeing of the society. For example, he viewed Muckrakers as important people who made the society a better place by criticizing the incompetence of the government and also exposing corrupt dealings. Besides, Muckrakers were responsible for strengthening workers and other individuals by lobbying for fundamental legislations to be passed (Lippmann, 1914) . Far from relying on simple exposes, Lippmann acts as a Muckraker in the book by penetrating various aspects and engendering constructionism in his work; an aspect that is instilled in him by Lincoln Steffens. Moreover, when writing this book Lipmann had observed women suffrage, where the ladies in the United States had no voting rights. He speaks out against the suffragists who advocated for the persistence of such policies. Further still, his notion of anti-monopoly requires that no single person should have the ability to exert their influence over others by creating a monopoly for themselves. Lippmann is, nevertheless, hopeful that the newly evolving political world is bringing about the attainment of a new freedom.
It is possible for most of the problems which plagued the industrial societies to be solved through scientific intervention as Lippmann asserts. Men are capable of building on what their predecessors perceived. Science contributes towards varied abilities and opportunities which later translate to a conscious revolution ( Lippmann, 1914 ). With inventions comes the establishment of new opportunities and as a result, the woman becomes empowered to vote. Through his assertion of the Caveat Emptor, Lippmann further indicates that increasing the votes of women further translates to the establishment of consumer power. Science makes it possible for individuals to undertake a variety of things and even invent new ones ( Lippmann, 1914 ). Moreover, it assists in undertaking a survey of a nations natural resources and then based on the survey an evaluation can be done to determine the best way of planning for their advancement. Also, one must offer the farmer insight on scientific agriculture in order to offer them the ability to organize their land into the best resource possible ( Lippmann, 1914 ). Scientific progression assists every industry to uncover the best unit which they then encourage to cooperate in order to realize the maximum potential.
Further revelation by Lippmann shows that the spirit of science, efficiency, expertise, and progress is not compatible with the nation’s democratic tradition. Democracy is not enough for any society to attain their chief goal. Instead, freedom plays a more critical role. Also, Lippmann holds the opinion that the society cannot rely on old-age traditions of democracy when solving contemporary issues ( Lippmann, 1914 ). Democracy has to be redefined in order to cater for the new problems being experienced within the society, and science offers such assistance. It is, nevertheless, imperative to note that contemporary American liberals are still grappling with the dilemma that aspects such as science are capable of reinventing politics. Some of them have stood by the old political ideologies which have in turn made it difficult for the society to advance. This is a clear indication that new ideas have to be advanced in order for democracy to be attainable.
To sum it all up, Drift and Mastery is a clear representation of scientific assessment as a component that is capable of establishing the best form of governance within the American society. Lippmann continually insists that for new changes to be attained, innovations have to be incorporated. His idea is on the drift from the old age to a new system of doing things which is likely to yield economic benefits to the society. Lipmann, therefore, succeeds in offering illumination through this book regarding the political and social challenges being experienced within the society.
Reference
Lippmann, W. (1914). Drift and mastery: An attempt to diagnose the current unrest . University of Wisconsin Pres.
