James Burnham Quotes
- Political theorist and writer
- USA
- 1905
James Burnham (1905-1987) was an American political theorist, philosopher, and author. He is best known for his influential works The Managerial Revolution (1941) and The Machiavellians: Defenders of Freedom (1943). Burnham’s writings focused on the rise of managerialism and the decline of dem…Read More
James Burnham (1905-1987) was an American political theorist, philosopher, and author. He is best known for his influential works The Managerial Revolution (1941) and The Machiavellians: Defenders of Freedom (1943). Burnham’s writings focused on the rise of managerialism and the decline of democracy, and his work was highly influential in the development of neoconservatism. He was also a prominent anti-communist and a founding member of the Congress for Cultural Freedom. Burnham’s other works include The Struggle for the World (1947), The Coming Defeat of Communism (1950), and Suicide of the West (1964).Read Less
James Burnham (1905-1987) was an American political theorist, philosopher, and author. He is best known for his influential works The Managerial Revolution (1941) and The Machiavellians: Defenders of Freedom (1943). Burnham’s writings focused on the rise of managerialism and the decline of democracy, and his work was highly influential in the development of neoconservatism. He was also a prominent anti-communist and a founding member of the Congress for Cultural Freedom. Burnham’s other works include The Struggle for the World (1947), The Coming Defeat of Communism (1950), and Suicide of the West (1964).
James Burnham Career Highlights
James Burnham was an American philosopher, political theorist, and author who was born on November 22, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Princeton University and graduated with a degree in philosophy in 1927. Burnham then went on to earn a master’s degree in political science from Balliol College, Oxford in 1929.After completing his education, Burnham worked as a journalist for various publications, including The New Republic and The Nation. In 1941, he joined the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where he worked as a political analyst during World War II.In 1943, Burnham published his most famous work, “The Managerial Revolution,” which explored the rise of a new class of managers in society and their potential impact on politics and economics. This book solidified Burnham’s reputation as a leading political thinker and established him as a prominent figure in the conservative movement.
Key Contributions by James Burnham
Throughout his career, James Burnham made significant contributions to the fields of political theory and philosophy. He was a staunch anti-communist and wrote extensively on the topic, including his influential book “The Machiavellians: Defenders of Freedom” in 1943.Burnham also played a key role in shaping the conservative movement in the United States. He was a founding editor of the influential conservative journal National Review and was a close advisor to prominent conservative figures such as William F. Buckley Jr. and Barry Goldwater.
What Sets James Burnham Apart
What sets James Burnham apart is his unique blend of political theory and practical experience. He was not just a philosopher, but also a journalist and political analyst who worked in the intelligence community. This combination of academic knowledge and real-world experience gave Burnham a unique perspective on politics and society.Burnham’s writing style was also notable for its clarity and accessibility. He had a talent for making complex ideas understandable to a wider audience, which helped to popularize his work and influence a generation of conservative thinkers.
Takeaways
James Burnham’s contributions to political theory and the conservative movement continue to be relevant and influential today. His insights on the rise of managerial elites and the dangers of communism are still studied and debated by scholars and political thinkers.Burnham’s career also serves as a reminder of the importance of combining theory with practical experience. His ability to bridge the gap between academia and the real world allowed him to make a significant impact on both spheres.