Adlai E. Stevenson (1) (1900–1965)

This is a collection of speeches and print articles delivered/written by Stevenson between his two runs for president in 1952 and 1956, both of which he lost to Dwight Eisenhower. Stevenson was an intellectual and a proud liberal, the former quality perhaps serving as an impediment to winning over the American electorate. His writing was certainly thought-provoking and offers a very interesting window into Democratic thought circa 1955.

For one thing, we learn that the negative tactics of the show more Republican Party are older than we might today suppose. Writing just ahead of the 1954 mid-term elections, Stevenson writes:

"All thoughtful citizens have been concerned about the progressive degeneration of this present political campaign. We have observed with sorrow the effect that the pressures of partisanship and political ambition have had on the top leaders of the Republican party. When the campaign began, the President (Eisenhower) said that the only issue was the record of his administration. but the end is a reckless campaign of smear, misrepresentation, and mistrust. No reputation, no record, no name--no Democrat in short--has been immune from savage or sly attack on his integrity, his good sense, his very loyalty. . . . Yesterday on his airport tour the President himself found it in his heart--or in his script--to take up these themes himself.

This Republican campaign has become a program of slander that began a year ago when Mr. Bownell, President Eisenhower's Attorney General, impugned the very loyalty of President Truman, when Governor Dewey identified all Democrats with death and tragedy in Korea, and when the Republican National Committee sent Senator McCarthy around the country to characterize the Democratic administration as 'Twenty Years of Treason' . . .

If ever our system should rise to the highest dignity of its tradition and its responsibilities, it is today. If ever we needed politics which would leave our people informed and united, not confused and divided, it is now. If ever smears, slander, innuendo, misrepresentation were out of place in our national life, it is in this time, at this place, in this world. . . . Instead, the nation has been recklessly torn apart in the search for votes with careless disregard for our self-respect and our unity of national purpose."

Sound familiar?

In the mid-1950s, Stevenson was of course concerned greatly with the Cold War and the campaign of ideas against Communist Russia and China for the friendship of newly independent countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Also, the possibilities for atomic warfare weigh heavily in his thinking. He is at his most impressive when he speaks of the changes being wrought on society by technology:

"Indeed, it seems that at mid-twentieth century, mass manipulation is a greater danger to the individual than was economic exploitation in the nineteenth center; that we are in greater danger of becoming robots than slaves. Surely it is part of the challenge of this next quarter-century that industry and government and the society they both support must find new and better ways of restoring scope to that strange eccentric, the individual. . . . But we shall have to learn the art of coexistence with many strange things in the future, some of them perhaps even stranger than Communism. Technology, while adding daily to our physical ease, throws daily another loop of fine wire around our souls. It contributes hugely to our mobility, which we must not confuse with freedom. The extensions of our senses, which we find so fascinating, are not adding to the discrimination of our minds."

Writing in the 1950s, Stevenson foresaw neither the weakening of American industrial production nor global warming, though he does speak frequently about the need for soil, water and other resource conservation, deploring the Eisenhower administrations rush to cede mineral and oil rights from public lands to corporate interests. He also speaks up in favor of integration and civil rights in general. He was a man of his times, though. His commencement speech to the 1955 graduating class of Smith College is titled "Women, Husbands, and History" and begins:

"Countless commencement speakers are rising these days on countless platforms all over the world to tell thousands of helpless young captives how important they are--as citizens in a free society, as educated, rational, privileged participants in a great historic crisis. But for my part I want merely to tell you young ladies that I think there is much you can do about that crisis in the humble role of housewife--which, statistically, is what most of you are going to be whether you like the idea or not just now--and you'll like it!"

Ouch!

At any rate, overall I found this collection a very interesting look into the issues and concerns of the day as seen by one the country's leading liberal Democrats. It has made me think about going in search of an Stevenson biography. show less

Sometimes, the best treasures are discovered when you're not even looking for them. That's how I stumbled upon The Wit and Wisdom of Adlai Stevenson – a slim, 96-page volume I picked up for just $0.50 at a local Salvation Army thrift store. What drew me to it? Curiosity, perhaps, and a vague recollection of Stevenson’s role as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations during the Kennedy administration, particularly his involvement in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Little did I know, this show more small book would pack such a powerful punch.

Adlai Stevenson’s eloquence and insight are timeless. Reading his words, I was struck by how many of his quotes resonate today, just a few months shy of the 2024 Presidential Election. Here are a few that stood out to me, grouped by themes:

Democracy and Leadership

"The costliest blunders have been made by dictators who did not quite understand the working of real democracy and who mistook diversity for disunity." (1952, pp. 7)

"Every man has a right to be heard; but no man has the right to strangle democracy with a single set of vocal cords." (1952, pp. 10)

"More important than winning the election is governing the nation. That is the test of a political party – the acid, final test." (1952, pp. 29)

Stevenson's understanding of democracy as a dynamic, inclusive process is profound. His belief that leadership is about more than just winning elections – it's about effective governance – is a message that feels especially relevant today.

Patriotism and Integrity

"What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? ...a patriotism that puts country ahead of self; a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." (1952, pp. 18)

"Corruption in public office is treason." (1952, pp. 12)

"The rock bottom foundation of a free press is the integrity of the people who run it." (1952, pp. 61)

In a time where patriotism can often be co-opted for personal gain, Stevenson's vision of quiet, consistent dedication to country over self is refreshing. His firm stance on integrity in public office and the press is a reminder of the high standards we should hold our leaders to.

Political Discourse and Global Relations

"Extremism produces extremism, lies beget lies.... When demagoguery and deceit become a national political movement, we Americans are in trouble, not just Democrats, but all of us." (1954, pp. 20)

"We need our Allies, and they need us. The fact that we have been in a position to contribute most to our collective defense in the way of arms and money does not entitle us to preach or threaten... we want no sullen obedience, but friendly cooperation... we want no satellites, we want companions in arms." (1953, pp. 46)

Stevenson’s reflections on extremism and the importance of honest, open political discourse are particularly poignant. His perspective on international relations emphasizes mutual respect and cooperation, a sentiment that feels both nostalgic and urgently needed in today's global politics.

Reading Stevenson's words, I couldn't help but yearn for the civility and depth of political discourse from his era. While politics has always been contentious, there seemed to be a level of maturity and respect that is sorely missing today. These quotes, though decades old, challenge us to aspire to higher standards in our political and personal lives.

The Wit and Wisdom of Adlai Stevenson is a brief but powerful read that offers a glimpse into the mind of a truly remarkable statesman. It's a book that not only provides historical insight but also inspires us to reflect on our current political landscape. For anyone disillusioned with today's politics or seeking a reminder of the power of thoughtful leadership, this book is a must-read. Plus, you might just find your own copy hidden in a dusty corner of a thrift store, waiting to be discovered. show less

The Wit and Wisdom of Adlai Stevenson is a 95 page book of collected quotes from the afore named presidential hopeful from the late 40s through the 50s. As leader of the Democratic party, then their candidate for president, and finally as US representative to the UN, Stevenson was a Confucian "gentleman", eschewing political success for civil duty and proper action. He's not a memorialized figure; I knew nothing about him beyond that famous photo of the hole in his shoe, but is political show more thought as it is represented in this book is timeless.

On the Red Scare: "I am no more in favor of socialism than anybody else, and I particularly dislike things that creep. But if I don't like what they call creeping socialism, there is something else I dislike just as much, and that is galloping reaction."

And another: "My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular."

There are some good brain chips here on politics, government and America. This is a nice little book to read through in 10 minutes and pull out every once and a while when you need to be reminded that there are in fact people with some sense in the world. show less

3613. Man of Honor Man of Peace: The Life and World of Adlai Stevenson, by the Editors of Country Beautiful, Editorial Director: Michael P. Dineen (read 10 Aug 2002) This is a coffee table book put out after Stevenson's death in 1965, filled with pictures and excerpts from his speeches. He was an eloquent man and nothing he said seemed wrong. Not a book without interest.