Lincoln Austin Steffens (1866–1936,) an American investigative journalist and muckraker, played a pivotal role in shaping investigative journalism during the Progressive Era through his pioneering efforts in exposing political and social corruption.
Born in San Francisco, California, Steffens graduated from the University of California-Berkeley in 1889. His academic pursuits included studying psychology with Wilhelm Wundt in Leipzig and Jean-Martin Charcot in Paris, solidifying his positivist orientation. Embarking on a career as a reporter and editor, Steffens gained national recognition for his articles in magazines like McClure’s, where he collaborated with other influential muckrakers. His groundbreaking work came to fruition with the publication of The Shame of the Cities (1904,) a series of articles revealing municipal corruption in major American cities, later compiled into a book in 1906.
Continuing his exposés, Steffens authored The Struggle for Self-Government (1906,) delving deeper into the challenges and corruption within American political systems. Throughout his career, he extensively traveled, reporting on political developments in Russia, Mexico, and Europe. His observations of European reformers were encapsulated in his book Upbuilders (1909.)
Remaining dedicated to investigative pursuits, Steffens contributed to various publications and lectured on social issues. His Autobiography of Lincoln Steffens (1931) provided valuable insights into his life and journalistic philosophy.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Lincoln Steffens
Somebody must take a chance. The monkeys who became men, and the monkeys who didn’t are still jumping around in trees making faces at the monkeys who did.
—Lincoln Steffens
Topics: Risk
Art is like a border of flowers along the course of civilization.
—Lincoln Steffens
Topics: Art
Morality is only moral when it is voluntary.
—Lincoln Steffens
Topics: Morality
So youve been over into Russia? said Bernard Baruch, and I answered very literally, I have been over into the future and it works.
—Lincoln Steffens
Power is what men seek and any group that gets it will abuse it.
—Lincoln Steffens
Topics: Power
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