Dorothy Thompson
Full Name and Common Aliases
Dorothy Thompson was a renowned American journalist, author, and commentator who went by the alias "The Hunchback" in her early years as a newspaper columnist.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 15, 1893, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dorothy Thompson passed away on January 31, 1961, at the age of 67.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Dorothy Thompson was an American journalist, author, and commentator who rose to prominence as a leading voice on international affairs during World War II.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family that valued education and politics, Dorothy Thompson demonstrated early aptitude for writing and strong opinions. She studied at Bryn Mawr College and later at the University of Heidelberg, immersing herself in German language and culture. Her exposure to European society laid the groundwork for her future career as an expert on international affairs.
Major Accomplishments
Dorothy Thompson's professional life was marked by numerous achievements:
As a columnist for the _Philadelphia Public Ledger_ and later the _New York Post_, she gained recognition for her biting commentary and astute analysis of global events.
Her column, "On the Record," offered candid observations on politics, society, and culture, earning her the nickname "The Hunchback" due to her forthright stance.
Thompson's expertise was sought by media outlets worldwide, including radio stations in Europe and the United States. She appeared frequently as a guest commentator on shows like _Meet the Press_.Notable Works or Actions
Dorothy Thompson's literary output included several books that showcased her insight into international affairs:
Her book _I Saw Hitler!_ (1931) detailed her encounter with Adolf Hitler, foreshadowing the dangers of Nazism.
In 1943, she authored _D-Day_, a study on German politics and military strategy during World War II.Impact and Legacy
Dorothy Thompson's impact as a journalist and commentator was substantial:
Her writing style, which blended wit, intelligence, and unflinching honesty, set the standard for future generations of journalists.
As a pioneering female voice in international journalism, she paved the way for women to pursue careers in this field.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Dorothy Thompson's quotes continue to resonate today due to her:
Unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power and challenging prevailing opinions.
* Unique ability to distill complex global issues into accessible, engaging narratives.
Quotes by Dorothy Thompson
The most destructive element in the human mind is fear. Fear creates aggressiveness.
There is nothing to fear except the persistent refusal to find out the truth, the persistent refusal to analyze the causes of happenings.
Women have had the vote for over forty years and their organizations lobby in Washington for all sorts of causes; why, why, why don’t they take up their own causes and obvious needs?
Inventive man has invented nothing – nothing from scratch. If he has produced a machine that in motion overcomes the law of gravity, he learned the essentials from the observation of birds.
Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of creative alternatives for responding to conflict – alternatives to passive or aggressive responses, alternatives to violence.
It was scary. By the time the fire department got here, the whole house was in flames,