George Plimpton
George Plimpton
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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George Alexander Plimpton was an American journalist, author, and actor. He is often referred to as the "original participatory journalist."
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: March 18, 1927, in New York City, New York
Died: September 25, 2003, in New York City, New York
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Plimpton was an American national with a multifaceted career spanning journalism, writing, and acting. He worked as a journalist for various publications, including _The Paris Review_ and _Sports Illustrated_, where he held the position of editor-at-large.
Early Life
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George Plimpton grew up in a wealthy family in Manhattan's Upper East Side. His father was George A. Plimpton, a prominent lawyer and politician. The younger Plimpton attended Harvard University, graduating with honors in 1947. During his college years, he began to develop an interest in journalism, working as the editor of the _Harvard Lampoon_.
Major Accomplishments
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Plimpton's participatory journalism style, which involved immersing himself in various activities and sharing his experiences through articles, earned him critical acclaim. Some notable examples include:
Participating in professional football: Plimpton joined the Detroit Lions as a linebacker for one game, gaining valuable insight into the sport.
Flying with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds: He trained alongside the elite flying unit and shared his experiences with _Life_ magazine readers.
Writing about his own life: Plimpton's memoir, _Paper Lion_, chronicled his time as a professional football player, showcasing his unique approach to storytelling.Notable Works or Actions
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Throughout his career, Plimpton wrote numerous articles and books that showcased his versatility. Some notable works include:
_The Magic School Bus_: Although not his original idea, Plimpton helped develop the concept for this popular children's book series.
* _Edgewood Football_: This collection of essays explored the world of professional football through a participant-observer approach.
Impact and Legacy
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George Plimpton's influence on modern journalism cannot be overstated. His willingness to immerse himself in various activities and share his experiences with readers revolutionized the field, paving the way for participatory journalism as we know it today.
Plimpton's legacy extends beyond the realm of journalism; he inspired a generation of writers and thinkers. His commitment to exploring new ideas and sharing them with the world continues to inspire artists and writers alike.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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George Plimpton is widely quoted and remembered for his groundbreaking approach to journalism, which blended storytelling with immersive participant-observation techniques. His work has had a lasting impact on modern media, influencing generations of writers and thinkers who seek to push the boundaries of storytelling.
His quotes and writings often reflect his wit and curiosity about the world around him: "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." This quote captures the essence of Plimpton's approach to life and journalism – a willingness to learn, explore, and share with others.
Quotes by George Plimpton
You do not cut a check in the state of Kansas to John Doe, executioner. The executioner is paid in cash so there’s no trail to him.
He still has the same way of calling to me, as if I’m still new to him, as if he has yet to get over me.
Well, I have to write. A lot of people forget that. They think I’m sort of crazy baffoon who can’t make up his mind what to do in life.
My favorite monologue in the book is Kate Harrington’s story of her relationship with Truman.
I remember being awed by it – the uniqueness and nicety of style – and I suspect I was a bit jealous because we were more or less of the same generation.
It’s like people always say, Well, does sport teach you anything in life? It teaches you certain things, but it doesn’t teach you other things. It doesn’t teach, as I say, very much about marriage, very much about how to make a living, any of those things.
As happens with people who love a thing too much, it destroys them. Oscar Wilde said, ‘You destroy the thing that you love.’ It’s the other way around. What you love destroys you.
