Meaning: Walter Lippmann, an influential American journalist, political commentator, and public philosopher, is known for his profound insights into the nature of power, democracy, and the role of the media in shaping public opinion. The quote, "The first principle of a civilized state is that the power is legitimate only when it is under contract," encapsulates one of his fundamental beliefs about the nature of power and its relationship to the state and its citizens.

At the core of this quote is the idea that the legitimacy of power in a civilized state is contingent upon the existence of a social contract between the rulers and the ruled. This concept of a social contract, first articulated by political philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, posits that individuals voluntarily surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of a governing body in exchange for security, protection of their rights, and the maintenance of order within society.

In the context of Lippmann's quote, the "contract" refers to the implicit agreement between those in power and the citizens of a state. It implies that the authority wielded by the government is only legitimate when it operates within the bounds of this social contract, respecting the rights and interests of the governed. This notion aligns with the principles of liberal democracy, wherein the legitimacy of governmental power is derived from the consent of the governed and is constrained by the rule of law and respect for individual rights.

Furthermore, Lippmann's emphasis on the "legitimacy" of power underscores the idea that the authority of a government is not inherently justified by its ability to enforce its will through coercion or force. Instead, legitimacy is derived from the recognition and acceptance of the government's authority by the populace, based on the belief that it operates in accordance with the principles and values of the society it governs. This idea challenges authoritarian or totalitarian forms of governance, which rely on fear and oppression to maintain control, by asserting that true legitimacy arises from the consent and support of the governed.

Lippmann's assertion that this principle is fundamental to a "civilized state" suggests that a society's level of advancement and adherence to principles of justice and fairness is intrinsically linked to the extent to which those in power honor the social contract. In a civilized state, the rule of law, the protection of individual rights, and the accountability of those in authority are paramount, and the legitimacy of power is contingent upon its alignment with these principles.

The quote also raises important questions about the nature of power and the responsibilities of those who wield it. It prompts consideration of how power should be exercised, what constraints should be placed on it, and how its legitimacy should be evaluated. In essence, it challenges individuals in positions of authority to recognize that their power is not absolute and that its exercise must be guided by a commitment to upholding the terms of the social contract.

In conclusion, Walter Lippmann's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the foundational principles that underpin the relationship between power and the state. It underscores the importance of the social contract as the basis for the legitimacy of power in a civilized society and highlights the essential role of consent, accountability, and respect for individual rights in governance. By invoking this principle, Lippmann contributes to the ongoing discourse on the nature of power and its proper exercise within the framework of a just and equitable society.