Meaning: This quote by Walter Lippmann, a prominent American journalist and writer, delves into the relationship between custom, prophecy, and moral teaching. Lippmann suggests that during times of uncertainty and change, individuals are compelled to become prophets rather than moral teachers. This indicates that when customs and traditions are in flux, people must focus on seeking insight and understanding rather than simply preaching established moral principles.

Lippmann's assertion that ages of unsettled custom are necessarily ages of prophecy reflects the idea that periods of social, political, or cultural upheaval often give rise to individuals who are capable of foreseeing or predicting future events. During such times, the established norms and customs that have traditionally guided behavior and morality are called into question, creating a void that needs to be filled with new insights and perspectives.

The quote also suggests that the role of the moralist - someone who is concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human character - is transformed during periods of unsettled custom. Instead of simply imparting existing moral teachings, the moralist is required to reveal new insights and understandings that can then be taught to others. This shift from teaching what is revealed to revealing what can be taught underscores the idea that moral guidance must evolve to address the challenges and complexities of changing customs and societal dynamics.

Furthermore, Lippmann emphasizes the importance of seeking insight over preaching during such times. This implies that individuals must actively engage in introspection, critical thinking, and analysis of the current circumstances in order to uncover new moral truths. Rather than relying solely on established doctrines or traditional moral teachings, the emphasis is placed on the discovery and dissemination of fresh perspectives that are relevant to the contemporary context.

In the context of journalism, Lippmann's background, the quote can be interpreted as a call for journalists to move beyond simply reporting events and instead strive to provide deeper insights and understanding of the underlying causes and implications of societal changes. It highlights the role of journalists as not just conveyors of information, but as interpreters and revealers of the deeper truths and implications underlying the events they cover.

Overall, Lippmann's quote challenges the conventional notion of moral teaching and prophecy by highlighting the transformative nature of unsettled customs. It underscores the need for individuals, including moralists and journalists, to adapt to changing circumstances by seeking and revealing new insights and understandings, rather than relying solely on established teachings or practices. This quote serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the dynamic relationship between custom, prophecy, and moral guidance, particularly in times of social, cultural, or political turbulence.