I. F. Stone

Date of Birth: December 24, 1907

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: June 18, 1989

Biography

I. F. Stone, born Isidor Feinstein Stone, was an influential American investigative journalist and author known for his unique blend of investigative reporting and progressive commentary. Born on December 24, 1907, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Stone started his career in journalism at a young age and quickly gained a reputation for his tenacious and independent reporting style. He worked for various newspapers, including the New York Post and The Nation, but he is perhaps best known for publishing “I. F. Stone’s Weekly,” a newsletter that ran from 1953 to 1971. The Weekly was notable for its in-depth analysis and unflinching critique of government policies and corporate malfeasance. Stone’s work earned him numerous accolades and a lasting legacy as a champion of free speech and journalistic integrity. He passed away on June 18, 1989, in Boston, Massachusetts.

5 Interesting Facts about I. F. Stone

1. I. F. Stone was blacklisted during the McCarthy era due to his outspoken political views.

2. He taught himself ancient Greek in his later years to research and write about classical history.

3. Stone’s “Weekly” was entirely funded by subscriptions, allowing him to remain independent from corporate and political influences.

4. Despite being nearly blind in his later years, Stone continued to write and publish.

5. He received the prestigious George Polk Award for his contributions to journalism.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from I. F. Stone

1. “Every government is run by liars and nothing they say should be believed.”

2. “You can’t understand a country without reading its newspapers.”

3. “The only kinds of fights worth fighting are those you are going to lose.”

4. “If you want to know about governments, all you have to know is two words: governments lie.”

5. “The way to be a good journalist is to keep your eyes open and your mouth shut.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, I. F. Stone’s highest net worth was modest, estimated to be around $500,000. His focus was more on journalistic integrity than financial gain.

Children

I. F. Stone had three children: Celia Gilbert, a poet and translator; Jeremy Stone, a mathematician and arms control expert; and Christopher Stone, a physician.