The life and works of Edward Bernays – memorialized in Larry Tye’s excellent biography as “The father of spin” – have lessons to teach us which today are more relevant than ever. Born in New York City 22 November 1891, Edward Bernays was the scion of a wealthy grain merchant, and the nephew of Sigmund Freud. Throughout his life he made much of his connection to the father of psychoanalysis, so it may come as a surprise to learn he had no formal training in psychiatry or psychology. The only degree he ever earned was a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in, of all things, agricultural science – a subject in which he had no interest whatsoever.
Beautifully written and very enlightening.