Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author who wrote influential books on nuclear disarmament and the consequences of war, including "The Fate of the Earth".
Jonathan Schell, an American author and activist, is best known for his tireless campaigns against nuclear weapons and his advocacy for a more peaceful world. Through his writings and lectures, Schell brought attention to the devastating effects of nuclear war, inspiring a generation to work towards disarmament and international cooperation.
Schell was born on August 21, 1943, in New York City to Orville Hickock Schell Jr., a lawyer who chaired Human Rights Watch, and Marjorie Bertha. He studied at the Dalton School in New York and later graduated from The Putney School in Vermont. Schell went on to earn a degree in Far Eastern history from Harvard University in 1965. He spent a year learning Japanese at the International Christian University in Tokyo, which would later influence his writing on international affairs.
Schell's writing career took off when he traveled to Vietnam in 1966, en route back to the United States from Tokyo. He managed to secure a press pass to Saigon from The Harvard Crimson, which allowed him to cover the war. His experiences in Vietnam led to the publication of his first book, The Village of Ben Suc, which began as a series of articles in The New Yorker. The book is a powerful critique of the US military's actions in Vietnam and highlights the devastating effects of war on civilian populations.
Schell's subsequent books, including Faith and The Military Half: An Account of Destruction in Quang Ngai and Quang Tin, further solidified his reputation as a vocal critic of militarism and nuclear proliferation. His writing not only conveyed the devastating consequences of war but also emphasized the need for international cooperation and diplomacy to prevent conflict.
Schell's work was deeply rooted in his philosophical beliefs about the nature of humanity and the importance of peaceful coexistence. He believed that the threat of nuclear war was a fundamental challenge to human existence and that it was essential to work towards disarmament and international cooperation to prevent catastrophic conflict.
Schell's writing also reflected his commitment to social justice and human rights. He was a strong advocate for the recognition of human rights and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. His work inspired a generation of activists, scholars, and policymakers to work towards a more just and peaceful world.
Schell's contributions to literature and activism were recognized with several awards, including the George Polk Award, the Nation/ Institute of Journalism Award, and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.
Schell passed away on March 25, 2014, at the age of 70, after a long battle with cancer. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of activists, scholars, and policymakers to work towards a more peaceful and nuclear-free world.
In his later years, Schell was researching climate change for a book titled The Human Shadow, which remained unfinished at the time of his passing. Despite his untimely death, Schell's work continues to inspire and educate people around the world about the importance of peace, disarmament, and social justice.
Schell's brother, Orville Schell, is a former Dean of the University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and is currently the Arthur Ross Director of the Center on U.S.-China Relations at Asia Society in New York.
Through his writing and activism, Jonathan Schell left an indelible mark on the world, inspiring a generation to work towards a more peaceful and nuclear-free future.
97 Years Old
Developed groundbreaking theories on language acquisition and universal grammar, and is a prominent critic of power and propaganda in modern society.
Born in 1922
A pioneering historian and activist who challenged traditional narratives, offering a people's perspective on American history, and inspiring social change through his influential writings.
95 Years Old
A whistleblower who leaked the Pentagon Papers, exposing government secrets about the Vietnam War, and a prominent anti-war activist.
90 Years Old
Award-winning journalist and author who exposed the Pentagon Papers, revealing government secrets about the Vietnam War, and wrote a bestselling biography of John Paul Vann, a US Army officer.
89 Years Old
Investigative journalist and author known for exposing government secrets and scandals, including the My Lai Massacre and Abu Ghraib torture.
52 Years Old
A first baseman and outfielder who played for several MLB teams, including the Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves, known for his clutch hitting and strong defensive skills.
70 Years Old
A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, known for his in-depth reporting on global issues and critiques of modern society, particularly the effects of capitalism and imperialism.
