Walter J. Ong

Walter J. Ong Walter Jackson Ong, S.J. (November 30, 1912 – August 12, 2003) was an American Jesuit priest, professor of English literature, cultural and religious historian, and philosopher. His major interest was in exploring how the transition from orality to literacy influenced culture and changed human consciousness. In 1978 he served as elected president of the Modern Language Association. Quotes about Ong Well-known among scholars is Ong’s call to reflect on how deep the transformations of societies transitioning from orality to scripture are. Less noticed was his remark that the transition carries ethical implications, particularly about conscience, the internal moral compass that guides human behavior. Massimo Introvigne, "Media and Conscience: From Father Ong to Dr. Hong", Bitter Winter (May 2025) External links Category:1912 births Category:2003 deaths Category:Jesuits Category:Academics from the United States Category:Historians from the United States Category:Philosophers from the United States