Jonathan Krohn

Jonathan Krohn – Life, Work, and Ideas

Jonathan Krohn (born March 1, 1995) is an American author, journalist, and political commentator. Discover how he gained fame as a teen conservative voice, his evolving views, published works, and enduring lessons from his life.

Introduction

Jonathan Lee Krohn is an American author, journalist, and political commentator, known early on for delivering a notable speech at the age of 13 at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and self-publishing his first book on conservatism. Over time, his perspectives have evolved, and he has contributed to major publications like The Atlantic, Salon, Mother Jones, and The Guardian.

Krohn’s journey is striking: from a teenage political prodigy to a more reflective journalist and thinker. His life offers insight into ideological growth, media influence, and youthful ambition tempered by maturity.

Early Life and Family

Jonathan Lee Krohn was born on March 1, 1995 in the state of Georgia, United States.

He is the only child of Doug Krohn, a computer systems integrator, and Marla Krohn, who worked as a sales representative and also taught drama and speech at the middle school level.

As a child, Jonathan showed early intellectual promise. In first grade, he took an IQ test which indicated he was gifted. Mary Poppins) when younger.

In 2006, his profile grew when Inside ion named him “Atlanta’s Most Talented Child.”

Youth, Ideological Awakening & Early Ambition

Jonathan Krohn developed an interest in politics at a very young age — around 8 years old — after learning about a Senate filibuster regarding judicial nominations.

He began to delve into conservative media, notably listening to conservative talk radio and eventually becoming a regular caller to shows like Morning in America with William Bennett.

By age 13 (in 2008), Krohn composed a book titled Defining Conservatism, which he self-published using his personal savings—reflecting youthful dedication.

He then requested and was granted a three-minute speaking slot at CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) on February 27, 2009.

Following his CPAC appearance, young Krohn appeared on various news programs (CNN, Fox News) and became the subject of media coverage across the U.S. Time magazine’s “Time 100” list.

Career, Evolution, and Public Voice

Writing & Journalism

Although his first public identity was as a youthful conservative author, Krohn expanded over time into journalism and broader commentary.

He has contributed to prominent publications such as The Atlantic (where his byline shows up among their contributors) Salon, Mother Jones, The Guardian, and others. Rudaw (the Kurdish media company) on their English language news site.

His writing covers topics like international affairs, political ideology, and current events.

Shift in Views & Intellectual Growth

One of the more intriguing aspects of Krohn’s public life is that around 2011, he began to distance himself from his earlier conservative positions.

He attributed his shift to deeper study of philosophy and maturing beyond the black-and-white views he had as a teenager, citing philosophers like Nietzsche and Wittgenstein as influencing him.

In 2018, Krohn publicly came out as bisexual via a Twitter post, adding another dimension to how his public identity has evolved.

Published Works & Key Ideas

• Defining Conservatism (self-published, ~2008): His first major work outlining what he saw as foundational conservative principles.

• Defining Conservatism: The Principles That Will Bring Our Country Back (2010): A follow-up edition or second version of his conservative principles.

Though his early works were rooted in ideological advocacy, his later writing shifted toward journalism, commentary, and analysis of policy and international issues.

Legacy & Influence

Jonathan Krohn’s life is significant for several reasons:

1. Youthful voice in national politics. Speaking at CPAC at 13 made him a visible symbol of political engagement by youth.

2. Evolution of worldview. His public shift away from early ideological certainty shows intellectual humility and growth.

3. Bridge between ideology and journalism. Moving from ideological author to journalist underscores a transition many thinkers make: from cause to critique.

4. Inspiration for young writers and thinkers. Krohn’s trajectory suggests that early passion can mature into more reflective contributions rather than rigid dogma.

5. A case study in public perception. His life highlights how the media and public reaction can shape someone’s identity, especially when one starts in the spotlight early.

Personality, Talents & Traits

Krohn is often described as intellectually precocious, articulate, and ambitious. His early ability to argue and write beyond his years indicates strong analytical talent.

He shows a comfort with challenging his earlier assumptions, demonstrating openness and capacity for transformation. His decision to reject labels suggests a personality that resists being boxed in.

His interests in philosophy, language, and international affairs reflect a broader curiosity beyond partisan politics.

He also seems to balance being public-facing with privacy: though he has been in media limelight, much of his later life is less sensationalized and more content-driven.

Notable Quotes

Here are some attributed quotes (from interviews, articles, and profiles) that capture aspects of his thinking:

“In politics, almost all of us are nerds, so that’s just a given… but we’re cool nerds.”

“I’d like to do policy and I’d like to do philosophy, I’d like to be able to get into the depth — into the meat of the argument — that’s the kind of stuff I want to do.”

“I believe that this is the key: the principle itself is the key to conservatism. Because in many ways, if you do not have a principled base you do not have policy, and if you do not have policy, in many ways you do not have an ideology.”

“In the book I define conservatism, as I believe it is fit upon four categories of principle: respect for The Constitution, respect for life, less government, and personal responsibility.”

These quotes reflect his early zeal, philosophical bent, and rhetorical focus on principles.

Lessons from Jonathan Krohn’s Journey

1. Early passion can open doors — Pursue what interests you, even if you’re young; it may lead to unexpected opportunities.

2. Be open to change — Ideals may evolve as you grow; holding space for that evolution is not weakness but maturity.

3. Think in principles, not slogans — His early work emphasized grounding arguments in principles rather than surface rhetoric.

4. Bridge advocacy and analysis — Moving from advocacy to journalism (or critique) can deepen your voice and credibility.

5. Privacy matters — Maintaining a balance between public presence and personal integrity is essential, especially starting young.

Conclusion

Jonathan Krohn is a compelling figure: a teenager who entered national political discourse, published his own ideological work, and then navigated his way into more mature intellectual terrain. His story illustrates both the power and pitfalls of early public attention. As he continues as a journalist and thinker, the arc of his development offers lessons in humility, growth, and the evolving nature of belief.