Quotes by William F. Buckley Jr.

About William F. Buckley Jr.:

William Frank Buckley, Jr. was an American conservative author and commentator. He founded the political magazine National Review in 1955, which had a major impact in stimulating the conservative movement. He hosted 1,429 episodes of the television show Firing Line (1966–1999) where he became known for his transatlantic accent and wide vocabulary. He also wrote a nationally syndicated newspaper column and numerous spy novels.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

I believe that the duel between Christianity and atheism is the most important in the world. I further believe that the struggle between individualism and collectivism is the same struggle reproduced on another level.

William F. Buckley Jr.

[D]emocracy can itself be as tyrannical as a dictatorship, since it is the extent, not the source, of government power that impinges on freedom." -William F Buckley

William F. Buckley Jr.

We find that in the absence of demonstrable truth, the best we can do is to exercise the greatest diligence, humility, insight, intelligence, and industry in trying to arrive at the nearest values to truth. I hope, of course, to argue convincingly th...

William F. Buckley Jr.

The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

All adventure is now reactionary.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

Liberals, it has been said, are generous with other peoples' money, except when it comes to questions of national survival when they prefer to be generous with other people's freedom and security.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

I'd rather entrust the government of the United States to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory than to the faculty of Harvard University.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

A Conservative is a fellow who is standing athwart history yelling 'Stop!'

William F. Buckley, Jr.

To buy very good wine nowadays requires only money. To serve it to your guests is a sign of fatigue.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

I would like to take you seriously, but to do so would affront your intelligence.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

Life can't be all bad when for ten dollars you can buy all the Beethoven sonatas and listen to them for ten years.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

There is an inverse relationship between reliance on the state and self-reliance.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

We love your adherence to democratic principles.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

Truth is a demure lady, much too ladylike to knock you on your head and drag you to her cave. She is there, but people must want her, and seek her out.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

I would like to electrocute everyone who uses the word 'fair' in connection with income tax policies.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

I profoundly believe it takes a lot of practice to become a moral slob.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

Back in the thirties we were told we must collectivize the nation because the people were so poor. Now we are told we must collectivize the nation because the people are so rich.

William F. Buckley, Jr.

Author Bio

  • NameWilliam F. Buckley, Jr.
  • DescriptionAmerican conservative author and commentator
  • BornNovember 24, 1925
  • DiedFebruary 27, 2008
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionJournalist; Television Presenter; Novelist; Writer
  • AwardsPresidential Medal Of Freedom; National Book Award