William F. Buckley Jr.

“I would rather be governed by the first 2,000 people in the telephone directory than by the 2,000 people on the faculty of Harvard University.”

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

“The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.”

“All adventure is now reactionary.”

“Liberals claim to want to give a hearing to other views, but then are shocked and offended to discover that there are other views.”

“I mean to live my life an obedient man, but obedient to God, subservient to the wisdom of my ancestors; never to the authority of political truths arrived at yesterday at the voting booth.”

“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.”

“Truth is a demure lady, much too modest to reveal her charms at the first encounter.”

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

“It is not a sign of good health to be well adjusted to a sick society.”

“I get satisfaction of three kinds. One is creating something, one is being paid for it, and one is the feeling that I'm telling the truth.”

“A conservative is someone who stands athwart history, yelling Stop, at a time when no one is inclined to do so, or to have much patience with those who so urge it.”

“The most important service rendered by the press and the magazines is that of educating people to approach printed matter with distrust.”

“The politics of ideology lead to a politics of annihilation.”

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