William F. Buckley Jr. (1925–2008,) born William Francis Buckley, was an American conservative writer, commentator, and television personality. His writing and commentary influenced the conservative movement in the United States, and his advocacy for individual liberty and limited government resonates with conservatives today.
Born in New York City, Buckley served three years in the U.S. Army during World War II before entering Yale University. There he distinguished himself in debate and was chair of the Yale Daily News, among other things. He later joined the staff of The American Mercury. He ran unsuccessfully for Mayor of New York City in 1965, a campaign detailed in The Unmaking of a Mayor (1966.) He also taught at the New School for Social Research (1967–68.) A former chair of the Starr Broadcasting Group, he served on the United States Information Agency (USIA) Advisory Commission 1969–72. In 1973, he was a U.S. delegate to the United Nations General Assembly.
Buckley founded the conservative journal National Review in 1955, and as editor-in-chief, he used the journal as a forum for conservative views and ideas. His political commentary column “On the Right” was syndicated in 1962 and appeared regularly in over 200 newspapers. Buckley hosted Firing Line 1966–99, a weekly television interview program dealing with politics and public affairs.
Buckley authored more than 50 books on a wide range of topics, including politics, religion, and language: God and Man at Yale (1951,) McCarthy and His Enemies (1954; as coauthor,) Up from Liberalism (1959,) and Rumbles Left and Right (1963.) Buckley also wrote spy novels such as Saving the Queen (1976,) Marco Polo, If You Can (1982,) A Very Private Plot (1994,) and Last Call for Blackford Oakes (2005.)
Buckley’s autobiography is Overdrive: A Personal Documentary (1983.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by William F. Buckley, Jr.
Everyone detected with AIDS should be tattooed in the upper forearm, to protect common needle users, and on the buttock, to prevent the victimization of other homosexuals.
—William F. Buckley, Jr.
Topics: Disease, Advice
To buy very good wine nowadays requires only money. To serve it toyour guests is a sign of fatigue.
—William F. Buckley, Jr.
Topics: Wine
I get satisfaction of three kinds. One is creating something, one is being paid for it and one is the feeling that I haven’t just been sitting on my ass all afternoon.
—William F. Buckley, Jr.
The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.
—William F. Buckley, Jr.
Topics: Democracy, Defense
Boredom is the deadliest poison.
—William F. Buckley, Jr.
Topics: One liners, Boredom
It is not a sign of arrogance for the king to rule. That is what he is there for.
—William F. Buckley, Jr.
Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality the cost becomes prohibitive.
—William F. Buckley, Jr.
Topics: Idealism, Ideals
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