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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.

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.

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.

The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.