"A Conservative is a fellow who is standing athwart history yelling 'Stop!'"
- William F. Buckley, Jr.
About this Quote
This quote by William F. Buckley, Jr. is a commentary on the function of conservatism in society. It recommends that conservatives are those who are resistant to alter and advance, and are actively attempting to prevent it from occurring. Buckley indicates that conservatives are trying to halt the development of history, and are standing in the method of progress. This quote implies that conservatives are not open to originalities or progress, and are instead trying to preserve the status quo. Buckley's quote indicates that conservatives are not open to change, and are instead attempting to maintain the past. This quote recommends that conservatives are not open to originalities or progress, and are rather trying to maintain the status quo. Buckley's quote suggests that conservatives are not open to change, and are instead attempting to protect the past. This quote is a commentary on the function of conservatism in society, and suggests that conservatives are not open to progress or change. Buckley implies that conservatives are actively trying to avoid progress from happening, and are standing in the method of history.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"
"We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people - history has made us all South Africans"
"It is humiliating to remain with our hands folded while others write history. It matters little who wins. To make a people great it is necessary to send them to battle even if you have to kick them in the pants. That is what I shall do"
