Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page William F. Buckley, Jr. Quote “We are so concerned to flatter the majority that we lose sight of how very often it is necessary, in order to preserve freedom for the minority, let alone for the individual, to face that majority down.” ~ William F. Buckley, Jr. (1925-2008) American author and journalist, founded 'National Review'The Jeweler’s Eye, 1968 Civil Rights , Conformity , Democracy , Freedom , Government , Individual Rights , Justice , Law , Liberty , Rights , Truth Ratings and Comments Reply gdgca 8/28/08 Reply jim k, austin 8/28/08 2Reply Waffler, Smith, Arkansas 8/28/08 In the South we have traditionally reversed that logic. To face down the majority was to be a n#$%&@ lover. And to desire to give freedom or rights to minority individuals was anathema. The conservatives in the US used this phenomenon to form their Southern strategy and thus put a pretty good lock on the office of President. 1 Reply Anonymous 8/28/08 You might want to update your database of quotes. You cite: "William F. Buckley, Jr. (1925 - )", indicating he's still alive and kicking. Last I checked, the only thing this Great American kicked was the Buckley Bucket - 27 February 2008. Please update your citations. 1 Reply Editor, Liberty Quotes 8/28/08 Thanks, Anonymous, we have updated our database with Buckley's year of death. Cheers. 2 Reply Mike, Norwalk 8/28/08 Flattering the majority and losing sight of minority and individual rights is often motivated by fear (of rejection, imprisonment, etc.) That is but one reason why compelled compliance, victimless crimes, license, larceny, injustice, a corrupt executive, legislative, judicial, and media are so well accepted. For those so inclined, I would ask, how or why do you side with the majority in supporting the prosecution, persecution and otherwise victimization of individuals that act at true law and justice, infringing on no-one's right or harm nobody or no thing? 2 Reply E Archer, NYC 8/28/08 It is dangerous to be right when the majority is wrong, and yet, no progress has ever been made that did not challenge the status quo. That being said, just because one is in the minority does not make him right, but then there is nothing wrong with individual opinions, only to judge their verity by the numbers of those who share them. Reply warren, olathe 8/28/08 It is more dangerous to be right when the minority is wrong. Waffler quit it. 1Reply Dick, Fort Worth 8/28/08 This good quote is a good example of the rule that words are not responsible for their source. Reply Waffler, Smith, Arkansas 8/28/08 Quit what this time may I ask? 1Reply Anonymous, Reston, VA US 8/30/08 What a wonderful pro-choice sentiment... Reply Mike, Norwalk Anonymous, Reston, VA US 4/1/21 Pro-choice? By pro-choice, do you mean the rights of individuals to choose actions all the way up to the space of your nose? OR, is your reference to the macabre death cults' choice of human sacrifice to the gods of pleasure and life style? 1 Reply warren, olathe 9/2/08 That ignorant crap that conservatives/republicans are racists. 2 Reply E Archer, NYC 2/4/16 No one's rights are safe if they are subject to the passions of the majority. If the consumers vote away the property of the producers, production will come to an end, and everyone will starve. Reply Mary-MI 2/4/16 Reply jim k, Austin 4/1/21 SaveOk2 SaveOk2 View CommentsClick to view or comment. Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print This William F. Buckley, Jr. quote is found in these categories: Civil Rights quotes Conformity quotes Democracy quotes Freedom quotes Government quotes Individual Rights quotes Justice quotes Law quotes Liberty quotes Rights quotes Truth quotes About William F. Buckley, Jr. Bio of William F. Buckley, Jr. Quotations by William F. Buckley, Jr. Books by/about William F. Buckley, Jr. William F. Buckley, Jr. videos William F. Buckley, Jr. on Wikipedia Astrological chart for William F. Buckley, Jr.