Skip to content

Harvard Quote by William F. Buckley

“I am obliged to confess I should sooner live in a society governed by the first two thousand names in the Boston telephone directory than in a society governed by the two thousand faculty members of Harvard University.” quote by William F. Buckley
Download Open image
““I am obliged to confess I should sooner live in a society governed by the first two thousand names in the Boston telephone directory than in a society governed by the two thousand faculty members of Harvard University.””

William F. Buckley

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Telephone Directory” in National Review, 1965

A society led by bureaucratic elites may be less representative than one guided by ordinary citizens

In simple terms: Ordinary people should have more influence than academic elites

Key Takeaway

Value grassroots perspectives over elite control

Themes

democracy elitism representation

Mood

skeptical thoughtful

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • Voting reforms
  • community organizing
  • education policy
  • media representation

Key Concepts

Political theory social hierarchy civic engagement

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the risks of ignoring expert advice?
  • How can expertise be integrated responsibly?
A Different Perspective

Elite expertise can improve decision‑making in complex issues

2.9 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by William F. Buckley

Explore all 6 William F. Buckley quotes

More Harvard quotes

Browse all 627 Harvard quotes