Ancestor Quote by William F. Buckley, Jr
“I will not cede more power to the state. I will not willingly cede more power to anyone, not to the state, not to General Motors, not to the CIO. I will hoard my power like a miser, resisting every effort to drain it away from me. I will then use my power, as I see fit. I mean to live my life an obedient man, but obedient to God, subservient to the wisdom of my ancestors; never to the authority of political truths arived at yesterday at the voting booth. That is a program of sorts, is it not? It is certainly program enough to keep conservatives busy, and Liberals at bay. And the nation free.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Commentary, 1970s, United States
The speaker asserts personal sovereignty, rejecting external authority from government, corporations, or political major, and emphasizes obedience to divine and ancestral wisdom instead.
In simple terms: Reject external control, follow higher wisdom.
Key Takeaway
Guard personal autonomy.
Themes
individualism
political philosophy
authority
religion
heritage
Mood
defiant
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- personal decision making
- activism
- community organizing
Key Concepts
Sovereignty
power dynamics
conservatism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal freedom with societal duties?
- When is obedience to tradition harmful?
A Different Perspective
May overlook collective responsibility and social interdependence.
