Concerned Quote by William F. Buckley, Jr
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Book: God and Man at Yale, William F. Buckley, Jr., 1951
To protect minority and individual liberty, one must sometimes oppose the majority’s pressure.
In simple terms: Defend freedom by standing up to the crowd.
Speak truth even when unpopular.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political debate
- workplace ethics
- activism
- legal advocacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you faced a majority that threatened your values?
- How can dissent be expressed safely?
Majorities can also protect rights; dissent may be suppressed.