"In the United States today, we have more than our share of the nattering nabobs of negativism."

William Safire Politics See all quotes by William Safire →

React to this quote

More by William Safire

“I'm willing to zap conservatives when they do things that are not libertarian. I was the first to really go after George W. on his treatment of prisoners.”

“Americans of all persuasions are coming to the sad realization that our First Lady – a woman of undoubted talents who was a role model for many of her generation – is a congenital liar.”

“Decide on some imperfect Somebody and you will win, because the truest truism in politics is: You can’t beat Somebody with Nobody.”

“IN THE EVENT OF MOON DISASTER:”

Resonant Thoughts

"The unique aspect of biblical faith is that immediate, mundane history is beheld, affirmed, and lived as the true story of the redemption of time and Creation. Biblical ethics constitute a sacramental…"

— William Stringfellow

Religion1928–1985

#time

"So you do need to make a plan for the next three or 30 years, but also the next 300 or 3,000 years."

— Brunello Cucinelli

Philosophy1953

#time

"All day the heat had been barely supportable but at evening a breeze arose in the West, blowing from the heart of the setting sun and from the ocean, which lay unseen, unheard behind the scrubby footh…"

— Evelyn Waugh

Journalism1903–1966

#time

"Anyone who studies present and ancient affairs will easily see how in all cities and all peoples there still exist, and have always existed, the same desires and passions. Thus, it is an easy matter f…"

— Niccolò Machiavelli

Philosophy1449–1527

#time