June 27, 2025

Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality the cost becomes prohibitive.

William F. Buckley, Jr. (1925–2008), American writer and editor, The Cynic’s Lexicon, Jonathon Green, ed. (London: 1986), p.36

Prohibitive to whom? Must be the “haves”, right? So, if ensuring the “have nots” receive some measure of support in the interest of an ideal such as equality of opportunity, resulting in the “haves” having less, who (other than the “haves”) believes the cost is prohibitive?

Buckley was a master orator, and a charmer of the first water. But he knew his interests and spoke cleverly in their support.