William Safire, from a column by Quotes
A collection of quotes by William Safire, from a column by.
William Safire was an American journalist, columnist, speechwriter, and linguist. Born on December 17, 1929, in New York City, Safire developed a deep interest in writing from an early age. After graduating from high school, he attended Syracuse University and served in the Army during the Korean War.
Safire began his career as a journalist with a job in the publicity department of a newspaper. He later worked as a reporter and eventually turned to political commentary and analysis. In 1973, Safire joined The New York Times as a columnist, where he achieved great recognition for his insightful and influential writing.
As a columnist, Safire's work focused mainly on politics and language. He was known for his conservative views and was not hesitant to voice his opinion, often taking a contrarian stance. His column, "On Language," explored the nuances and evolution of the English language, and his insights on grammar and usage became highly respected.
Beyond his career as a columnist, Safire served as a speechwriter for President Richard Nixon and had a brief stint as a public relations executive. He authored numerous books on politics, language, and cultural topics, including "Safire's Political Dictionary."
William Safire's writing skills, wit, and ability to distill complex ideas into accessible language made him one of the most influential and respected columnists of his time. He continued to write until his death on September 27, 2009, leaving behind a legacy of thought-provoking commentary and linguistic exploration.