A Radical is a man with both feet firmly planted--in the air. A Conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned to walk forward. A Reactionary is a somnambulist walking backwards. A Liberal is a man who uses his legs and his hands at the behest--at the command--of his head. Franklin D. Roosevelt
About This Quote

William F. Buckley gave this quote to William F. Buckley Jr. during the course of a conversation about politics.

The statement underpins the different types of people who are attracted to different points of view. Conservatives, according to the quote, are people who can calmly consider their position and respond appropriately. Reactionaries are people who are not able to think about the future at all, let alone consider it in an intelligent fashion.

Liberals are people who are not able to make decisions for themselves, but must instead obey the dictates of their brains.

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More Quotes By Franklin D. Roosevelt
  1. I'm not the smartest fellow in the world, but I can sure pick smart colleagues.
  2. The Truth is found when men (and Women) are free to pursue it.
  3. Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere. Our support goes to those who struggle to gain those rights and keep them. Our strength is our unity of purpose. To that high concept there can be no end save victory.
  4. Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.
  5. Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.
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