William Safire
William Safire
William Lewis Safire was an American author, columnist, journalist, and presidential speechwriter...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionNovelist
Date of Birth17 December 1929
CityNew York City, NY
CountryUnited States of America
humility willing humility-and-modesty
Nobody stands taller than those willing to stand corrected.
impossible articulation rescue
When articulation is impossible, gesticulation comes to the rescue.
unique elements flavor
Adjective salad is delicious, with each element contributing its individual and unique flavor; but a puree of adjective soup tastes yecchy.
integrity mean liberty
The right to do something does not mean that doing it is right.
latin government office
The Latin motto over Poindexter's new Pentagon office reads Scientia Est Potentia - "knowledge is power." Exactly: the government's infinite knowledge about you is its power over you.
opinion definite
Have a definite opinion.
lasts cliche plague
Last, but not least, avoid cliches like the plague.
size language fit
English is a stretch language; one size fits all.
knees jerk
Better to be a jerk that knees than a knee that jerks.
white giving culture
After eating, an epicure gives a thin smile of satisfaction; a gastronome, burping into his napkin, praises the food in a magazine; a gourmet, repressing his burp, criticizes the food in the same magazine; a gourmand belches happily and tells everybody where he ate; a glutton empraces the white porcelain alter, or more plainly, he barfs.
passive-voice splits negative
Remember to never split an infinitive. The passive voice should never be used. Do not put statements in the negative form. Proofread carefully to see if you words out. And don't start a sentence with a conjugation.
gratitude appreciation knowing
Knowing how things work is the basis for appreciation, and is thus a source of civilized delight.
media joy manipulation
What a joy it is to see really professional media manipulation.
empathy president politician
President Reagan is a rhetorical roundheels, as befits a politician seeking empathy with his audience.