Barry Goldwater
Barry Goldwater: A Life of Principle and Passion
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Barry Morris Goldwater was born on January 1, 1909, in Phoenix, Arizona, to a family of Jewish immigrants from Poland. He is commonly known as "Mr. Conservative" for his unwavering commitment to limited government and individual liberty.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Goldwater's life spanned nearly nine decades, from 1909 to 1998. His legacy continues to inspire those who value the principles of freedom and self-reliance that he championed throughout his career.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
A naturalized American citizen, Goldwater was a renowned politician, businessman, and military officer. He served as a United States Senator from Arizona from 1953 to 1965 and again from 1969 to 1987.
#### Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Goldwater learned the value of hard work and self-reliance at an early age. His father, Joel Goldwater, was a successful dry goods merchant who instilled in his son the importance of integrity and fairness. After graduating from Arizona State University (then known as Tempe Normal School), Goldwater attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated with distinction in 1935.
#### Major Accomplishments
Goldwater's remarkable career is marked by several notable achievements:
During World War II, he served as a fighter pilot and was shot down over Germany, earning him the Purple Heart and other decorations.
In the Senate, Goldwater played a key role in shaping the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1968 Fair Housing Act, which aimed to eradicate racial segregation and inequality.
* As an outspoken advocate for limited government and individual freedom, he challenged the established order by supporting tax cuts, reduced government spending, and a strong national defense.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Goldwater's most famous book, "The Conscience of a Conservative," was first published in 1960 and has since become a classic of conservative thought. In it, he articulated his vision for a smaller, more effective federal government that respects individual liberties and promotes economic growth.
#### Impact and Legacy
Barry Goldwater's impact on American politics is immeasurable. His unwavering commitment to principle and his willingness to challenge the status quo have inspired generations of politicians, including some of the most prominent figures in modern conservatism. His legacy extends beyond politics, as he has also been an influential voice in shaping the country's foreign policy and defense strategy.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Goldwater's quotes and writings continue to resonate with people from all walks of life because they capture the essence of his unwavering commitment to freedom, self-reliance, and individual dignity. His passion for principle and his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom have made him one of the most memorable figures in American politics.
As a testament to his enduring impact, Goldwater's words continue to inspire people today: "I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!"
Quotes by Barry Goldwater
Barry Goldwater's insights on:
I've always said I have nothing against a woman doing anything a man can do as long as she gets home in time to cook dinner.
By maintaining the separation of church and state, the United States has avoided the intolerance which has so divided the rest of the world with religious wars. Throughout our two hundred plus years, public policy debate has focused on political and economic issues, on which there can be compromise. . . .
I'd rather see a woman elected...They understand they can't spend more money than the old man brings home.
![After one of his [Hubert Humphrey] long-winded harangues I suggested he had probably been vaccinated with a phonograph needle. He responded by saying that I would have been a great success in the movies working for Eighteenth Century-Fox.](/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Flakl0ama8n6qbptj.public.blob.vercel-storage.com%2Fquotes%2Fquote-1490905.png&w=1536&q=100)
After one of his [Hubert Humphrey] long-winded harangues I suggested he had probably been vaccinated with a phonograph needle. He responded by saying that I would have been a great success in the movies working for Eighteenth Century-Fox.
The Conservative knows that to regard man as part of an undifferentiated mass is to consign him to ultimate slavery.
On religious issues there can be little or no compromise. There is no position on which people are so immovable as their religious beliefs. There is no more powerful ally one can claim in a debate than Jesus Christ, or God, or Allah, or whatever one calls this Supreme Being. But like any powerful weapon, the use of God's name on one's behalf should be used sparingly.
![Conservatism, we are told, is out-of-date. This charge is preposterous and we ought to boldly say so. The laws of God, and of nature, have no dateline. [...] These principles are derived from the nature of man, and from the truths that God has revealed about His creation. [...] To suggest that the Conservative philosophy is out of date is akin to saying that the Golden Rule, or the Ten Commandments or Aristotle 's Politics are out of date.](/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Flakl0ama8n6qbptj.public.blob.vercel-storage.com%2Fquotes%2Fquote-1490902.png&w=1536&q=100)
Conservatism, we are told, is out-of-date. This charge is preposterous and we ought to boldly say so. The laws of God, and of nature, have no dateline. [...] These principles are derived from the nature of man, and from the truths that God has revealed about His creation. [...] To suggest that the Conservative philosophy is out of date is akin to saying that the Golden Rule, or the Ten Commandments or Aristotle 's Politics are out of date.
A woman has a right to an abortion. That's a decision that's up to the pregnant woman, not up to the pope or some do-gooders or the Religious Right.
I think a current understanding about urban behavior tells us that it's important that people get out and be able to get away from the concrete jungles and the dense environment where they live for their own mental well-being. If they don't do this, the costs in human loss and human sickness will be far greater than what we would be expending for these kinds of releases and open spaces.