William Safire
William Safire
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#### Full Name and Common Aliases
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William L. Safire was an American journalist, author, and speechwriter who was born on December 17, 1929, in New York City. He is more commonly known by his pen name, which he used for his writing career.
#### Birth and Death Dates
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December 17, 1929 – September 25, 2009
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
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American Journalist, Author, Speechwriter
#### Early Life and Background
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William Safire was born to Jewish parents in Manhattan's Lower East Side. His family had immigrated from Russia when he was a child. Safire grew up with a love for words and language, which would become the foundation of his career as a writer.
Safire attended the University of Syracuse, where he began writing for the school newspaper. After graduating in 1952, he worked as a journalist for several newspapers, including the New York Herald Tribune and The Wall Street Journal. In 1973, Safire joined the staff of The New York Times as a columnist.
#### Major Accomplishments
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As a speechwriter for President Richard Nixon, Safire helped shape the president's language and message.
He wrote several bestselling books on politics and language, including _Language in America_ and _Safire's Political Dictionary._
In 1980, Safire won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary for his columns on presidential election campaigns.
#### Notable Works or Actions
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Safire was a prolific writer who produced numerous articles, books, and essays. Some of his notable works include:
_Safire's New Political Dictionary_: A comprehensive guide to politics and language that has become a standard reference for politicians and journalists alike.
* _Lend Me Your Ears_: A collection of Safire's columns on presidential speeches and rhetoric.
#### Impact and Legacy
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William Safire's impact on American journalism and politics is undeniable. As a speechwriter, columnist, and author, he helped shape the language and message of some of the most influential politicians of his time. His writing continues to be widely read and studied today.
Safire's legacy extends beyond his own work as well. He was a mentor and inspiration to many young journalists and writers, including his colleagues at The New York Times. His commitment to clear and concise language has had a lasting impact on the way politicians communicate with the public.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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William Safire is widely quoted and remembered for his keen insight into politics and language. As a speechwriter, columnist, and author, he helped shape the way politicians communicate with the public. His writing continues to be widely read and studied today, making him one of the most influential voices in American journalism and politics.
Safire's commitment to clear and concise language has had a lasting impact on the way politicians communicate with the public. His legacy extends beyond his own work as well, inspiring future generations of journalists and writers to strive for excellence in their craft.
Quotes by William Safire
William Safire's insights on:
Never put the story in the lead. Let ’em have a hot shot of ambiguity right between the eyes.
The wonderful thing about being a New York Times columnist is that it’s like a Supreme Court appointment – they’re stuck with you for a long time.
To be accused of ‘channeling’ is to be dismissed as a ventriloquist’s live dummy, derogated at not having a mind of one’s own.
The tension between the governed and the governing is what makes the world go ’round. It’s not love, it’s that tension, because that tension exists in love affairs. The whole idea of control is at the heart of human relationships. Control and resistance to control.
Sir Alec Douglas-Home, when he was British Foreign Secretary, said he received the following telegram from an irate citizen: “To hell with you. Offensive letter follows.”
Chandler’s “She was blonde enough to make a bishop kick a hole through a stained-glass window.
Sometimes I know the meaning of a word but am tired of it and feel the need for an unfamiliar, especially precise or poetic term, perhaps one with a nuance that flatters my readership’s exquisite sensitivity.
One challenge to the arts in America is the need to make the arts, especially the classic masterpieces, accessible and relevant to today’s audience.
Do not be taken in by ‘insiderisms.’ Fledgling columnists, eager to impress readers with their grasp of journalistic jargon, are drawn to such arcane spellings as ‘lede.’ Where they lede, do not follow.