A Life Enjoyed   

“The essence of Toryism is enjoyment.”  When I read these words of Walter Bagehot, written in the 1860s, I knew I had discovered the genius of William F. Buckley’s conservatism.  Like so many who have written in his remembrance, I too was early drawn by Bill’s enjoyment of life, from skiing and sailing, to Bach and brilliant word play. As a National Review intern in the summer of 1975, my strongest memory is of the laughter the editors enjoyed over drinks after the magazine had been put to bed.  Knowing that I was looking for a piano to practice, Bill allowed me the use of his apartment (and his Bösendorfer) and sent me the music for a Scarlatti sonata that he enjoyed.  Greater generosity I have never encountered.

Liberals are never so happy as when they are trying to convince us of the latest cause for misery.  Bill’s conservatism, while far more alive to the true tragedies and evils of this world, was ever seeking causes for joy and gratitude.  In this moment, we may recall Burke’s words on the death of Johnson: “[He] is dead. Let us go to the next best: — there is nobody.”  True words for this occasion.  Yet Bill’s enjoyment of life won’t permit them to be final words when we recall his humor, his passion, and his deep joy.
 Daniel Ritchie, Director, The Humanities Program, Bethel University (St. Paul, MN)

02/29 05:22 PM