Meaning: This quote by William F. Buckley, Jr., an American conservative author, commentator, and journalist, reflects his experience and views on his interactions with the senior class of Vassar College. Buckley's words convey a sense of mutual exclusion and disdain between himself and the majority of the senior class, as he suggests that neither party desires the company of the other. The quote also implies that Buckley has formed his opinion based on his exposure to the thoughts and sentiments expressed by the students, indicating a disconnect between his own beliefs and those of the majority at Vassar College.

Vassar College, located in Poughkeepsie, New York, is a highly regarded liberal arts college with a rich history and a diverse student body. Known for its academic rigor and progressive values, Vassar has been a hub for intellectual and social engagement since its founding in 1861. It has consistently attracted students and faculty with a wide range of perspectives and ideologies, making it a fertile ground for intellectual discourse and debate.

Buckley's quote suggests that he found himself at odds with the prevailing attitudes and beliefs of the senior class at Vassar. His use of the phrase "specimens of their thought and sentiments" indicates that he had encountered expressions of opinion or ideology from the students that he found unappealing or incompatible with his own. This suggests a clash of values or worldviews between Buckley and the majority of the senior class, leading to a mutual lack of desire for each other's company.

It is important to note that Buckley was known for his conservative views and his role as a prominent figure in the conservative movement in the United States. As such, his perspective on the students' thoughts and sentiments may have been influenced by his own ideological leanings. The quote reflects the broader cultural and ideological divisions that have often characterized American higher education, particularly in the realm of liberal arts colleges where diverse perspectives and ideas are valued and debated.

Buckley's experience at Vassar, as conveyed in this quote, speaks to the broader theme of ideological diversity and intellectual engagement within the context of higher education. It raises questions about the nature of discourse and exchange of ideas on college campuses, particularly in the context of differing political and philosophical viewpoints. The quote also highlights the challenges and opportunities inherent in navigating ideological diversity and engaging in meaningful dialogue across differences.

In conclusion, William F. Buckley, Jr.'s quote about the majority of the senior class of Vassar reflects his experience of feeling alienated from the prevailing sentiments and thoughts of the students at the college. It also underscores the broader themes of ideological diversity, intellectual engagement, and the challenges of navigating differing viewpoints within the context of higher education. While the quote captures a specific moment in Buckley's experience, it resonates with larger conversations about the nature of discourse and ideological diversity on college campuses.