Meaning: The quote "I'd rather entrust the government of the United States to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory than to the faculty of Harvard University" is attributed to William F. Buckley, Jr., an American conservative author and commentator. This quote reflects Buckley's skepticism towards the expertise and leadership of Ivy League intellectuals and his preference for the wisdom and common sense of ordinary citizens.

Buckley was known for his sharp wit and provocative statements, often challenging the prevailing liberal establishment and advocating for a more conservative approach to governance and society. In this particular quote, he appears to be making a pointed critique of the perceived elitism and detachment of Ivy League academics, contrasting them with the practicality and groundedness of everyday citizens.

Harvard University, as one of the most prestigious and influential institutions of higher education in the United States, has a renowned faculty known for their expertise in various fields of study. However, Buckley's statement suggests a deep-seated distrust of the intellectual elite and an implicit belief in the wisdom of the common people.

The quote can be interpreted in several ways. On one level, it could be seen as a reflection of populist sentiment, expressing a preference for the common man over the educated elite. It may also reflect a broader skepticism towards the concentration of power and influence in the hands of a privileged few, advocating for a more decentralized and grassroots approach to governance.

Buckley's statement may also be viewed in the context of American political discourse, where there is often a tension between the expertise of educated intellectuals and the values of everyday citizens. It touches on themes of meritocracy, elitism, and the role of education in shaping leadership and governance.

At the same time, it is important to consider the quote in the context of Buckley's own background and ideological stance. As a prominent conservative figure, Buckley often championed the values of individualism, limited government, and free market principles. His distrust of Ivy League academics may also reflect a broader skepticism towards liberal academic institutions and their perceived influence on government and society.

In conclusion, William F. Buckley, Jr.'s quote about entrusting the government to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory rather than the faculty of Harvard University encapsulates a complex interplay of ideas about expertise, elitism, and the role of education in governance. It reflects a broader tension in American society between the values of the intellectual elite and the wisdom of the common people, and it continues to provoke discussion and debate about the nature of leadership and governance in a democratic society.