George Ball

Date of Birth: December 21, 1909

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: May 26, 1994

Biography

George Wildman Ball was an American diplomat and politician, renowned for his influential role in U.S. foreign policy during the mid-20th century. Born on December 21, 1909, in Des Moines, Iowa, Ball’s career spanned several decades, during which he served under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. His most notable positions included Under Secretary of State for Economic and Agricultural Affairs and later, Under Secretary of State. Ball was a key advisor during the Vietnam War, often providing a dissenting voice against the escalation of U.S. military involvement. After his government service, he continued to contribute to public discourse through his writings and as a senior managing director at Lehman Brothers. Ball passed away on May 26, 1994, in New York City.

5 Interesting Facts about George Ball

1. George Ball was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War, advocating for a negotiated settlement rather than military escalation.

2. He played a significant role in the drafting of the Marshall Plan, which was crucial for the economic recovery of post-WWII Europe.

3. Ball served as the American Ambassador to the United Nations for a brief period in 1968.

4. He was known for his sharp intellect and eloquence, often providing critical analysis of U.S. foreign policy.

5. George Ball was a member of the Bilderberg Group, an annual private conference of influential people in politics, business, and academia.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Ball

1. “Nostalgia is a seductive liar.”

2. “The greatest virtue of man is perhaps curiosity.”

3. “A bureaucrat is a Democrat who holds some office that a Republican wants.”

4. “The problem with big nations is they think they can win wars.”

5. “We have made men proud to die in battle. But make no mistake: it is a pride that is purchased at the cost of reason and humanity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth George Ball achieved is not publicly documented, as his wealth was primarily tied to his roles in public service and later in private business with Lehman Brothers. However, it is known that he was well-compensated for his consulting roles and contributions to various think tanks.

Children

George Ball had two sons, Douglas Ball and William Ball. Both of them pursued careers outside of the political sphere, with Douglas becoming an accomplished architect and William engaging in various business ventures.