William Blum

Date of Birth: March 6, 1933

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: December 9, 2018

Biography

William Blum was an American author, historian, and critic of U.S. foreign policy. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and began his career in the U.S. State Department. Disillusioned by the Vietnam War, he left the State Department in 1967 to pursue a career in writing and activism. Blum’s works focused on the covert operations and interventions of the United States around the world. He is best known for his books “Killing Hope: U.S. Military and CIA Interventions Since World War II” and “Rogue State: A Guide to the World’s Only Superpower,” both of which have been highly influential in leftist and anti-imperialist circles. Blum’s writing style combined rigorous research with a strong moral compass, making his works accessible to both scholars and the general public. Over his career, Blum was a frequent contributor to various journals and magazines and was often cited by critics of U.S. foreign policy. Despite the controversies surrounding his outspoken views, Blum remained a respected figure among anti-war activists and intellectuals worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about William Blum

1. William Blum left the U.S. State Department in 1967 due to his opposition to the Vietnam War.

2. His book “Killing Hope” is often cited as one of the best critiques of U.S. foreign policy.

3. Blum was a co-founder and editor of the Washington Free Press, an underground newspaper in the 1960s.

4. Osama bin Laden recommended Blum’s book “Rogue State” in a 2006 audio message.

5. Blum’s works have been translated into several languages, including Spanish, French, and Turkish.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Blum

1. “No matter how paranoid or conspiracy-minded you are, what the government is actually doing is worse than you imagine.”

2. “The ‘terrorist’ is the one with the small bomb.”

3. “Propaganda is to a democracy what the bludgeon is to a totalitarian state.”

4. “Our government doesn’t want us to know, because knowledge makes us critical.”

5. “If love is the answer, could you please rephrase the question?”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

William Blum was not known for his wealth. His highest net worth was estimated to be modest, likely under $1 million, largely derived from book sales and speaking engagements.