Alan K. Simpson

Alan K. Simpson is a prominent American politician, lawyer, and author, best known for serving as a United States Senator from Wyoming from 1979 to 1997. Born in 1931 in Denver, Colorado, and raised in Cody, Wyoming, Simpson was deeply influenced by his father, Milward Simpson, a former Wyoming governor and senator. A graduate of the University of Wyoming, he served in the U.S. Army in Germany before beginning a long political career, during which he became known for his straight-talking, bipartisan approach and leadership on immigration, veterans' affairs, and social policy.

As an author, Simpson co-wrote the memoir Right in the Old Gazoo: A Lifetime of Scrapping with the Press, where he candidly recounts his life in public service, clashes with the media, and his trademark humor. He also co-chaired the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (the Simpson-Bowles Commission) and has written extensively about fiscal responsibility, public trust, and the value of compromise in politics. His writing is as no-nonsense and colorful as his public persona, offering readers a rare window into the inner workings of Washington, D.C.

Alan K. Simpson’s quotes are well known for their wit, wisdom, and clarity. One of his most famous lines is: “If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.” On public discourse, he once said: “In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.” He also humorously remarked: “An educated man is one who can entertain a new idea, entertain another person, and entertain himself.” These quotes reflect Simpson’s legacy as a principled, pragmatic, and refreshingly candid voice in American political life.