Quotes Library

July 7, 2025

The conduct of a wise politician is ever suited to the present posture of affairs; often by foregoing a part he saves a whole, and by yielding in a small matter secures a greater.

Plutarch (46–119 AD), Greek philosopher, biographer, Parallel Lives, “Poplicola and Solon Compared”

When did you last cede some small thing to an opponent, thereby achieving some greater purpose? Or are you one of those tough, uncompromising s.o.bs.?

It is just such individuals who don’t understand—or care—that democracy depends on give and take?


More Quotes

January 27, 2025
[On hearing Lady Mountbatten’s anti-monarchical views] How easy it seems for a semi-royal millionnairess, who has exhausted all the pleasures of money and position, to turn almost Communist!
August 19, 2025
Laws are like spiders’ webs which, if anything small falls into them they ensnare it, but larger things break through and escape.
September 25, 2025
…that is the great fallacy; the wisdom of old men. They do not grow wise. They grow careful.
Page 39 of 124