Margaret Thatcher Quotes

“I wouldn't be worth my salt if I weren't attracting some controversy and criticism. Everyone in the world who has done something in life has attracted criticism.”

“Nothing is more obstinate than a fashionable consensus.”

“We are a British nation with British characteristics. Every country can take some small minorities and in many ways they add to the richness and variety of this country. The moment the minority threatens to become a big one, people get frightened.”

“There are always dangers about. Therefore you must always keep your defences strong.”

“We should not underestimate the enormity of the task which lies ahead. But little can be achieved without sound money. It is the bedrock of sound government.”

“I'm not a good butcher but I've had to learn to carve the joint. People expect a new look.”

“The Government wants a peaceful settlement. But we totally reject a peaceful sell-out.”

“It is no exaggeration to describe plain English as a fundamental tool of government.”

“To cure the British disease with socialism was like trying to cure leukaemia with leeches.”

“It pays to know the enemy - not least because at some time you may have the opportunity to turn him into a friend.”

“I've got my teeth into him, and I'm not going to let go.”

“Freedom is not synonymous with an easy life. ... There are many difficult things about freedom: It does not give you safety, it creates moral dilemmas for you; it requires self-discipline; it imposes great responsibilities; but such is the nature of Man and in such consists his glory and salvation.”

“I started out in life with two great advantages: No money and good parents.”

“I don't want to fight any wars; if you can get them off before we get there, you do it, but off they go.”

“If you set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing.”

“Most women defend themselves. It is the female of the species-it is the tigress and lioness in you which tends to defend when attacked.”

“The real case against socialism is not its economic inefficiency, though on all sides there is evidence of that. Much more fundamental is its basic immorality.”

“All attempts to destroy democracy by terrorism will fail. It must be business as usual.”

“I believe that the royal family are a focus of patriotism, of loyalty, of affection and of esteem. That is a rare combination, and we should value it highly.”

“You can't lead from the crowd.”

“Personal virtue is no substitute for political hard-headedness.”

“Advisers advise, and ministers decide.”

“I remain totally convinced that when children are young, however busy we may be with the practical duties inside the home, themost important thing of all is to devbote enoughh time and care to their needs and problems.”

“A leader is someone who knows what they want to achieve and can communicate that.”

“We very much hope that as we get growth that we can reduce the burden of taxation, that we can reduce income tax and increase the amount of genuine free enterprise and business enterprise... This is going... toward the restoration of the personal responsibility, the independence, with every man a property owner, every man a capitalist.”