"The reason for having diplomatic relations is..." - Quote by Winston Churchill
The reason for having diplomatic relations is not to confer a compliment, but to secure a convenience. [On diplomatic recognition of the People's Republic of China]
More by Winston Churchill
“All babies look like me.But then, I look like all babies.”
“The only way a man can remain consistent amid changing circumstances is to change with them while preserving the same dominating purpose.”
“I have watched this famous island descending incontinently, fecklessly, the stairway which lead to a dark gulf.”
More on Diplomacy
“Weapons are ominous tools. They are not the noble ruler's tools. He only uses them when he can't avoid it.”
“I originated a remark many years ago that I think has been copied more than any little thing that I've ever said, and I used it in the follies of 1922. I said America has a unique record. We never lost a war and we never won a conference in our lives. I believe that we could without any degree of egotism, single-handed lick any nation in the world. But we can't confer with Costa Rica and come home with our shirts on.”
“[A] spirit of justice and friendly accomodation...is our duty and our interest to cultivate with all nations.”
More on Politics
“If people, whether they are conservative or liberal, left or right, are unwilling to compromise and engage in the democratic process, and are taking absolutist views, and demonizing opponents, then democracy will break down.”
“Why waste your money looking up your family tree? Just go into politics and your opponent will do it for you.”
“I happen to believe that this election year [2016] is...one of the most important elections that we're going to face in a very long time. I know we hear from time to time that every election is important. This one is very, very important.”