He [A. J. Balfour] was eminently one of the Cole Porter school of famous men, who only fell to rise again. Picking himself up and brushing himself down became a minor art form, ruefully admired by his contemporaries.

In politics nothing matters very much, and few things matter at all.

Ask with urgency and passion.

Our Scottish theory ... is that every country has need of Scotchmen, but that Scotland has no need of the citizens of any other country.

The power of authority is never more subtle and effective than when it produces a psychological atmosphere or climate favorable to the life of certain modes of belief, unfavorable, and even fatal, to the life of others.

Advice would be more acceptable if it didn't always conflict with our plans.

I am more or less happy when being praised, not very comfortable when being abused, but I have moments of uneasiness when being explained.