My objection to Liberalism is this that it is the introduction into the practical business of life of the highest kind namely, politics of philosophical ideas instead of political principles.

When a man is going to try and borrow money, it is wise to look prosperous

The most powerful men are not public men: a public man is responsible, and a responsible man is a slave. It is private life that governs the world.

Posterity will do justice to that unprincipled maniac Gladstone - extraordinary mixture of envy, vindictiveness, hypocrisy and superstition; and with one commanding characteristic - whether Prime Minister or Leader of the Opposition, whether preaching, praying, speechifying or scribbling - never a gentleman.

What art was to the ancient world, Science is to the modern; the distinctive faculty. In the minds of men, the useful has succeeded to the beautiful.

Women carry a beautiful hand with them to the grave, when a beautiful face has long ago vanished.

Desperation is sometimes as powerful an inspirer as genius.