I was brought up by a Victorian Grandmother. We were taught to work jolly hard. We were taught to prove yourself; we were taught self reliance; we were taught to live within our income. You were taught that cleanliness is next to Godliness. You were taught self respect. You were taught always to give a hand to your neighbour. You were taught tremendous pride in your country. All of these things are Victorian values. They are also perennial values. You don't hear so much about these things these days, but they were good values and they led to tremendous improvements in the standard of living.
Margaret ThatcherI might have preferred iron - but bronze will do. It won't rust. This time I hope, the head will stay on.
Margaret ThatcherIt is not the creation of wealth that is wrong, but the love of money for its own sake.
Margaret ThatcherIf one generation is expected to carry an excessive burden on behalf of another, it will seek by every means to avoid it. It will either demand that past promises are broken, or it will not work, or it will not pay taxes, or the most talented people will leave. Socialist governments which have tried to tax 'till the pips squeak' have ample experience of that.
Margaret ThatcherSocialists don't like ordinary people choosing, for they might not choose Socialism.
Margaret ThatcherThere is no such thing as society: there are individual men and women, and there are families.
Margaret ThatcherWhat? What am I 'bound to be feeling?' People donโt think anymore. They feel. 'How are you feeling? No, I donโt feel comfortable. Iโm sorry, we as a group weโre feelingโฆ.' One of the great problems of our age is that we are governed by people who care more about feelings than they do about thoughts and ideas. Thoughts and ideas. That interests me. Ask me what Iโm thinking.
Margaret Thatcher