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.

I do believe that political arrangements which are based upon violence, intimidation and theft will eventually break down - and will deserve to do so.

Life's greatest reward is life itself

My belief in free competitive economic enterprise does not rest solely or even mainly on arguments of economic efficiency, though, heaven knows, these are cogent enough. It rests essentially on the view that the free market is the only safe way of ensuring that productive effort is directed towards supplying what individuals actually want, and in a way which secures the dignity and independence of the worker.

Whether at home or abroad, the task of statesman is to work with human nature warts and all, and to draw on instincts and even prejudices that can be turned to good purpose. It is never to try to recreate Mankind in a new image.

It's a funny old world.

[When asked how it felt to be a female prime minister:] I don't know: I've never experienced the alternative.