Author: Chris Patten

Quotes

I think that what most surprises anybody who goes into politics from even a modestly cerebral background is the vulgarity of much of the cut and thrust of politics.

I think that what most surprises anybody who goes into politics from even a modestly cerebral background is the vulgarity of much of the cut and thrust of politics.

- Chris Patten

So, what I say to people is that politics has got to be about principle and values above all. Of course, there are times when you have to make accommodations.

So, what I say to people is that politics has got to be about principle and values above all. Of course, there are times when you have to make accommodations.

- Chris Patten

It is almost always wrong that the time isn't ripe to decide something. That is always said of difficult problems.

It is almost always wrong that the time isn't ripe to decide something. That is always said of difficult problems.

- Chris Patten

I think that if politics is just about getting your backside on important seats, then it's a pretty worthless endeavor.

I think that if politics is just about getting your backside on important seats, then it's a pretty worthless endeavor.

- Chris Patten

I believe in trying to get a balance between individual freedom on the one hand and social responsibility on the other.

I believe in trying to get a balance between individual freedom on the one hand and social responsibility on the other.

- Chris Patten

I suppose I've always carried what is regarded as a bit of unnecessary baggage in Britain. I've always carried the charge that I am an intellectual in politics.

I suppose I've always carried what is regarded as a bit of unnecessary baggage in Britain. I've always carried the charge that I am an intellectual in politics.

- Chris Patten

Green politics at its worst amounts to a sort of Zen fascism; less extreme, it denounces growth and seeks to stop the world so that we can all get off.

Green politics at its worst amounts to a sort of Zen fascism; less extreme, it denounces growth and seeks to stop the world so that we can all get off.

- Chris Patten

But the ability to articulate what you are doing, to be clear about it, and to stick to it is, I think, the essence of political leadership.

But the ability to articulate what you are doing, to be clear about it, and to stick to it is, I think, the essence of political leadership.

- Chris Patten

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