Let us be clear. Prison works. It ensures that we are protected from murderers, muggers and rapists, and it makes many who are tempted to commit crime think twice.

The true use of history, whether civil or military, is not to make man clever for the next time, it is to make him wise forever.

The important thing when you are going to do something brave is to have someone on hand to witness it.

A common language is the most obvious binding element in any society.

What is Parliament for if it is not to be a means to make ministers accountable for the services for which they are responsible.

So long as the international community consists of sovereign states, war between them remains a possibility, of which all governments have to take reasonable account.

History is what we read, write and think about the past.

I believe abortion should be available to everyone, but the law should be changed. In the past I voted for a restriction to 22 weeks, and I would be prepared to go down to 20.

We're not saying, 'We're politicians, trust us.' We know you don't trust us.

We must rediscover the habit of thinking the best of each other

There is only one opinion poll that I am interested in and that is the one that will take place on election day.

Social power is at stake in theory-making, but the workings of this power are often unacknowledged -- and overdeter

I got a body covered in scars, but then who doesn’t? If you don’t have a few scars, you haven’t really lived.

When it comes to your self-esteem, it is best not to value the opinions of deluded psychopaths.

[Will Turner] "You didn't beat me. You ignored the rules of engagement."[Captain Jack Sparrow] "...that's not much incentive for me to fight fair then is it?

Technology breeds crime and we are constantly trying to develop technology to stay one step ahead of the person trying to use it negatively.

Being smart can make happiness elusive. Being REALLY smart can help you find it in more places than most.

Thank goodness I had a great family growing up, a great foundation. But I will say my faith, my parents, my family, all that stuff is very, very important. And I'll say that until the day I die.

I do not deny the rights of democracy, but I have no illusions as to the uses that will be made of those rights so long as wisdom is rare and pride abundant

The tucked-up sempstress walks with hasty strides, While streams run down her oil'd umbrella's sides.