Harold Macmillan quotes

Harold Macmillan was a British Conservative politician and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Known for steering the country through post-war recovery, he coined the phrase "winds of change" regarding decolonization in Africa. He played a key role in shaping modern British politics and international relations. Here are 55 of his quotes:

It has been said that there is no fool like an old fool, except a young fool. But the young fool has first to grow up to be an old fool to realize what a damn fool he was when he was a young fool.

Harold Macmillan

We have not overthrown the divine right of kings to fall down for the divine right of experts.

Harold Macmillan

I'd like that translated, if I may.

Harold Macmillan

In long experience I find that a man who trusts nobody is apt to be the kind of man nobody trusts.

Harold Macmillan

To be alive at all involves some risk.

Harold Macmillan

No man should ever lose sleep over public affairs.

Harold Macmillan

Although I am still in favour of a National Government in these difficult times, and shall probably be found in the great majority of cases in the Government Lobby, there are some issues that have arisen, or are likely to arise, upon which I am unable to give the Government the support which it has, perhaps, the right to expect from those receiving the Government Whip. It occurs to me, therefore, that it would perhaps be more satisfactory if I was no longer regarded as being among the supporters of the present Administration.

Harold Macmillan

There might be 1 finger on the trigger, but there will be 15 fingers on the safety catch.

Harold Macmillan

Once the bear's hug has got you, it is apt to be for keeps.

Harold Macmillan

It breaks my heart to see (I can't interfere or do anything at my age) what is happening in our country today - this terrible strike of the best men in the world, who beat the Kaiser's army and beat Hitler's army, and never gave in. Pointless, endless. We can't afford that kind of thing. And then this growing division which the noble Lord who has just spoken mentioned, of a comparatively prosperous south, and an ailing north and midlands. That can't go on.

Harold Macmillan

So what did they do? They solemnly asked Parliament, not to approve or disapprove, but to 'take note' of our decision. Perhaps some of the older ones among you will remember that popular song: 'She didn't say "Yes", she didn't say "No". She didn't say "stay", she didn't say "go". She wanted to climb, but dreaded to fall, she bided her time and clung to the wall.'

Harold Macmillan

As usual the Liberals offer a mixture of sound and original ideas. Unfortunately none of the sound ideas is original and none of the original ideas is sound.

Harold Macmillan

I was determined that no British government should be brought down by the action of two tarts.

Harold Macmillan

Tradition does not mean that the living are dead, it means that the dead are living.

Harold Macmillan

If people want a sense of purpose they should get it from their archbishop. They should certainly not get it from their politicians.

Harold Macmillan

It is the duty of Her Majesty's government neither to flap nor to falter.

Harold Macmillan

I read a great number of press reports and find comfort in the fact that they are nearly always conflicting.

Harold Macmillan

When the curtain falls, the best thing an actor can do is to go away.

Harold Macmillan

Britain's most useful role is somewhere between bee and dinosaur.

Harold Macmillan

It's no use crying over spilt summits.

Harold Macmillan

I was a sort of son to Ike, and it was the other way round with Kennedy.

Harold Macmillan

Marxism is like a classical building that followed the Renaissance; beautiful in its way, but incapable of growth.

Harold Macmillan