Harold Nicolson quotes

Harold Nicolson was a British diplomat, author, and politician, recognized for his contributions to literature and international relations. His insightful diaries and biographies provide a vivid account of British society and politics in the 20th century. He is also remembered for his partnership with Vita Sackville-West and his influence on European diplomacy. Here are 10 of his quotes:

We are all inclined to judge ourselves by our ideals; others by their acts.

Harold Nicolson

To be a good diarist, one must have a little snouty, sneaky mind.

Harold Nicolson

Clemenceau, Lloyd George and President Wilson.... It is appalling that these ignorant and irresponsible men should be cutting Asia Minor to bits as if they were dividing a cake....

Harold Nicolson

The Irish do not want anyone to wish them well; they want everyone to wish their enemies ill.

Harold Nicolson

The gift of broadcasting is, without question, the lowest human capacity to which any man could attain.

Harold Nicolson

The Dell,(Bodnant Garden) is the most extensive, most varied and most tasteful piece of planting I have ever seen. I have no doubt at all that this is the richest garden I have ever seen. Knowledge and taste are combined with enormous expenditure to render it one of the wonders of the world.

Harold Nicolson

For seventeen years, he did nothing at all but kill animals and stick in stamps.

Harold Nicolson

Dr Johnson is the only conversationalist who triumphs over time.

Harold Nicolson

Kennedy reminds me of Lindbergh and I suspect him of wishing to have a tough foreign policy and to worry about prestige. On the other hand, he is on the left, will be nicer to Negroes than to Big Business and has promised to appoint Adlai Stevenson as secretary of state. So it works out 50/50 by me.

Harold Nicolson