Margaret Thatcher Quotes

A collection of quotes by Margaret Thatcher.

Margaret Thatcher, born Margaret Hilda Roberts, on October 13, 1925, in Grantham, Lincolnshire, was a prominent British politician and the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Remembered as one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern British politics, Thatcher held office from 1979 to 1990.

Thatcher was raised in a middle-class family, and her strong work ethic and academic aptitude propelled her towards a career in politics. After studying chemistry at Somerville College, Oxford, she worked as a research chemist before entering politics in the Conservative Party.

Thatcher's ascension to power marked a significant shift in British politics. As Prime Minister, she pursued a conservative and market-oriented agenda, emphasizing privatization, deregulation, and reducing the role of the state in the economy. Her policies, collectively known as Thatcherism, aimed to revitalize Britain's economy and restore the country's global standing.

During her tenure, Thatcher clashed with various groups, like the trade unions and left-wing politicians. However, she enjoyed considerable success, implementing economic reforms and exerting her influence on both domestic and international affairs. Her strong leadership during the Falklands War in 1982 and her close alliance with U.S. President Ronald Reagan demonstrated her determination and dedication.

After resigning as Prime Minister in 1990, Thatcher became a prominent public speaker and remained one of the most influential political figures in British history. Although her policies elicited both admiration and criticism, there is no doubt that Thatcher left a lasting impact on Britain's political landscape. Margaret Thatcher passed away on April 8, 2013, but her legacy continues to shape British politics today.

Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you ge

Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by the traffic from both sides.

Margaret Thatcher


I do not know anyone who has got to the top without hard wor

I do not know anyone who has got to the top without hard work. That is the recipe. It will not always get you to the top, but should get you pretty near.

Margaret Thatcher


It pays to know the enemy - not least because at some time y

It pays to know the enemy - not least because at some time you may have the opportunity to turn him into a friend.

Margaret Thatcher


I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in t

I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end.

Margaret Thatcher


If you set out to be liked, you would be prepared to comprom

If you set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing.

Margaret Thatcher


To wear your heart on your sleeve isn't a very good plan; yo

To wear your heart on your sleeve isn't a very good plan; you should wear it inside, where it functions best.

Margaret Thatcher


No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he only had good

No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he only had good intentions. He had money as well.

Margaret Thatcher


I'm extraordinarily patient provided I get my own way in the

I'm extraordinarily patient provided I get my own way in the end.

Margaret Thatcher


Of course it's the same old story. Truth usually is the same

Of course it's the same old story. Truth usually is the same old story.

Margaret Thatcher


I like Mr. Gorbachev, we can do business together.

I like Mr. Gorbachev, we can do business together.

Margaret Thatcher


Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is

Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope.

Margaret Thatcher

Truth Faith Doubt Discord Harmony

Do you know that one of the great problems of our age is tha

Do you know that one of the great problems of our age is that we are governed by people who care more about feelings than they do about thoughts and ideas.

Margaret Thatcher

Leadership Reality Management Inspirational Democracy

If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something

If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.

Margaret Thatcher

Women Woman Want

The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of

The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples' money.

Margaret Thatcher

Money

You and I come by road or rail, but economists travel on inf

You and I come by road or rail, but economists travel on infrastructure.

Margaret Thatcher

Travel

There are still people in my party who believe in consensus

There are still people in my party who believe in consensus politics. I regard them as Quislings, as traitors... I mean it.

Margaret Thatcher

Politics

It pays to know the enemy -- not least because at some time

It pays to know the enemy -- not least because at some time you may have the opportunity to turn him into a friend.

Margaret Thatcher

Enemies Enemy

I seem to smell the stench of appeasement in the air.

I seem to smell the stench of appeasement in the air.

Margaret Thatcher

Agreement

I owe nothing to Women's Lib.

I owe nothing to Women's Lib.

Margaret Thatcher

Women

I love argument, I love debate. I don't expect anyone just t

I love argument, I love debate. I don't expect anyone just to sit there and agree with me, that's not their job.

Margaret Thatcher

Love