Richard Cobden Quotes

A collection of quotes by Richard Cobden.

Richard Cobden (1804-1865) was a prominent British politician and advocate of free trade. Born in Sussex, England, he came from a middle-class family and started his career in the textile industry. Cobden found considerable success as a businessman and became a partner in the firm that he worked for. However, he eventually transitioned into politics, inspired by his liberal and humanitarian beliefs.

Cobden is best known for his tireless efforts in promoting the principles of free trade and peaceful international relations. He was a leading figure in the Anti-Corn Law League, a campaign that sought to repeal protective tariffs on imported grain and thus lower food prices for the working class. His persuasive speaking and writing skills, coupled with his effective organizational abilities, played a crucial role in bringing about the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846.

In addition to his work on free trade, Cobden also led campaigns against colonialism and for disarmament. He firmly believed that international trade and cooperation could prevent war and foster prosperity among nations. His ideas were laid out in his influential book "The Political Writings of Richard Cobden," which emphasized the necessity of peace and recognized the harmful effects of protectionism.

Richard Cobden was widely respected for his principles and dedication to the cause of free trade. His belief in the power of peaceful economic interactions between countries left a lasting impact on global politics and continues to serve as an inspiration to advocates of free trade today. He passed away in London in 1865.

I came here as a practical man, to talk, not simply on the q

I came here as a practical man, to talk, not simply on the question of peace and war, but to treat another question which is of hardly less importance - the enormous and burdensome standing armaments which it is the practice of modern Governments to sustain in time of peace.

I confess that for fifteen years my efforts in education, an

I confess that for fifteen years my efforts in education, and my hopes of success in establishing a system of national education, have always been associated with the idea of coupling the education of this country with the religious communities which exist.

In Holland, they have come to precisely the same conclusion.

In Holland, they have come to precisely the same conclusion. There they have adopted a system of secular education, because they have found it impracticable to unite the religious bodies in any system of combined religious instruction.

From 1836, down to last year, there is no proof of the Gover

From 1836, down to last year, there is no proof of the Government having any confidence in the duration of peace, or possessing increased security against war.

For the progress of scientific knowledge will lead to a cons

For the progress of scientific knowledge will lead to a constant increase of expenditure.

But it is my happiness to be half Welsh, and that the better

But it is my happiness to be half Welsh, and that the better half.

Luck relies on chance, labor on character.

Luck relies on chance, labor on character.

The progress of freedom depends more upon the maintenance of

The progress of freedom depends more upon the maintenance of peace, the spread of commerce, and the diffusion of education, than upon the labors of cabinets and foreign offices.

Treaties of peace, made after war, are entrusted to individu

Treaties of peace, made after war, are entrusted to individuals to negotiate and carry out.

I therefore declare, that if you wish any remission of the t

I therefore declare, that if you wish any remission of the taxation which falls upon the homes of the people of England and Wales, you can only find it by reducing the great military establishments, and diminishing the money paid to fighting men in time of peace.

I have been particularly struck with the overwhelming eviden

I have been particularly struck with the overwhelming evidence which is given as to the fitness of the natives of India for high offices and employments.