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. Michael Howard More Quotes by Michael Howard More Quotes From Michael Howard People often of masterful intelligence, trained usually in law or economics or perhaps in political science, who have led their governments into disastrous decisions and miscalculations because they have no awareness whatever of the historical background, the cultural universe, of the foreign societies with which they have to deal. Michael Howard government law people I make no apologies for any inconsistencies or contradictions in my essays. Those who do not change their minds in the course of a decade have probably stopped thinking all together. Michael Howard military wise clever The important thing when you are going to do something brave is to have someone on hand to witness it. Michael Howard important bravery hands History is what we read, write and think about the past. Michael Howard writing past thinking We must rediscover the habit of thinking the best of each other Michael Howard love relationship friendship A common language is the most obvious binding element in any society. Michael Howard elements language common We're not saying, 'We're politicians, trust us.' We know you don't trust us. Michael Howard dont-trust trust politician What is Parliament for if it is not to be a means to make ministers accountable for the services for which they are responsible. Michael Howard ministers responsible mean 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. Michael Howard law believe past 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. Michael Howard muggers prison thinking 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. Michael Howard government war peace There is only one opinion poll that I am interested in and that is the one that will take place on election day. Michael Howard polls election opinion I will never stand again for the leadership of the Conservative Party. Michael Howard conservative-party conservative party I am happy to debate the past with the Prime Minister... I have a big dossier on his past, and I did not even have to sex it up. Michael Howard debate sex past We cannot possibly take them all into this country [asylum seekers] - it is a completely unrealistic expectation. Michael Howard asylums expectations country Tony Blair is already secretly grinning at the prospect of his third victory. You don't have to settle for that. Michael Howard settling blair victory
