101 Quotes by John Buchan

The task of leadership is not to put greatness into people, but to elicit it, for the greatness is there already.

The vows we take in the holy place bind us till we are purged of them at Inanda’s Kraal. Till then no blood must be shed and no flesh eaten. It was the fashion of our forefathers.

I had a fine prospect of the whole ring of moorland. I saw the car speed away with two occupants, and a man on a hill pony riding east. I judged they were looking for me, and I wished them joy of their quest.

Here were we wretched creatures of men making for each other’s throats, and outraging the good earth which God had made so fair a habitation.

The more doubtful the political outlook the fiercer will be the dogmas which men create and contend for.

He who would valiant be against all disaster; let him in constancy follow the Master. There’s no discouragement shall make him once relent; his first avowed intent to be a pilgrim.

Capital, he said, had no conscience and no fatherland.

But some love not the method of your first; Romance they count it, throw’t away as dust; If I should meet with such, what should I say; Must I slight them as they slight me, or nay.

Pardon,′ he said, ‘I’m a bit rattled tonight. You see, I happen at this moment to be dead.