101 Quotes by John Buchan

I was a peaceful sedentary man, a lover of a quiet life, with no appetite for perils and commotions. But I was beginning to realise that I was very obstinate.

To see what is right and not to do it is cowardice. It is never a question of who is right but what is right.

Leadership is only courage and wisdom, and a great carefulness of self.

The Church of Christ is an anvil which has worn out many hammers. Our opponents may boast of their strength, but they do not realize what they have challenged.

Most true points are fine points. There never was a dispute between mortals where both sides hadn't a bit of right.

Pessimism is the one ism which kills the soul.

[W]ithout humour you cannot run a sweetie-shop, let alone a nation.

The sea has formed the English character and the essential England is to be found in those who follow it. From blue waters they have learned mercifulness, and they have also learned - in the grimmest of schools - precision and resolution. The sea endures no makeshifts. If a thing is not exactly right it will be vastly wrong.

The book trade is a spiritual barometer of a nations well-being.