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Nancy Astor

62quotes

Nancy Astor


Full Name and Common Aliases


Nancy Astor was born Pauline Wayne on May 19, 1879, in Chester, Virginia. She is often referred to as Nancy by her friends and acquaintances.

Birth and Death Dates


May 19, 1879 - May 2, 1964

Nationality and Profession(s)


American-born British politician and socialite

Early Life and Background


Nancy Astor was born into a family of modest means. Her father, William W. Wayne, was a Confederate veteran who later became a lawyer. The family moved to Virginia when Nancy was young, where she grew up surrounded by the traditions and values of the Old South.

As a child, Nancy was fascinated by politics and social issues. She attended Vassar College in New York but dropped out after two years due to health reasons. In 1897, she married Robert Shaw, an American lawyer who died in combat during World War I.

Major Accomplishments


Nancy Astor's entry into British politics was a result of her marriage to Waldorf Astor, a wealthy businessman and politician. When Waldorf inherited the parliamentary seat for Plymouth in 1919, Nancy became the first woman to sit in the House of Commons.

Astor served as a Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) from 1919 until 1945, advocating for women's rights, children's welfare, and social reform. She was also an outspoken critic of government policies on poverty and inequality.

Notable Works or Actions


Some of Nancy Astor's notable works include:

Her speech in 1920, where she called for equal pay for women and advocated for greater representation in politics.
 Her involvement with the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), a militant suffrage organization that fought for women's right to vote.
* Her support for the passage of the Sex Disqualification Removal Act in 1919, which removed disqualifications based on sex from public offices.

Impact and Legacy


Nancy Astor's impact on British politics cannot be overstated. She was a trailblazer for women's rights and paved the way for future generations of female politicians. Her advocacy for social reform and her commitment to improving the lives of those in poverty continue to inspire activists today.

Astor's legacy extends beyond politics as well. She was a devoted mother and philanthropist who supported various charitable causes throughout her life. Her marriage to Waldorf Astor also brought her into contact with influential figures like Winston Churchill, whom she befriended despite their differing views on politics.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Nancy Astor is widely quoted and remembered for her wit, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to social justice. Her quotes often reflect her sharp insight into the human condition and her deep understanding of the complexities of politics.

One of her most famous quotes reads: "I have not yet begun to fight." This phrase has become synonymous with Astor's unyielding spirit and determination in the face of adversity.

Throughout her life, Nancy Astor remained true to herself and her values. She never sought to compromise on her principles or conform to societal expectations. As a result, she left an indelible mark on British politics and continues to inspire people around the world today.

Quotes by Nancy Astor

I married beneath me, all women do.
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I married beneath me, all women do.
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Drink promises you everything, but gives nothing...
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Drink promises you everything, but gives nothing...
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The only thing the women were after was just the chance to help the world on. But some men were so dreadfully afraid of them that they refused to understand, and talked about ‘shrieking sisterhoods’ and ‘disappointed spinsters’ and rubbish of that sort.
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The only thing the women were after was just the chance to help the world on. But some men were so dreadfully afraid of them that they refused to understand, and talked about ‘shrieking sisterhoods’ and ‘disappointed spinsters’ and rubbish of that sort.
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Anyone’s blood can become blue for a lump sum down.
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Anyone’s blood can become blue for a lump sum down.
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There is no such thing as a strictly woman’s problem. Any question affecting the welfare of society is a woman’s problem.
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There is no such thing as a strictly woman’s problem. Any question affecting the welfare of society is a woman’s problem.
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I can conceive of nothing worse than a man-governed world – except a woman-governed world.
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I can conceive of nothing worse than a man-governed world – except a woman-governed world.
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From the American newspapers you’d think America was populated solely by naked women and cinema stars.
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From the American newspapers you’d think America was populated solely by naked women and cinema stars.
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When she woke briefly during her last illness and found all her family around her bedside: “Am I dying or is this my birthday?”
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When she woke briefly during her last illness and found all her family around her bedside: “Am I dying or is this my birthday?”
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It isn’t the common man at all who is important: it’s the uncommon man.
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It isn’t the common man at all who is important: it’s the uncommon man.
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Years ago, I thought old age would be dreadful, because I should not be able to do things I would want to do. Now I find there is nothing I want to do after all.
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Years ago, I thought old age would be dreadful, because I should not be able to do things I would want to do. Now I find there is nothing I want to do after all.
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