I think that what most surprises anybody who goes into politics from even a modestly cerebral background is the vulgarity of much of the cut and thrust of politics.

Quote by Chris Patten

Topics: Chris Patten Quotes

In a democracy everybody has a right to be represented, including the jerks.

In a democracy everybody has a right to be represented, including the jerks.

I believe in trying to get a balance between individual freedom on the one hand...

I believe in trying to get a balance between individual freedom on the one hand...

But the ability to articulate what you are doing, to be clear about it, and...

But the ability to articulate what you are doing, to be clear about it, and...

In democracy everyone has the right to be represented, even the jerks.

In democracy everyone has the right to be represented, even the jerks.

Green politics at its worst amounts to a sort of Zen fascism; less extreme, it...

Green politics at its worst amounts to a sort of Zen fascism; less extreme, it...

It is a sort of great Victorian truth that actually, trying to do the right...

It is a sort of great Victorian truth that actually, trying to do the right...

I think that if politics is just about getting your backside on important seats, then...

I think that if politics is just about getting your backside on important seats, then...

Undoubtedly, at the moment, the major cause of CO2 emission is what happens in developed...

Undoubtedly, at the moment, the major cause of CO2 emission is what happens in developed...

I don't think that capitalism should be unbridled, if by unbridled you mean unregulated.

I don't think that capitalism should be unbridled, if by unbridled you mean unregulated.

Green politics at its worst amounts to a sort of Zen fascism; less extreme, it...

Green politics at its worst amounts to a sort of Zen fascism; less extreme, it...

So, what I say to people is that politics has got to be about principle...

So, what I say to people is that politics has got to be about principle...

I suppose I've always carried what is regarded as a bit of unnecessary baggage in...

I suppose I've always carried what is regarded as a bit of unnecessary baggage in...

It is almost always wrong that the time isn't ripe to decide something. That is...

It is almost always wrong that the time isn't ripe to decide something. That is...