William Ewart Gladstone
One of the most prominent figures in nineteenth century British politics. Known as G.O.M, which stood for 'Grand Old Man' (although his rival Benjamin Disraeli joked that it was actually 'God's Only Mistake')
William Ewart Gladstone served four times as Liberal Prime Minister (1868 - 1874, 1880 - 1885, 1886 and 1892 - 1894). As such, he dominated the latter half of the century.
His hobbies included reforming prostitutes, felling trees and insulting Benjamin Disraeli. Despite a mutual dislike between Gladstone and Queen Victoria, he was one of the most successful politicians of his day.
His rule was dominated by the Irish Question, but his reforms were far-reaching and addressed a wide range of domestic and foreign policy issues.
“We know quite well that the people of the Northern States have not yet drunk of the cup -- they are still trying to hold it far from their lips -- which all the rest of the world see they nevertheless must drink of. We may have our own opinions about slavery; we may be for or against the South; but there is no doubt that Jefferson Davis and other leaders of the South have made an army; they are making, it appears, a navy; and they have made, what is more than either, they have made a nation.”
William Ewart Gladstone
“If you are cold, tea will warm you;if you are too heated, it will cool you;If you are depressed, it will cheer you;If you are excited, it will calm you.”
William Ewart Gladstone
“Good laws make it easier to do right and harder to do wrong.”
William Ewart Gladstone
“We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace.”
William Ewart Gladstone
“Failure is success if we learn from it.”
William Ewart Gladstone
“Books are delightful society. If you go into a room and find it full of books - even without taking them from the shelves they seem to speak to you, to bid you welcome. ”
William Ewart Gladstone
“Justice delayed is justice denied”
William Ewart Gladstone