Auberon Waugh Quotes

Politicians can forgive almost anything in the way of abuse; they can forgive subversion, revolution, being contradicted, exposed as liars, even ridiculed, but they can never forgive being ignored.

It is my settled opinion, after some years as a political correspondent, that no one is attracted to a political career in the first place unless he is socially or emotionally crippled.

Anyone wishing to communicate with Americans should do so by e-mail, which has been specially invented for the purpose, involving neither physical proximity nor speech.

You should tell the truth as often as you can, but in such a way as people don't believe you or think that you're being funny.

Unless people are prepared to declare themselves your enemies you have to hunt around for them.

There are many Welsh who are taciturn, truthful, well formed, open minded, handsome and peaceful, even if no particular individual immediately springs to mind.

Strange how much simple wisdom there is to be found in the deformed head and unprepossessing carcase of your typical London cabbie.

The two sides of industry have traditionally always regarded each other in Britain with the greatest possible loathing, mistrust and contempt. They are both absolutely right.

History, having destroyed the religion as the opium of the people, now requires that they be given a taste of the real stuff.

The main objection to killing people as a punishment...is that killing people is wrong

Looking back at all the people I have insulted, I am mildly surprised that I am still allowed to exist.

Anyone in England who puts himself forward to be elected to a position of political power is almost bound to be socially or emotionally insecure, or criminally motivated, or mad.

Better to go than sit around being a terrible old bore.

My own attitude to the innumerable injustices of life has always been a philosophical one, especially when they have tended to operate in my favour.

Christmas has become a public affirmation of the power and benignity of the state, to which we all make obeisance in the sybolism of the breath test ceremony.