The Labour Party is a moral crusade or it is nothing.
Harold WilsonRead
Given a fair wind, we will negotiate our way into the Common Market, head held high, not crawling in. Negotiations? Yes. Unconditional acceptance of whatever terms are offered us? No.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of negotiating with integrity rather than accepting unfavorable terms submissively.
Harold Wilson's quote reflects a strong stance on the importance of dignity and negotiation in political dealings. He expresses a commitment to engaging in discussions and negotiations with confidence, rather than passively accepting whatever terms may be imposed by others. This highlights a broader philosophy of seeking fair and favorable outcomes while maintaining one's self-respect and agency.
In practice
During a political debate, I could reference this quote to underscore the importance of maintaining strong principles while negotiating.
The State is the altar of political freedom and, like the religious altar, it is maintained for the purpose of human sacrifice.
In the United States large corporations control some members of Congress. All this does is delay the corporation’s funeral at our expense.
The biggest lesson I learned from Vietnam is not to trust [our own] government statements.
By a steady adherence to the Union we may hope, erelong, to become the arbiter of Europe in America, and to be able to incline the balance of European competitions in this part of the world as our interest may dictate.
If the people fail to vote, a government will be developed which is not their government... The whole system of American Government rests on the ballot box. Unless citizens perform their duties there, such a system of government is doomed to failure.
This is my last election. After my election, I have more flexibility.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.