Quotes from Hector Bolitho

Prejudice walking to and fro in flesh and blood is my horror, and, alas, a phenomenon so common; and people plume themselves so much upon their prejudices, as signs of decision of character and greatness of mind, nay, of true patriotism; and all the while they are simply the product of narrowness of intellect, and narrowness of heart.

The poor soldiers always do their duty in the most brilliant manner; but as soon as matters come again into the hands of politicians and diplomats, everything is again spoiled and confused.

Great events make me quiet and calm and only little trifles fidget me and irritate my nerves. But I feel grown old and serious, and the future is dark.

If you have succeeded in winning people's hearts by friendliness, simplicity and courtesy, the secret lay in this: that you were not thinking of yourself. Hold fast this mystic power; it is a spark from Heaven.

People do not calculate. As masses, they cannot calculate. They feel only, and are therefore not led by interests nor state — or public Law, principles or deductions, but only by feeling. If you prefer the word, by instincts.

They who would isolate themselves from the world and its duties must cease to know and to care, as well as to act, and be content to let things take their course. This in effect they cannot do; this they never do; and the only result is a struggle in which they neither live nor die — neither live as they wish, in the past, nor do their duty in the working world.

Albert is quick, not obstinate in conversation, and open to conviction if good arguments are brought forward. When he thinks himself right he only wishes to have it proved that he misunderstands the case, to give it up without ill-humour. He is not inclined to be sulky, but I think that he may be rendered a little melancholy if he thinks himself unfairly or unjustly treated."[

Please understand that there is no one depressed in this house. We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat; they do not exist.

He revealed his own character when he wrote, "I seem to be here to care more for others than for myself, and am well content with this destiny.