Portrait of Margaret Thatcher

Margaret Thatcher

British PM, Iron Lady

Contemporary influential 154 sayings

Sayings by Margaret Thatcher

What is success? It is being able to go to bed each night with your soul at peace.

1980s — Attributed, often cited in biographies
Biblical Unverifiable

I stand for the belief that we can and must reverse the trend of socialism.

1975 — Speech to Conservative Party Conference
Wisdom Unverifiable

Discipline. That's the one thing that I've always thought is the most important thing.

1979 — Interview with The Daily Telegraph
Wisdom Unverifiable

I can sometimes be a bit of a tartar, but I have a soft core.

1980s — Attributed, often cited in biographies
Wisdom Unverifiable

I am a fighter. I have always been a fighter.

1982 — Interview with The Sunday Times
War & Conflict Unverifiable

I don't think there will be a woman prime minister in my lifetime.

1973 — Interview, Granada TV
Wisdom Unverifiable

Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope.

1979 — Upon becoming Prime Minister, quoting St Francis of Assisi
Wisdom Unverifiable

I am not prepared to sit by and see this country slide into the socialist abyss.

1975 — Speech to Conservative Party Conference
Political Unverifiable

It is not the State that creates wealth, it is the individual.

1980 — Speech to Conservative Party Conference
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

The lady's not for turning.

1980 — Speech to Conservative Party Conference
Wisdom Unverifiable

I am a woman, and I have a woman's intuition.

1980s — Attributed, often cited in biographies
Wisdom Unverifiable

I think I've been a very good Prime Minister. I've done my best.

1990 — Interview with The Daily Telegraph
Wisdom Unverifiable

I was told I would never get into the House of Commons. I was told I would never get into the Cabinet. I was told I would never be Leader of the Opposition. And I was told I would never be Prime Minister. So I don't take too much notice of what I'm told.

1987 — Interview, LBC Radio
Power & Leadership Unverifiable

I sometimes think that too much fuss is made about the whole business of being a woman.

1982 — Interview with The Sunday Times
Money & Business Unverifiable

I believe in the family. I believe in the nation. I believe in freedom. I believe in enterprise. And I believe in the future.

1987 — Speech to Conservative Party Conference
Inspirational Unverifiable

I don't think there's any point in being in power unless you're prepared to use it.

1980s — Attributed, often cited in biographies
Power & Leadership Unverifiable

I'm not a lady for turning. I'm a lady for going on.

1980 — Interview with The Daily Mail
Wisdom Unverifiable

I am a very patient person, but I do expect results.

1980s — Attributed, often cited in biographies
Wisdom Unverifiable

I have a reputation for being obstinate. I don't think I am. I think I'm very firm.

1979 — Interview with The Daily Telegraph
Wisdom Unverifiable

I do not believe in consensus politics. I believe in conviction politics.

1975 — Speech to Conservative Party Conference
Inspirational Unverifiable
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