Quotes Library

Memorable words from and about Margaret Thatcher

Browse a curated selection of memorable quotations from Margaret Thatcher’s speeches, interviews and writings — alongside notable words spoken about her by contemporaries.

14 quotes

There is no alternative.

Margaret Thatcher
Economy

The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.

Margaret Thatcher Thames TV interview, 5 February 1976
Economy Socialism

Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't.

Margaret Thatcher
Character Leadership

The lady's not for turning.

Margaret Thatcher Speech to Conservative Party Conference, Brighton, 10 October 1980
Character Leadership

Plan your work for today and every day, then work your plan.

Margaret Thatcher
Leadership Values

I don't mind how much my Ministers talk, so long as they do what I say.

Margaret Thatcher Reported in The Times, 1987
Leadership Character

No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he'd only had good intentions; he had money as well.

Margaret Thatcher Weekend World interview, LWT, 6 January 1980
Values Economy

You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.

Margaret Thatcher
Character Leadership

There is no such thing as society. There are individual men and women and there are families.

Margaret Thatcher Woman's Own interview, 23 September 1987
Values Socialism

We want a society where people are free to make choices, to make mistakes, to be generous and compassionate. This is what we mean by a moral society — not a society where the State is responsible for everything, and no one is responsible for the State.

Margaret Thatcher Speech to the Greater London Young Conservatives, 4 July 1977
Values Socialism

I am in politics because of the conflict between good and evil, and I believe that in the end good will triumph.

Margaret Thatcher
Values Character

We must have a Europe in which countries cooperate together more closely on a whole range of issues. But a Europe of cooperating sovereign states, not a Europe submerged in some bureaucratic conglomerate.

Margaret Thatcher Bruges Speech, College of Europe, 20 September 1988
Europe

I want my money back.

Margaret Thatcher European Council, Dublin (on the UK budget rebate), 30 November 1979
Europe Economy

It is not the creation of wealth that is wrong, but the love of money for its own sake.

Margaret Thatcher Speech to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, 21 May 1988
Values Economy

Quote of the Day

Start each morning with timeless wisdom from the Iron Lady. Subscribe to receive a carefully selected Margaret Thatcher quote delivered straight to your inbox every day.

Please note: This service sends one email every day for 365 days. You can unsubscribe at any time.

By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy.