Scottish novelist & politician (1875-1940)
It's the Idea that wins every time -- the Idea with brains and guts behind it.
JOHN BUCHAN
The House of the Four Winds
A great storm destroys much that is precious, but it may also clear the air and blow down trees which might have been obscuring the view and making our life stuffy, and reveal in our estate possibilities of development that we had not thought of.
JOHN BUCHAN
"A University's Bequest to Youth", 10 October 1936
We can pay our debts to the past by putting the future in debt to ourselves.
JOHN BUCHAN
address to the people of Canada on the coronation of George VI, 12 May 1937
There is no greater folly than to try to control that which is beyond our control.
JOHN BUCHAN
Witch Wood
He knew nothing accurately about any subject in the world, but he could clothe his ignorance in pontifical garments and give his confusion the accents of authority. He had a remarkable flair for discerning and elaborating the tiny quantum of popular knowledge on any matter.
JOHN BUCHAN
Castle Gay
It is only a dying cause which can attain to perfect taste.
JOHN BUCHAN
A Lodge in the Wilderness
The path of the king is a lonely one, and few are fit to walk it.
JOHN BUCHAN
The Path of the King
The only true path to wisdom is through experience and reflection.
JOHN BUCHAN
Pilgrim's Way