Nancy Astor was known for her sharp wit.
Selected Nancy Astor Quotations
• The most practical thing in the world is common sense and common humanity.
• No one sex can govern alone. I believe that one of the reasons why civilization has failed so lamentably is that is had one-sided government.
• We are not asking for superiority for we have always had that; all we ask is equality.
• Women have got to make the world safe for men since men have made it so darned unsafe for women.
• If you want a party hack, don't elect me.
• I can imagine nothing worse than a man-governed world -- except a woman-governed world.
• In passing, also, I would like to say that the first time Adam had a chance, he laid the blame on a woman.
• I married beneath me -- all women do.
• We women talk too much, but even then we don't tell half what we know.
• It is no use blaming the men -- we made them what they are -- and now it is up to us to try and make ourselves -- the makers of men -- a little more responsible.
• Pioneers may be picturesque figures, but they are often rather lonely ones.
• Why, I don't even know the difference between a king and a knave. (on being invited to play cards with King Edward VII)
• One reason I don't drink is that I want to know when I am having a good time.
• My vigor, vitality and cheek repel me -- I am the kind of woman I would run from.
• One reason I don't drink is that I want to know when I am having a good time.
• The only thing I like about rich people is their money.
• The penalty for success is to be bored by the people who used to snub you.
• A fool without fear is sometimes wiser than an angel with fear.
• The main dangers in this life are the people who want to change everything... or nothing.
• Truth always originates in a minority of one, and every custom begins as a broken precedent.
• Real education should educate us out of self into something far finer; into a selflessness which links us with all humanity.
• Years ago, I thought old age would be dreadful because I should not be able to do things I would want to do. Now I find there is nothing I want to do after all.
• I used to dread getting older because I thought I would not be able to do all the things I wanted to do, but now that I am older I find that I don't want to do them.
• I refuse to admit that I am more than 52, even if that makes my children illegitimate.
• Take a close-up of a woman past sixty! You might as well use a picture of a relief map of Ireland!
• Jakie, is it my birthday or am I dying? (on her deathbed. Her son's response: "A bit of both, Mum.")
• I would be a socialist if I thought it would work.
• I am neither a Communist or a Fascist ... I loathe all Dictatorships whether of the Russian or the German type -- They are all equally cruel.
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About These Quotes
Quote collection assembled by Jone Johnson Lewis. Each quotation page in this collection and the entire collection © Jone Johnson Lewis 1997-2005. This is an informal collection assembled over many years. I regret that I am not be able to provide the original source if it is not listed with the quote.
Citation information:
Jone Johnson Lewis. "Nancy Astor Quotes." About Women's History. URL: http://womenshistory.about.com/od/quotes/a/nancy_astor.htm . Date accessed: (today). (More on how to cite online sources including this page)
