The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

and to do them a little better or a little worse; but to do those things which at present are not done
at all.
‘The End of Laissez-Faire’ (1926) pt. 4
I think that capitalism, wisely managed, can probably be made more efficient for attaining
economic ends than any alternative system yet in sight, but that in itself it is in many ways
extremely objectionable.
‘The End of Laissez-Faire’ (1926) pt. 5
This extraordinary figure of our time, this syren, this goat-footed bard, this half-human visitor
to our age from the hag-ridden magic and enchanted woods of Celtic antiquity.
‘Essays in Biography’ (1933) ‘Mr Lloyd George’
The ideas of economists and political philosophers, both when they are right and when they are
wrong, are more powerful than is commonly understood...Practical men, who believe themselves
to be quite exempt from any intellectual influences, are usually the slaves of some defunct
economist. Madmen in authority, who hear voices in the air, are distilling their frenzy from some
academic scribbler of a few years back.
‘The General Theory of Employment’ (1947 ed.) ch. 24
In the long run we are all dead.
‘A Tract on Monetary Reform’ (1923) ch. 3
11.29 Nikita Khrushchev 1894-1971
If anyone believes that our smiles involve abandonment of the teaching of Marx, Engels and
Lenin he deceives himself. Those who wait for that must wait until a shrimp learns to whistle.
Speech in Moscow, 17 September 1955, in ‘New York Times’ 18 September 1955, p. 19
We say this not only for the socialist states, who are more akin to us. We base ourselves on the
idea that we must peacefully co-exist. About the capitalist States, it doesn’t depend on you
whether or not we exist. If you don’t like us, don’t accept our invitations and don’t invite us to
come to see you. Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.
Speech to Western diplomats at reception in Moscow for Polish leader Mr Gomulka, 18 November 1956, in
‘The Times’ 19 November 1956
Anyone who believes that the worker can be lulled by fine revolutionary phrases is mistaken....
If no concern is shown for the growth of material and spiritual riches, the people will listen today,
they will listen tomorrow, and then they may say: ‘Why do you promise us everything for the
future? You are talking, so to speak, about life beyond the grave. The priest has already told us
about this.’
Speech at World Youth Forum, 19 September 1964, in ‘Pravda’ 22 September 1964
If one cannot catch the bird of paradise, better take a wet hen.
In ‘Time’ 6 January 1958
If you start throwing hedgehogs under me, I shall throw a couple of porcupines under you.
In ‘New York Times’ 7 November 1963
11.30 Joyce Kilmer 1886-1918