British words often sidestep grand gestures, preferring a raised eyebrow, a precise adjective, and a silence that says the rest. Here humor cuts with kindness, irony keeps company with conscience, and gloom is warmed by a kettle’s steam. You’ll hear seaside wind and city soot, chapel bells and pub banter, philosophers in tweed and rebels in trainers. Themes of duty, doubt, class, and care mingle with playful nonsense and exacting wit, revealing tenderness beneath reserve and bravery without trumpet.
"As we read the school reports on our children, we realize a sense of relief that can rise to delight that thank Heaven nobody is reporting in this fashion on us"
"I can only note that the past is beautiful because one never realises an emotion at the time. It expands later, and thus we don't have complete emotions about the present, only about the past"
"Taught from infancy that beauty is woman's sceptre, the mind shapes itself to the body, and roaming round its gilt cage, only seeks to adorn its prison"
"I was married to Margaret Joan Howe in 1940. Although not a scientist herself she has contributed more to my work than anyone else by providing a peaceful and happy home"
"The one pervading evil of democracy is the tyranny of the majority, or rather of that party, not always the majority, that succeeds, by force or fraud, in carrying elections"
"The difference between a misfortune and a calamity is this: If Gladstone fell into the Thames, it would be a misfortune. But if someone dragged him out again, that would be a calamity"
"Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the highroad to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfaction"
