Home / Authors / William Cobbett

William Cobbett Quotes

Pamphleteer

William Cobbett (March 9, 1763 - June 18, 1835) was an influential English pamphleteer, writer, and radical. Known for his critical analysis of the political and social issues of his time, Cobbett's work had a profound impact on the social and political landscape of 18th and 19th century Britain.

Filter quotes by topic

All Men People Giving May Want Ifs Misery Country Opinion Politics Poor Wells Children Deals Desire Economy Has Beens Liberalism Long Political

Famous William Cobbett Quotes

“I cannot... perceive any ground for hoping that any practical good would, while the funding system exists in its present extent, result from the adoption of any of those projects, which have professed to have in view what is called Parliamentary Reform... when the funding system, from whatever cause, shall cease to operate upon civil and political liberty, there will be no need of projects for parliamentary reform. The parliament will, as far as shall be necessary, then reform itself.”

Needs Political Causes Results Views Liberty Projects Practicals Cease Reform Perceive Adoption Parliament Funding Parliamentary

Author:William Cobbett

“I was a countryman and a father before I was a writer on political subjects... Born and bred up in the sweet air myself, I was resolved that my children should be bred up in it too.”

Should Children Political Father Born Air Subjects Sweet My Children Countrymen

Author:William Cobbett

“You may twist the word freedom as long as you please, but at last it comes to quiet enjoyment of your own property, or it comes to nothing. Why do men want any of those things that are called political rights and privileges? Why do they, for instance, want to vote at elections for members of parliament? Oh! Because they shall then have an influence over the conduct of those members. And of what use is that? Oh! Then they will prevent the members from doing wrong.”

Source: A History of the Protestant Reformation in England and Ireland