John Burns
John Burns
John Elliot Burnswas an English trade unionist and politician of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly associated with London politics. He was a socialist and then a Liberal Member of Parliament and Minister. He was anti-alcohol and a keen sportsman. After retiring from politics, he developed an expertise in London history and coined the phrase "The Thames is liquid history". When the Liberal cabinet made a decision for war on 2 August 1914, he resigned and played no...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionActivist
Date of Birth20 October 1858
For the moment and for some time great events have been denied me, forward action not come my way.
My duty is clear and at all costs will be done.
Why four great powers should fight over Serbia no fellow can understand.
Don't hustle old people.
I don't want boys to use their pencils for improper writing.
Individual effort is almost relatively impossible to cope with the big problem of poverty as we see it.
I recognise that Socialism has ended its purely theoretical course, and that the hour to construct has come.
Books are a real solace, friendships are good but action is better than all.
Books are a real solace, friendships are good but action is better than all.