Quotes by William Lyon Mackenzie King

About William Lyon Mackenzie King:

William Lyon Mackenzie King was the dominant Canadian political leader from the 1920s through the 1940s. He served as the tenth Prime Minister of Canada from December 29, 1921, to June 28, 1926; from September 25, 1926, to August 7, 1930; and from October 23, 1935, to November 15, 1948. A Liberal with 22 years in office, he was the longest-serving Prime Minister in Canadian history. Trained in law and social work, he was keenly interested in the human condition (as a boy, his motto was "Help those that cannot help themselves"), and played a major role in laying the foundations of the Canadian welfare state.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Regardless of what one's attitude towards prohibition may be, temperance is something against which, at a time of war, no reasonable protest can be made.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

Temperance is essential, if the services of men and women are to be employed to the best and most useful effect according, to the physical capacity and ability of each. Nothing less will assure a total effort.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

If I am outspoken of the dangers of intemperance to members of our armed forces, it is because we are all especially concerned for the welfare of those who are risking their lives in the cause of freedom.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

Until the control of the issue of currency and credit is restored to government and recognized as its most conspicuous and sacred responsibility, all talks of the sovereignty of Parliament and of democracy is idle and futile.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

On behalf of the federal government, I wish now publicly to appeal to the provinces to lend their co-operation in furthering our country's war effort by effecting at as early a date as may be possible this much needed restriction.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

It is what we prevent, rather than what we do that counts most in Government.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

Where there is little or no public opinion, there is likely to be bad government, which sooner or later becomes autocratic government.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

Let it be remembered, too, that at a time of war, nearly every one is under great strain.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

Self-denial and self-discipline, however, will be recognized as the outstanding qualities of a good soldier.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

Far more has been accomplished for the welfare and progress of mankind by preventing bad actions than by doing good ones.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

The anxiety of most parents in seeing their sons and daughters enlist does not lie only in the fear of the physical dangers they may encounter.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

For one cause or another, it has become necessary to impose restrictions upon the use of many commodities, including not a few of the necessities of life.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

When gasoline and rubber are rationed, electric power and transport facilities are becoming increasingly scarce, and manpower shortages are developing, it is difficult for people to understand their increased use for other than the most vital needs o...

William Lyon Mackenzie King

The greatly increased consumption of alcoholic beverages is very largely a direct result of the increased purchasing power created by wartime expenditures.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

Conscription if necessary, but not necessarily conscription.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

Once a nation parts with the control of its credit, it matters not who makes the laws.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

Usury once in control will wreck the nation.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

Nor do we begin to have a clear appreciation of what the increase in consumption of alcoholic beverages in wartime means in increased risk, and in loss of efficiency to the fighting and working forces of the country.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

I would not wish to imply that most industrial accidents are due to intemperance. But, certainly, temperance has never failed to reduce their number.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

As to the advantages of temperance in the training of the armed forces and of its benefits to the members of the forces themselves, there can be no doubt in the world.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

Author Bio

  • NameWilliam Lyon Mackenzie King
  • Description10th Prime Minister of Canada
  • AliasesMackenzie King
  • BornDecember 17, 1874
  • DiedJuly 22, 1950
  • CountryCanada
  • ProfessionPolitician; Economist; Lawyer; Diplomat
  • AwardsCompanion Of The Order Of St Michael And St George