Laurence Olivier Quotes

If you want respect, you earn it in politics. You don't get it because you are some form of bloody emperor in a toga.

We have, I fear, confused power with greatness.

I'm playing one of the principal roles, which gives you more clout and more confidence.

You know, if you think about it, the most powerful people on this earth probably never raise their voices - they just say it and people hop to, because they have that power.

Most great leaders are theatrical by nature.

The influence of the leaders is due in very small measure to the arguments they employ, but in a large degree to their prestige. The best proof of this is that, should they by any circumstance lose their prestige, their influence disappears.

I allow the public to believe that I have more influence with the King than I do in reality.

Theodore Roosevelt, when he was out of office, he would do things to draw attention. But when you are president, you don't need to shout. When you are in office, you are the story.

David Cameron has a lot of credibility and influence.

Because I'm not blind to how Harry works, you know," she said. "A bully with a charisma and top marks is still a bully." She sighed, annoyed. "He'll probably end up Prime Minister one day. God help us all.

A great politician has great charisma.

In the early West, law and politics were parallel roads to usefulness as well as distinction.

Politicians are actors, too, don't you think? Usually, if you like people and you're outgoing, not a shy little thing, you can do pretty well in politics.

The true value of somebody in this town is very hard to determine. It's all smoke and mirrors.

I mean, there was a portion, of course, that I think, when I look back now, that there was a portion of what attracted me must have been the awe of him being a powerful man in this environment, not to take away from who he is as a real person.

Owning news makes you important; it gives you a seat at the table.

Many people around the President have sizeable egos before entering government, some with good reason. Their new positions will do little to moderate their egos.

Men of power have no time to read; yet the men who do not read are unfit for power.

Power gravitates to the man who knows how.

The ability to speak is a short cut to distinction. It puts a man in the limelight, raises him head and shoulders above the crowd.

The only prize much cared for by the powerful is power.

The incentive to ambition is the love of power.

Wealth and power don't go together. Power cannot be brokered. To me, power is responsibility.

Blessed is he who talks in circles, for he shall become a big wheel.

Our public figures are often narcissists, utterly self-absorbed in their quest for power.