The diplomat’s task is to see the best in other peoples, not to scold them for their failings.

John Bright dismissed fears that digging a tunnel under the English Channel would encourage a French invasion.

Richard Cobden wondered how the architects of the British Empire had the nerve to accuse Russia of imperialism.

Richard Cobden wanted to know why British policy towards China was so different to our policy towards the USA and European powers.

Our peculiar brand of democracy and liberty is a noble thing, but we should be wary of recommending it to other countries.

The English would not hand out so much unsolicited advice to foreign countries if they knew what they had been forced to endure.