John Burns

I am only doing now what I have ever done; and ever will continue to do - that is adapting past experience to present reform in the light of high ideals and future objects.

I must firmly adhere to the views I have held and practice, that Socialism to succeed must be practical, tolerant, cohesive and consciously compromising with Progressive forces running, if not so far, in parallel lines towards its own goal.

I am not ashamed to say that I am the son of a washerwoman.

I am depressed rather at the wave of brutality sweeping over the country.

In this work I have received the opposition of a number of men who only advocate the unobtainable because the immediately possible is beyond their moral courage, administrative ability, and their political prescience.

Books are a real solace, friendships are good but action is better than all.

For the moment and for some time great events have been denied me, forward action not come my way.

Judge men less by the labels they wear than by their persistent labour for sure if slow progress.