"We are not directly involved in Syria. But we will be working with our partners in the European Union and at the United Nations to see if we can persuade the Syrian authorities to go, as I say, more in that direction of respect for democracy and human rights."

Respect

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Insight & Reflection

This reflection on respect by William Hague resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in respect is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

About William Hague

William Jefferson Hague, Baron Hague of Richmond is a British politician and life peer who was Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition from 1997 to 2001 and Deputy Leader from 2005 to 2010. He was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond (Yorks) in North Yorkshire from 1989 to 2015. He was in the Cameron government as First Secretary of State from 2010 to 2015, Foreign Secretary from 2010 to 2014, and Leader of the House of Commons from 2014 to 2015. He has been Chancellor of the University of Oxford since February 2025.

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Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the Quotes Archive Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

More by William Hague

"As far as I'm aware, everybody in the shadow cabinet accepts that there's a compelling case on climate change and a strong scientific case."

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"I don't deny that there are problems in the intelligence world, but I would argue that in the UK we try to uphold the highest standards in the world."

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"It's really necessary for the United States to continue to give strong leadership to the Middle East peace process, supported by European countries at the same time."

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More about Respect

"But I recognize no infallible authority, even in special questions consequently, whatever respect I may have for the honesty and the sincerity of such or such an individual, I have no absolute faith in any person."

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"Humility is not weakness in leadership; it is the cornerstone of unassailable respect. This remains the cornerstone of personal mastery — an essential principle for the reflective life."

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"Humility is not weakness in leadership; it is the cornerstone of unassailable respect. For where clarity resides, peace inevitably follows."

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