Des Browne Quotes

Powerful Des Browne for Daily Growth

About Des Browne

Desmond "Des" Browne is a renowned British writer, politician, and former Member of Parliament (MP) known for his work in fiction, non-fiction, and politics. Born on June 9, 1957, in Glasgow, Scotland, Browne grew up with a strong appreciation for literature and politics, influences that would shape his future endeavors. He attended the University of Strathclyde where he studied Law and Politics. His academic achievements laid the foundation for his future career as a writer, lawyer, and politician. After graduating, Browne worked as a solicitor before diving into politics in 1987, representing Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency in Scotland as a Labour Party member until 2015. In addition to his political career, Browne is an accomplished author who has published several books across various genres. His debut novel "Ghosts of Glasgow" (2006) was inspired by his upbringing in the working-class neighborhood of Pollok in Glasgow. The novel delves into the social issues faced by the working class during the 1970s and 80s, echoing themes that Browne himself experienced. In 2010, he published "The Long Shadow," a non-fiction book examining the role of the British military in Northern Ireland from 1969 to 2007. The book was met with critical acclaim and sparked national discussions about the conflict's impact on both sides. Browne continues to be active in politics and writing, using his platform to address social issues and contribute to public discourse. His works are a testament to his commitment to honesty, integrity, and a deep understanding of the human condition.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little."

This quote emphasizes that the measure of societal progress should not be based on increasing wealth for the wealthy, but rather on ensuring there's adequate provision for those living in poverty or struggling economically. It suggests that true advancement comes from addressing inequality and creating a more equitable distribution of resources.


"If you are not prepared to fight for the things you care about, then you should probably get out of the arena altogether."

This quote by Des Browne emphasizes the importance of standing up for what one believes in and actively participating in the issues that matter most. It suggests that if an individual isn't willing to engage in a fight or challenge, they should step away from situations involving those important matters. In essence, the quote encourages us to be committed, engaged, and resilient when it comes to defending our values and passions in life.


"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." - This quote is often misattributed to Des Browne, but it was actually written by John Philpot Curran. However, it reflects a sentiment that Des Browne often expressed in his speeches.

The quote "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance" by John Philpot Curran emphasizes the importance of constant watchfulness and preparedness to protect and maintain freedom. It signifies that the preservation of liberty requires continuous effort and awareness, as complacency can lead to its loss. This idea aligns with Des Browne's frequent messages in his speeches about vigilance and readiness in securing freedoms.


"It is not enough to have good intentions; we must also have the courage to act upon them."

This quote emphasizes that having a strong intent or desire for positive change isn't sufficient on its own; one must also summon the courage to translate those intentions into actions. It underscores the importance of not just holding noble ideas, but taking decisive steps to bring them to fruition.


"We live in a world where it is far too easy for people to become cynical and disillusioned, but we should never let that happen. We should always strive to maintain our hope and optimism, because they are the driving forces behind progress and change."

This quote by Des Browne emphasizes the importance of maintaining a hopeful and optimistic outlook in the face of cynicism and disillusionment, which are common sentiments in today's world. He suggests that these positive attitudes fuel progress and change, implying that they have a powerful role in shaping our society and moving it forward. The message underscores the need to stay hopeful and optimistic, as it contributes to fostering a more progressive and positive environment.


The ability to send applications by post allows fraudsters to apply in false or stolen identities without fear of arrest and to make multiple applications in the hope of getting one through. It allows the possibility of passports being applied for with the photographs of people who are outside the U.K. and seeking to enter illegally.

- Des Browne

Hope, Through, Applied, Arrest

There are some days when history is made. Yesterday was one - and I was honoured to be in Washington to watch Barack Obama being sworn in. During his soaring inaugural address, the new president gazed over a teeming National Mall that was crowded with more than a million people.

- Des Browne

Some, Teeming, Obama, Honoured

Before they deploy, they train for the specific operations, but there is a danger that the Army is not retaining the core of its full capabilities.

- Des Browne

Operations, Army, Core, Retaining

We live in a very uncertain world, and I think that uncertainty of itself generates an environment which we should not make a decision that deprives future generations of the deterrent effect that the nuclear weapons have provided for us and for almost all of my life.

- Des Browne

My Life, I Think, Very, Weapons

I do not believe it makes sense to say that nuclear weapons are inherently evil. In certain circumstances, they can play a positive role - as they have in the past. But clearly they have a power to do great harm.

- Des Browne

Play, Role, In The Past, Weapons

Are we prepared to tolerate a world in which countries which care about morality lay down their nuclear weapons, leaving others to threaten the rest of the world or hold it to ransom?

- Des Browne

Rest, Which, Lay, Weapons

Nuclear weapons are infinitely less important in our foreign policy than they were in the days of the Cold War. I don't think we need nuclear weapons any longer.

- Des Browne

Think, Need, Infinitely, Weapons

What you need to do in conflict resolution is to bring the people who believe that the answer to their political ambitions will be achieved through violence into a frame of mind that they accept that their political ambitions will be delivered by politics.

- Des Browne

Politics, Mind, Through, Frame

Whatever he does in office, no man can live up to the high expectations of the world, but we have been changed by his election. Obama's inauguration is a historic global achievement, a major milestone in the journey of a powerful nation.

- Des Browne

Achievement, Nation, Been, Changed

The Helmand area used to be the breadbasket of Afghanistan. There was a time when a substantial number of the grapes we ate came from Afghanistan.

- Des Browne

Number, Used, Area, Substantial

I am sorry to be leaving the post of secretary of state for Scotland.

- Des Browne

I Am, Secretary, I Am Sorry, Scotland

The process of establishing the identity of passport applicants needs to be strengthened by introducing a requirement for some applicants to attend a passport office in person.

- Des Browne

Process, Some, Needs, Requirement

It will require a sustained military and financial commitment by the international community, working with the government of Afghanistan, to create the environment in which enduring democratic institutions can be established.

- Des Browne

Will, Established, Which, Enduring

While we are deploying troops in their thousands, we lose the chance to build up their basic skills.

- Des Browne

Chance, Skills, Build, Troops

I agree with the British Legion that we have a responsibility to support our troops and support their families, particularly when we are asking people to do very difficult and dangerous things for our security.

- Des Browne

Asking, Very, Particularly, Troops

You can't talk about defeating insurgencies in the same way that you can with a conventional army.

- Des Browne

Army, Same, About, Conventional

With the enhancements to the security of the passport document itself that biometric technology will bring, it is time to make equivalent enhancements to the process of establishing identity before issuing passports.

- Des Browne

Process, Will, Equivalent, Document

I will do what the Prime Minister asks me to do; that is my consistent approach to politics and to service.

- Des Browne

Politics, Prime, Minister, Consistent

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