Richard Cobden, the influential British businessman and politician, championed free trade, peace, and social reform during the 19th century through his leadership in the Anti-Corn Law League and his advocacy for international cooperation and diplomacy. From his successful campaign to repeal the protectionist Corn Laws to his efforts to promote democracy and human rights, Cobden's vision of a more just and prosperous world continues to inspire advocates of economic liberalism and global cooperation.

"At all events, arbitration is more rational, just, and humane than the resort to the sword."



"It has been one of my difficulties, in arguing this question out of doors with friends or strangers, that I rarely find any intelligible agreement as to the object of the war."



"The problem to solve is, whether a single or a double government would be most advantageous; and, in considering that point, I am met by this difficulty - that I cannot see that the present form of government is a double government at all."



"From 1836, down to last year, there is no proof of the Government having any confidence in the duration of peace, or possessing increased security against war."



"The landlords are not agriculturists; that is an abuse of terms which has been too long tolerated."



"This great oracle of the East India Company himself admits that, if there is no power vested in the Court of Directors but that of the patronage, there is really no government vested in them at all."



"I am not accustomed to pay fulsome compliments to the English, by telling them that they are superior to all the world; but this I can say, that they do not deserve the name of cowards."



"I believe it has been said that one copy of The Times contains more useful information than the whole of the historical works of Thucydides."



"I am no party man in this matter in any degree; and if I have any objection to the motion it is this, that whereas it is a motion to inquire into the manufacturing distress of the country, it should have been a motion to inquire into manufacturing and agricultural distress."



"I have been particularly struck with the overwhelming evidence which is given as to the fitness of the natives of India for high offices and employments."



"I cannot separate the finances of India from those of England. If the finances of the Indian Government receive any severe and irreparable check, will not the resources of England be called upon to meet the emergency, and to supply the deficiency?"



"I came here as a practical man, to talk, not simply on the question of peace and war, but to treat another question which is of hardly less importance - the enormous and burdensome standing armaments which it is the practice of modern Governments to sustain in time of peace."

