Regulars

Rory Stewart: "Humility is endless"

The Conservative politician and party leadership contender answers Prospect's questions and talks highland dancing, social policy, and why he has no regrets about the books he hasn't read

June 05, 2019
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What is the biggest problem of all?

Globally: climate change. Domestically: providing decent and sustainable care for the frail elderly.

If you could invite one or more figures from history round to dinner, who would that be?

Alexander the Great and the Crow chief Plenty Coups.

What is your favourite quotation?

The only wisdom is the wisdom of humility. Humility is endless.

If you were given £1m to spend on other people, what would you spend it on and why?

Since that is not enough to transform social policy I would use it to save as many lives as possible—provide emergency nutrition to babies in Somalia.

What do you most regret?

Unkindness to other people.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

My highland dancing.

What frightens you most?

A life under-lived.

Are things getting better or worse?

Much better.

What is the book you’re most embarrassed you have never read?

None. If I felt a book should be read I would have read it.

Which person (or sort of person) would you most like to spend a day in the shoes of?

A prisoner.

Now read Jesse Norman's answers.