5 Lessons to Learn from Margaret Thatcher

By Ashley Sugar

The world was vulnerable as the Soviet threat loomed. You could feel tension from the Cold War, the Soviets were actively expanding, and England’s economic infrastructure crumbled when the “Iron Lady” made her appearance. Margaret Thatcher, the first woman to become Prime Minister, was able to economically lift Great Britain while navigating the harsh waters of the Cold War. She led her nation to victory in the Falkland’s War with strength and unwavering love for the nation she served. In doing so, she has forever left a mark as a great leader and an inspiration for all women.

While feminists in the United States tend to focus on great American women, arguably, the best example of a modern, strong female leader comes not in the form of Hillary Clinton, AOC, or Michelle Obama, but Great Britain’s Margaret Thatcher. Known for her commanding, no-nonsense attitude, confidence, and grace, Margaret Thatcher, “The Iron Lady,” is Great Britain’s, Ronald Reagan. Despised by the Left for her efficient scale-back of an overly-regulated economy, and praised by conservatives for her tough stand against Argentina during the Falkland Wars and the Soviets, Margaret Thatcher was no stranger to adversity or controversy. The humble daughter of a shopkeeper, Thatcher, worked her way up to Downing Street. Not only did she revolutionize Great Britain, but she brought fire and clarity often unseen in the posh, smoke-filled halls of British politics. Below are five of my favorite quotes from the Iron Lady.

More Government is not the Answer

“I came to office with one deliberate intent: to change Britain from a dependent to a self-reliant society – from a give-it-to-me to a do-it-yourself nation. A get-up-and-go, instead of a sit-back-and-wait-for-it Britain.”

When Thatcher came to office, the English economy was riddled with regulation. Inflation was rising, a bailout from the International Monetary Fund had just been granted, and budget deficits had become the new normal as Great Britain’s economy broke down. The people demanded change as they suffered at the hands of government intervention. Margaret Thatcher successfully transformed the economy through a steady wave of privatization, tax cuts, and the deployment of supply-side economic fundamentals. The economic reforms implemented by Thatcher should serve as a lesson to all lawmakers. Rather than choose the easy road of big government, big-deficit solutions, Thatcher instead chose to believe in the grit, integrity, and economic ability of the citizens of Great Britain. While many Classical liberals, such as Thatcher, often cite a moral aversion to taxation (i.e., taxation is theft). Thatcher instead attributed collective benefit as the motivation behind her supply-side economic policy. However, to Margaret Thatcher, the collective benefit of lowering taxes didn’t just mean more money in your pocket; it was an investment in the ability of Great Britain. Like her great American counterpart, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher was a fierce individualist and would be the first to tell you that the government is not the solution to your problems. Rely on yourself, not the authority trying to insert itself into your life. You have the ability to foster change; you have the power. 

Strength is Established through Action Rather than Advertisement

“Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.”

“The Iron Lady” didn’t get her nickname from soft leadership skills. Instead, she is known as one of the strongest and most influential leaders in history. This strength was not something Thatcher advertised. Thatcher rejected the status quo and paved her own path rather than taking those of her predecessors. She demonstrated that she was not only equal to those who served before her but better. Many world leaders followed Teddy Roosevelt’s big stick policy, commonly understood as “speak softly and carry a big stick.” Thatcher dismissed this policy and instead was direct, outspoken, and unwavering in her beliefs. She condemned those that fought against liberty and praised those that fought alongside her. Rather than speak softly and carry a big stick, Margaret chose to both speak loudly and carry the biggest stick.

Hard Work is the Secret Ingredient

“I do not know anyone who has gotten to the top without hard work. That is the recipe. It will not always get you to the top, but it will get you pretty near.”

Known for surviving off of only four hours of sleep a night, Thatcher grew up a daughter of a small business owner before graduating with second-class honors from Oxford with a bachelor’s in chemistry. Thatcher was not an exceptional student, but she was not fearful of hard work. Through determination and preparation, Thatcher was able to arrive at the infamous address of 10 Downing Street. Thatcher didn’t believe in shortcuts and handouts, and neither should you. Instead, Thatcher thought hard work could get you anywhere you wanted to go or damn near close. 

Do What is Right Rather than be Liked

“If you just set out to be liked, you will be prepared to compromise on anything at anytime, and would achieve nothing.”

Thatcher is famous for declaring that she was a “conviction politician” rather than a “consensus politician.” Throughout her career, Thatcher never strayed from this notion. The “Iron Lady” not only capitalized on opportunities that came her way, but she established plans and saw them through. Her dedication to arriving at 10 Downing Street, paid off as she went from the daughter of a grocer to the first female Prime Minister. She successfully transformed the Conservatives from the party of the status-quo to pioneers for reform. This was accomplished through Thatcher’s loyalty to her beliefs. Decisions were based on what she believed was right, not what she believed would get her votes. Too many people are at the mercy of others’ opinions. It is unrealistic for everyone to like you, don’t sacrifice your beliefs for the impossible.

Be Self-Aware

“To wear your heart on your sleeve isn’t a very good plan; you should wear it inside, where it functions best.”

Thatcher’s leadership was not perfect. Although she left an undeniable legacy, her tenure did come to an end due to her Achilles heel. Her independent beliefs served as a strength and indicator of her success for most of her time in office. However, all good things must come to an end. Thatcher resigned from her position as Prime Minister as it became apparent her views, specifically her support for the poll tax, were not shared by other cabinet members. Thatcher refused to compromise her beliefs, but in the end, it caused her to topple from the top. Thatcher was unaware of the risks involved with her staunch opinions and independent behavior until the rug was pulled from under her. Self-awareness is critical in identifying one’s strengths but also one’s vulnerabilities. There will always be individuals that desire to bring you down. If you are aware of where you are vulnerable, you will be better positioned to protect yourself.

Photo via @whitehousehistory